Digitize your printed memories safely
Photo enthusiasts and archivers prefer using a flatbed scanner when digitalizing pictures and film. Such models are better than sheet-fed or office scanners. Flatbed devices allow you to scan several photos or films without damaging them. Moreover, flatbed scanners support high resolution, come with image editing software, and allows one to scan printed documents of a supported size.
All portable flatbed scanners are designed for scanning photos. When working with flatbed models, you need to open the lid and place a photo on the glass to scan it. The key difference between models is in the scan area. Most models support a Letter (8.5 × 11 inches) or Legal (8.5 × 14 inches) format.
Make sure not to scan photos using a sheet-fed model as it might damage them. However, there are still some exceptions that come with protective cases.
Optical scan resolution: 6400 × 9600 dpi | Maximum scan area: 8.5 × 11.7 inches | Media type: negatives, slide, photo, paper | Connectivity technology: USB
If you are looking for the best flatbed high resolution scanner, the Epson Perfection V600 is exactly what you need. It supports a high scanning resolution, which allows you to zoom in up to 17 × 22 inches. The V600 comes with an optical character recognition program that allows you to OCR a multi-page PDF file and make it searchable. Moreover, it is an energy-efficient model.
It is the best flat bed scanner for scanning slides, negatives, and middle-format film. Thanks to the Digital ICE technology, you can remove dust, scratches, creases and other defects from digitized photos. Its native Epson Easy Photo Fix software quickly scans faded images. Then, you can edit your photos with the help of ArcSoft PhotoStudio.
Optical scan resolution: 300 / 600 dpi | Maximum scan area: 8.5 × 11.7 inches | Media type: photo, paper | Connectivity technology: USB
It is a rare type of sheet-fed scanner that can be used for scanning photos. It has an unusual design and doesn’t cost much. The Z300 can scan images faster than most flatbed scanners.
This model is easy to set up and configure, which makes it a perfect solution for home use. Besides, it doesn’t have any buttons on the surface. You can perform all operations using ePhoto Software. It allows you to enhance and restore images in one click. If necessary, you may also use automatic and advanced editing features.
Optical scan resolution: 2400 × 2400 dpi | Maximum scan area: 216 × 297 mm (A4) | Media type: photo, paper | Connectivity technology: USB
The Canon CanoScan Lide 300 is one of those portable flatbed scanners that offer great quality at an appealing price. It doesn’t require much space and supports high resolution. The IJ Scan Utility interface allows setting various parameters, such as a file type and a destination folder. The ScanGear MP driver is similar to Scan Utility but it has a wider set of options.
You can enhance images by removing scrapes or dust. It supports several scanning modes but auto scanning will suffice for daily tasks. Now, it has the same price as the updated Canon CanoScan LiDE 400 that has twice as high resolution and better speed. Plus, the LiDE 400 can be used vertically, which saves space on the table. However, you can buy the LiDE 300 at a good discount.
Optical scan resolution: 9600 × 9600 dpi | Maximum scan area: 8.5 × 11.7 inches | Media type: photo, paper | Connectivity technology: USB
It is the best flat bed scanner for film, photos, and docs since it supports high-quality scanning at maximum speed. The My Image Garden software allows you to edit editing scanned docs and photos and organize your files easily.
Its native software can automatically correct photos and film by removing dust and scratches while simultaneously restoring colors. The scanner will automatically switch between different modes depending on the task.
Optical scan resolution: 1200 × 1200 dpi | Maximum scan area: 8.58 × 14 inches | Media type: photo, paper | Connectivity technology: USB, Wi-Fi
It is the best flat bed scanner for those who want to digitize and archive their photo collections. You may also use it as a document scanner. This all-in-one device for home use will come in handy even when you need to scan your entire photo collection.
The Epson Fast Foto software allows you to scan, restore, systematize, and share files. You can use its smart tools to organize your files, automatically enhance old photographs and restore colors. Plus, you can remove the red-eye effect and various defects. You can also add frames and rotate images.
Optical scan resolution: 4800 × 4800 dpi | Maximum scan area: 8.5 × 11.7 inches | Media type: photo, paper | Connectivity technology: USB
It the best flatbed photo scanner for people with a limited budget. This scanner supports a high resolution and allows you to restore, archive, and share photographs. You can use it to scan oversize images as well. If necessary, you can remove a lid. You can scan most images in an automatic mode.
Its native software includes four separate scanning utilities, such as Epson Scan, Scan to PDF, Document Capture Pro and ArcSoft Scan-n-Stitch Deluxe. Besides, it comes with a copy utility. Twain and WIA drivers allow you to scan directly from almost any Windows program. The Easy Photo Scan option enables you to send scanned images to any destination.
Optical scan resolution: 1200 × 1200 dpi | Maximum scan area: 8.5 × 11.7 (up to 122) inches | Media type: photo, paper | Connectivity technology: USB
It is a great flatbed scanner with ADF and duplex scanning support. The HP ScanJet Pro 2500 f1 allows you to scan up to 40 images per minute. Plus, it has an automatic document feeder for 50 pages.
Thanks to its multifunctional software, you can edit and systematize docs and photos with minimum time and effort. You can create scanning profiles and scan docs and photos to different destination folders. Besides, you can send or archive scanned images directly to the popular cloud storages.
Optical scan resolution: 600 × 600 dpi | Maximum scan area: 8.5 × 11.7 (up to 118) inches | Media type: photo, paper | Connectivity technology: USB
This two-sided scanner with a 35-page automatic feeder scans up to 25 photos per minute. The Xerox XD-COMBO easily converts paper documents into searchable PDFs and has convenient document management options. You can assign 9 tasks using a Visioneer OneTouch utility.
The Visioneer Acuity technology enables you to instantly enhance every scanned image. Users can scan images to a selected destination folder by pressing one button, which makes it the best flatbed scanner in terms of convenience. It supports popular file formats.
Optical scan resolution: 600 dpi (monochrome: 1200 dpi) | Maximum scan area: 8.5 × 14.17 inches | Media type: photo, paper | Connectivity technology: USB, Wi-Fi
This scanner allows users to connect via Wi-Fi and scan images without a PC. Thanks to the duplex scanning support, it can scan images 33 % faster. The ScanSnap Home software enables you to digitize, organize, and save documents with minimum effort.
It is the best flatbed photo scanner for teamwork. One person can scan docs while another can digitize them. One scanner supports up to 4 user licenses. Each of them allows adjusting a user profile and icons.
Optical scan resolution: 300 / 600 dpi (up to 1200 in software) | Maximum scan area: 8.58 × 14 inches / no limited | Media type: photo, paper, plastic | Connectivity technology: USB, Ethernet
This model allows you to scan a great number of documents. It’s a decent alternative to flatbed scanners as it can scan both photos and documents. You just need to put photos into the protective case.
The Panasonic KV-S1027C is perfect for those looking for an affordable model with great performance. It scans up to 45 pages per minute and supports all possible formats, including stamped ID cards and passports. You can also use it to scan photos. Besides, it has an automatic document feeder for 100 pages, ISIS/WIA/TWAIN drivers and a 3-year warranty.
| IMAGE | NAME | FEATURES | |
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Epson Perfection V600
OUR CHOICE
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Canon CanoScan Lide 300
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Plustek ePhoto Z300
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Purpose of Use
When selecting the best flatbed scanner, think about how you are going to use it. For instance, you might need to scan documents, old photos, or negatives. There is no need to buy a high-resolution photo scanner if you want to scan only paper docs. However, in this case, you might need to purchase a device with OCR support.
As a rule, cheap photo scanners cost around $ 100. Scanners that work with slides and film negatives are more expensive. Such models come with plastic frames or holders. It helps them align negatives when scanning. Besides, you won’t need to put slides manually on the scan area.
Scan Quality
The quality of a digitized photo depends on the supported resolution and formats, such as Letter, A4, and A3. You will need to scan documents at a resolution of at least 600 dpi. The minimal resolution for images is 1200 dpi. The higher it is, the better.
Most flatbed scanners have basic and extended modes. With them, you can use various drivers and utilities. The basic mode allows you to set parameters automatically, while the advanced one allows you to manually adjust settings and enhance image quality.
Extra Features
Scanners with extra features are more expensive. However, if you don’t plan to scan films and something thicker than a photo, you don’t need a model with film holders. If you are okay with lifting the lid several times to change photos, look for a scanner without extra features.
Most drivers allow removing dust and scratches. However, to remove other defects, you need to use advanced features. The best flatbed scanners usually support the Digital ICE technology.
A flatbed scanner allows you to scan images printed on thick photo paper. Plus, you can fix an uneven object, like a canvas, with a lid. This way, you can digitize multidimensional objects like frames.
Unlike portable scanners or overhead devices, flatbed models are not sensitive to lighting. You can place your scanner near the window or a bright light source. Moreover, flatbed scanners come with software that allows you to scan images at 9600 dpi.
Almost all AIO devices include a flatbed scanner that allows you to scan photos. The scan quality depends on the software and hardware used. However, it’s better to use flatbed scanners to scan photos at high resolution.
All portable flatbed scanners are divided into two groups, such as charge-coupled devices (CCD) and models with a contact image sensor (CIS). CCD scanners allow you to get high-quality images. However, CIS scanners are more energy-efficient, easier to use, and don’t have any lens distortion issues.
