Using A Photo Scanner

Should I buy a photo scanner for my project?

Photo scanners are readily available at electronics and computer stores and through online purchase. The purchase price for a photo scanner has come down in recent years, and the quality has gone up in some cases.

So, is it worth it to buy a photo scanner?

You are the best one to answer that question. Think about your specific needs. Will you be scanning photos on a daily basis, or do you have a specific photo project, such as archiving your immediate or extended family's photos?

If you will be scanning on a daily basis, purchasing and setting up a scanner may be your best option.

If your photo scanning needs are project based, such as archiving the family's prints, creating copies of a family photo archive or creating a photo compilation for a special occasion or group, photo scanning companies may make more sense.

Considerations when purchasing a photo scanner.

For those comfortable with computer installation and setup, the downside of buying a photo scanner will be the time spent babysitting the computer.

With a non-commercial scanner, each photo takes approximately 5 minutes to prep, load, scan and reload. If each photo scans as expected, a few hundred photos takes about 17 hours. A small to average photo collection holds several hundreds of photos, with larger family collections averaging several thousands of photos.

For those not as comfortable with installation, also plan on time to install the software, download the correct drivers from the manufacturer, and do some testing to be sure your scanner is properly detected by your computer and to ensure that all of your settings are correct.

Other considerations when purchasing a photo scanner.

Plan to be without the use of the computer the photo scanner is connected to for the duration of your photo project. Networking computers for uninterrupted scanning is possible, but structuring the network often ends up killing more time than it's worth.

A combination desktop printer, scanner, fax machine is also an option, but generally will not provide the quality output best for a photo project or archive.

When should I use a photo scanning service?

Photo scanning services are best for consumers who don't plan to scan daily and can't spare enough free time to complete the photo project in one or two sittings (about 8 hours per sitting on average). For many, the alternative is to put off the project indefinitely.

Whichever method you choose, don't delay your photo project. Great memories are waiting to be rediscovered and shared with family and friends.