Converting slide to digital photo

[St_Croix_Banks]

My parents have a bunch of old 35mm slides that I'd like to convert to photos and/or digital so we can look at them on a computer. What is the best and/or most economical way to do this?

[dockothebay]

You can have them done at a number of businesses in the metro area, but it gets to be awfully spendy. You can buy a scanner that will convert them for under $150 and put the time in yourself. I have a CanoScan that does a decent job, just have to fine the time!

[eyebanger]

How long does each slide take to scan if you go buy a scanner? My dad has a bunch of slides he wants to turn digital. Would be a good Fathers Day/Birthday gift or something if I did a bunch of them for him.

[dockothebay]

The scanner that I have does 4 slides at a time. It's been awhile since I've done any, but it seems like it probably took a minute or more for each set by the time you put them in, take them out, label and them on the computer. Then any digital "fixing" will take more time. That's why companies charge .25 to .60 per slide. Scanners rum from under $100, just google slide scanners and you'll get lots of information and comparisons. There is also a device available that connects to a DSLR camera and then takes a picture of slides individually. I think they run around $100, unlike a scanner, the only thing they do is take pictures of slides, and from what I've seen/read, the quality is not typically as good as a scanner.

It really is worth the time and effort and I'm thinking it'd be a great Father's Day gift.

So, here is one I scanned - I make NO claims as to the quality of the original slide (in fact it was probably pretty awful!)

Original Scan:

with a bit of post processing (which all my pictures need!)

[St_Croix_Banks]

This is one I saw on an airline magazine. Not sure how the quality of this brand would be [Note from admin: Please read forum policy before posting again. Thank you.] I hope its OK to post this link--not trying to promote any one brand.

[finnbay]

Nice job on that clean-up, Jackie!

[dockothebay]

Thanks Ken, maybe I have to do it so much I'm getting better at fixing! Actually, I hope my images are better straight out of the camera now anyway!

@ SC Banks, I've seen something in those mags too, but have no idea how well they work. Hope that you are staying dry down there in Afton!