Scanning Film Negatives vs Scanning Prints
One of the questions that I am quite often asked is the following:
Which is better to scan, film negatives or prints?
It is always best to scan the original negatives, provided that they are in good shape and the colors have not faded. The reasons for this are explained below.
To begin with, you have to realize that a photograph is merely a copy of the original, processed negative. In most cases, a copy is never as good as the original. Typically, photographs are printed out at 240-300 dpi when done at your local photo lab. That means that a 4x6 print is, at most, 1200x1800 dpi. This is why prints are typically scanned at 300 dpi as scanning at a higher resolution does not bring out any further detail other than what is on the original print. The only time that scanning a photograph at 600 dpi, or greater, would be if the original was either very small or if it is going to be edited at a later date.
The size of a typical 35mm negative is 24mm x 36mm or, roughly, 1.0in x 1.5in. This means that the film was essentially scanned at 1200 dpi in order to produce the 4x6 print in the above example.
Most 35mm film negatives are capable of being scanned at up to 4000 dpi. This is especially true for the slower speed films (100, 200). When scanning negatives the general rule of thumb is the higher the resolution, the greater the detail.
For example, a negative scanned at a lower resolution of 2000 dpi may not be able to clearly display the time on a clock in the background or the fine print on a paper or sign when the photograph is blown up. By simply rescanning the same image at 4000 dpi you are providing 4x the resolution of the original scan. This type of resolution can display these details much more easily and clearly, especially when a larger print is be made.
Another reason for choosing to scan the film negatives instead of the photographic print is that the original film contains much more contrast and detail as compared to a photographic print. This is because prints tend to fade over time due to exposure to sunlight, etc. Negatives, if they have been stored in a dry place, are much more immune to this behavior.
Please feel free to contact me if you have any questions or comments.
Related Tags: film, service, slide, slides, negative, scanning, photograph, negatives, 35mm, scan, scans, photographic
Stephen Cornfield is a photographer who has several years experience photographing weddings, sporting and informal events. His company, Photo Field Imaging, www.photofieldimaging.com, also provides photo editing, restoration and scanning services for all types of photographs, film and slides.
Your Article Search Directory : Find in ArticlesRecent articles in this category:
- Become An Hvac Mechanic And Installer
Heating, Ventilating, and Air Conditioning (HVAC) mechanics/installers install and maintain the wide - Tattoos are Increasing in Popularity- and so are Laser School Admissions for Tattoo Removal Courses
Students out of high school or people looking for a career change look to <a href=http://canyons - Know Your Employees
Pre-employment Tests have been made very popular in the last century by the multinational companies. - Captivating Careers in the Motion Picture Business
In the hearts of the billions of movie and television watchers all over the world, the movie indust - Job Hunting: 3 Tips For Successful Interviewing
It can be a nerve-wrecking prospect to think about your impending job interview. What will you say? - Sales Negotiation Training - Negotiating Your Way To A Better Deal
It's a cutthroat commercialist world we're living in; and in order to survive, sales negotiation tra - How To Secure A Nursing School Grant
It can be a difficult task to figure out how to secure the financing necessary in order to pursue a - Your Resume Has Never Been So Important
With talk of major layoffs, redundancies at the moment the job market will get more and more competi - 9 Great Cv Writing Tips
These 9 Great CV writing Tips will secure the interviews YOU want.Because you MUST have a CV that ge - Become A Fashion Designer
Fashion designers are responsible for creating the clothing, footwear, and accessories purchased by
Most viewed articles in this category:
- Hollow Eyes Are Not Dark Circles Under The Eyes
Many people of all ages complain of dark circles under their eyes. The phrase "dark circles under th - Career As A Hairstylist
Hairdressing is an art that involves arranging hair for aesthetic purposes, participation in formal - Life After West Point Military School
West Point exists to educate and train Cadets who are commissioned as Officers in the US Army upon G - Hiring A New Assistant?
More and more small businesses and even larger companies are turning to virtual office assista - Who are the EMTs
You'll find them at Denny's. At least I always do. Denny's, Coco's, Perkin's; any all-night restaura - Tips for Job Hunting in Today's Market
In order to be competitive in today's job market, you must stand apart from the competition. Just h - Work Experience In Fashion - How To Get A Great Opportunity In Fashion Work
Work experience in fashion can be one of the most challenging positions to find. It's a simple equa - Increased Salary with a Medical Degree: Consider the Options
Physicians are probably one of the highest paid professionals in the world. They make a lot of money - You Too Can Start an Independent Record Label
It's no big secret, the trick of how to start a record label definitely involves some cash and most - 5 Steps to Becoming a Virtual Assistant
Here are 5 steps that I went through in becoming a virtual assistant. These aren’t official by
