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[Chris Rossini]

I've got hundreds of old pictures that I'd like to scan onto my computer. This way all of my pictures can be in digital form.

I'm looking for the right kind of scanner to do such a job. I don't know if the type that I'm looking for exists, but I need a scanner where you can scan the pictures very quickly...and maybe feed more than one at a time.

I wanted to see if anyone here has ever done this...maybe you can point me in the right direction.

Thanks.

[spock1982 (Ernie)]

I scanned in hundreds of old pictures a few years ago. i used an HP multifunction device, I am afraid that I do not remember the model number. I just used the sheet feed feature and it worked fine. Took a little time but I was happy with the results.

[Ashley Wagner]

Sounds like you've got a big job ahead of you Chris! I can't offer any advice... but have fun with scanning all those pictures in

[Chris Rossini]

Thank you Spock & Ashley!

It should be fun...It'll probably take awhile. I'll probably do a little here and there...A lot will depend on the scanner that I get.

[Ashley Wagner]

Hmm... I wonder how well Polaroid's would scan in? Anybody try this? All of the pictures that I have of myself as a baby and up until about I was 12 are all Polaroids.

[spock1982 (Ernie)]

I have scanned Polaroids and the results weren't too bad. Needs a little touch up after the scan, but it is nice to get all of the old pics digitized.

[Ryan Wagner]

The problem with photo scanners is that they don't often come with feeders since they have an increased probability of scratching/damaging the photo. And by the chance that you do find one with a feeder it will probably cost upwards of $1000.

If you're just looking for a scanner though, I would recommend an HP or Epson:

http://www.shopping.hp.com/can/photo_scanner/scanners/1/storefronts

http://www.epson.com/cgi-bin/Store/ProductCategory.jsp?BV_UseBVCookie=yes&oid=-8172

[Chris Rossini]

Thanks Ryan! I definitely am not going to spend 1000 bucks.

Those links are very helpful. I should find what I'm looking for.

[Ryan Wagner]

No Problem Chris, from what I can tell this Epson is one of the most popular:

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16838110126

It is even designed with photos in mind:

With Epson's Digital ICE Technologies you can easily remove dust and scratches from film, and many types of surface defects from prints, minimizing costly retouching. And, with the convenient film holders included, you can even batch scan multiple slides and negatives to increase productivity.

There are a bunch of reviews on that NewEgg link, so you can probably look through them to see if it is right for you.

I'm not sure what that "batch scan" is though. It might let you scan multiple photos at the same time and it will automatically recognize them as individual items instead of one large one.

[Chris Rossini]

Thanks Ryan...I'll look into that one as well...