We also compared their use and results to that of a conventional flatbed scanner, the Epson Perfection V300 Photo Color Scanner ($79).Įach of the photo scanners came with a plastic sheath to protect pictures as they are fed through, though each scanner also worked without its sheath. The tested models are the GiiNii NuLife GN-5LS ($95), Kodak P460 ($100), Kodak P570 ($97), and Pandigital PANSCN05 ($79). They can all store the files directly onto memory cards, which you can then use in devices such as computers and electronic picture frames. A personal photo scanner offers the advantages of speed and portable convenience.įor this story, we tested four pass-through photo scanners designed to convert photos into JPEG-format files. (See our buying guide to and reviews of printers.) Some people even try to take digital photos of their paper photos-but that requires a good deal of setup and skill, or the results can be pretty unsatisfactory. All-in-one home printers can scan photos, too. There are other methods to digitize your photos: You can send them out to services that scan them for you and return them, though that method may make you nervous if you're letting go of the only existing copy of a precious shot. And once your photos are digital, you can share them via e-mail, post them on Facebook, and back them up online for good measure.

Photo scanners can be faster than other options, such as flatbed scanners, and you don't need to use a computer to scan-while you're sitting in the living room watching a movie, you can convert your photos into JPEG files.

If you're wondering how to digitize those shoeboxes full of photos sitting in your attic, a leading option is a personal photo scanner.

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