Scanning Faq's

What is the best dpi for photo scanning?
- The answer depends on what you intend to do with the finished product. If you simply want to view the image electronically, 300dpi will be fine. If you want to do any reprints of the scanned image then you will want to choose 600dpi. If you plan to have any photo restoration done on your scan chose 600dpi.
Is it better to scan photos or negatives?
- It is almost always better to scan a negative or slide over a photo. Negatives and slides will proved more clarity, sharpness and are scanned at a higher resolution than photos.
How can you tell which side is the correct side of the negative to scan?
- You must always scan the side that has the emulsion, it is usually less glossy that the other side. You may have also noticed that most negatives are numbered; this provides a simple way to tell with is the correct side. The number is on the side opposite the emulsion side.
How do you know the correct side of a slide to scan?
- This will differ from scanner to scanner but as a rule of thumb the side of the slide with the logo or writing is the side the scanner will detect.
Why won’t you accept photo albums with adhesive?
- We do not want to take a chance on damaging your photos. Sometimes the pictures must be cut off the page in order not to damage the photo or the photo can be damaged when removing it. We will be happy to scan these photos once you have removed them from the album.
Can you scan a single negative after it has been cut from the original strip?
- No, I am sorry we cannot.
How big can I enlarge or reprint my pictures?
- If you scan your photos at 600dpi you can enlarge 2 time the photo’s original size. A negative or slide scanned at 3000dpi can usually be enlarged to 20x30”.

Posted on Fri, October 2, 2009 by WPS

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