How to Successfully Scan Negatives
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By :
Phoenix Delray
Submitted
2008-11-26 16:06:55 |
Knowing how to scan negatives to your computer at home can seem a bit tricky, but it can be done with the right equipment and know how. First of all, you scan negatives with a scanner, but you cannot just put a negative on the glass and push the button to scan. The scanner you use has to be one with the built in ability to scan negatives. Usually, a scanner designed for paper documents wont have this feature, but some do. A good scanner that is suitable to scan negatives will produce excellent quality scans quickly, and there are different models to choose from that can allow you to scan numerous negatives at the same time.
How to Scan Negatives: DPI and Resolution
To begin to scan negatives, since the image on a negative is so small, you will want to keep a high resolution so that you can enlarge the picture and still maintain good picture quality. A good rule of thumb is that for every doubling in size for the picture, maintain that same increase for your resolution. For example, to get a 4X6 print from a 4X6 scan, the recommended dpi setting is 300. To get an 8 1/2 X11 from that same scan, double the dpi to 600, and so on.
How to Scan Negatives: Files and Output Type
When you scan negatives to your computer, there are several different file formats for images that you can save your files as. These are TIFF, JPEG, and BMP files, just to name a few. The best files to use when you scan negatives are TIFF files. TIFFs can be edited and saved easily, and without compression loss. However, TIFFs can be large files that take up much memory. Besides choosing a file format, Output Type is another variable to consider when you scan negatives. The default output type is usually Millions of Colors which is the best for photos with lots of color. Grayscale is for black and white pictures. It is recommended, though, that you maintain the default setting for color output, because this maintains the highest picture quality, and photo enhancement software can easily take the color photo and put it in black and white for you.
How to Scan Negatives: Storage Space
A word of caution about storage space: Many people have found that file sizes can mount quickly when they scan negatives. Pay special attention to file sizes and how much space is available on a CD or disk that you are saving the pictures to. Keeping these tips and other important points in mind will help you scan negatives in the easiest way possible. These tips will get you started on your way to turning your tiny negatives into meaningful photographs that you will treasure for years to come. |
Author Resource:-
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