Editor’s observe: Over the years I’ve inherited a number of picture albums and free packing containers of household images. They are stored in my secure with different necessary paperwork and memorabilia, out of hazard, however sooner or later, I need to digitize them for preservation and simpler reference. PCMag just lately took a have a look at a scanner that might match my wants, however I’m unsure I’d prefer to pay the worth of admission.
The Epson FastFoto 680W is in regards to the measurement of a toaster and weighs as a lot as a gallon of milk. It’s optimized for scanning 4 x 6″ or 5 x 7″ prints, however can scan as much as 8.5 x 11″. The scanner connects to your PC by way of USB cable or wirelessly, and may batch course of as much as 36 images at a time .
At the default 300 dpi setting, Epson can scan one picture per second. Crank it as much as 600 dpi, and also you get about three seconds per print. At 1200 dpi, you’ll wait about 10 seconds per scan. I believe most individuals will use the default settings, however others like me will select the best attainable high quality for saving.
The greatest hurdle right here is value. $599 is some huge cash for a chunk of {hardware} that may lie dormant after you scan your present assortment, however perhaps you can also make up a few of that by paying a small charge to digitize images for family and friends. For reference, one common preservation service expenses $0.25 per scan at 300 dpi. Alternatively, you possibly can arrange a gaggle buy the place some associates or members of the family take part to separate the price of the machine in alternate for utilizing it.
Memories are priceless, and if one thing goes unsuitable together with your images earlier than you get the possibility to again them up digitally, you will remorse the missed alternative.
Photo Credit: Suzy Hazelwood
