For over 20 years, Capture has been the leading company for digitizing media. Based on our experience preserving millions of 35mm slide memories, we wanted to provide a guide to help you weigh the benefits and downsides of the many options available to convert 35mm slides to digital.
Keep reading to learn about slide transfer equipment, major retailer slide scanning, and the Capture service, so you can decide which choice is the best for you and your precious memories.
Why would someone want to convert their slides to digital?
There are many reasons to convert 35mm slides to digital, including better functionality, improved storage, and preserving your old slides for years to come.
Preserve Slide Memories
Over time, 35mm slides can experience color changes, loss of detail, and deterioration of image quality.
When you convert 35mm slides to digital images, you preserve the slides as you remember them, while also protecting them from floods, fire, and other disasters.
Save Storage Space
Slides take up a lot of space. When you scan them into digital files, you instantly save tons of space while also making it easier to organize them using applications like iCloud or Google Photos.
These tools also provide digital features to rename, archive, and add information to your digitized 35mm slides.
Ensure Everyone Can Enjoy Your 35mm Slides
As slide projectors become less common, scanning 35mm slides ensures that your loved ones can still enjoy your old 35mm slides as modern digital photos.
Plus, you can share digital copies easily as a gift or through email and social media.
Use Advanced Features
With digital files, you instantly add functionality with storage and archival platforms like Google Photos.
Plus, you can also use photo editing software like Photoshop to edit, combine, and enhance old photos and scanned images. You can even create your own digital slideshow!
How to Convert 35mm Slides to Digital
If you are looking for the best options to convert 35mm slides to digital images, we’re here to help by offering information on where to get slides made into photos, including the most popular methods from DIY slide scanners to professional slide scanning services.
Slide Scanner Equipment
Image source: https://www.amazon.com/KODAK-Mini-Digital-Slide-Scanner/dp/B07JJBGG1D
A flatbed scanner can be a great do-it-yourself option to convert 35mm, but they are primarily designed for tech-savvy users.
While there are affordable options, they also have a steep learning curve if you aren’t already technologically inclined.
According to reviews, the best slide-to-digital converter for cost-effectiveness is the Kodak Scanza, which costs $149 on Amazon. It’s easy to use, provides on-screen step-by-step instructions, and offers SD card output , USB output, HMDI output, and TV output options.
If you are on a budget, there are options like the DIGITNOW! film and slide scanner available for $64.99. It’s similar to more expensive options, doesn’t require a computer because it scans the slides conveniently to an SD card, and offers an LCD screen to show you the results in real-time.
Pros
- Good image quality that ranges between 5 and 9 megapixels
- Works with most Mac and PC computer
- Affordable with options as low as $64.99
Cons
- Very time-consuming because you must scan slides one at a time
- Requires some technical knowledge to transfer slides to a digital hard drive
- May require additional cords and film scanner adapters to convert slides efficiently
Slides Scanning Service Apps
Image source: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/clear-scan-doc-scanner-app/id684155862
There are some free and paid applications that allow you to use your iPhone or Android smartphone for scanning 35mm slides. They are affordable and generally easy to use but may not offer the best results.
The most popular option, SlideScan, works well, but can be incredibly time-consuming and the results are hit or miss. Photomyne is another popular option because of its innovative features, like its ability to colorize black and white photos, image sharpening tools, animation features, and more.
Pros
- Very affordable (if you already have a smartphone)
- Convenient and easy to use
Cons
- Lower quality DPI compared with other options
- Time-consuming to scan each slide separately to create jpeg files
- Quality is hit or miss and may show inconsistencies, glares, and other imperfections
Capture Slide Scanning Service
If you are looking for the experts that convert 35mm slides to digital, then Capture may be just what you are looking for because we are the most knowledgeable brand in this industry and have served more than12 million families in the US.
Plus, with Capture you get complete peace of mind because of the state-of-the-art security that tracks your 35mm slides every step of the way, all for an affordable price of only $14.50 for the first 50 slides (and 19 cents for each slide after).
Pros
- Professional quality results every time
- Convert 35mm slides to digital in 30 days or less
- Tracking and security as well as 60-day backup so your slide memories are always safe
- Can convert 35mm slides as well as Super 35mm, 110, 126, 127, 127 Superslide, and 120/220 Medium Format
- Satisfaction guaranteed
Cons
- Doesn’t offer photo editing, color correction, or capture up to 12 Megapixels
- Can get expensive if you have tons of slides (although more affordable than other professional services)
Major Retailers
If you are searching “convert 35mm slides to digital near me,” major retailers like Costco, Walmart, and CVS are some of the companies that convert slides to digital.
The digital conversion services at big retail brands are most likely fulfilled by Capture, which means you get the same professional quality, efficient process, and satisfaction guarantee.
Pros
- Fulfilled by Capture for professional quality, affordability, and efficiency
- Good customer support
- Satisfaction guaranteed
- Usually faster than the industry standard of 70+ days
- CVS and Walmart offer store drop-off/pick-up options
Cons
- Pricing depends on the specific retailer’s fees (for example, CVS starts at $25.99 for DVD format while Walmart is around $.60 per slide)
- Not all retail locations offer slide scanning services
- These locations can get busy and have long lines
Other Online Slide Conversion Services
Other online services, like LegacyBox, offer professional quality options to convert 35mm slides to digital. They are usually very convenient, and some will send a kit for you to do everything from home, but reviews indicate that these services tend to lose slides and other media. They can also get quite expensive with LegacyBox slide digitization costing $65.98 for only 2 items.
Pros
- Professional processing and service
- Convenient
- Many services offer loss guarantees, digital backup, and other features
Cons
- May take 70+ days unless you pay high fees for rush service
- Quality may be inconsistent
- Reviews show some brands lose slides often
What’s the Best Way to Convert 35mm Slides to Digital?
When looking for how to convert 35mm slides to digital, you will find there are many options, each offering its own set of benefits and downsides. From DIY options like converter equipment and phone app to professional slide scanning services, you have plenty to choose from.
To sum up, there are several options available for converting your 35mm slides to digital copies.
To help you decide which option to choose, it might be helpful to reach out to these companies and speak with their respective support teams. Your 35mm slides are a valuable part of your memories, and it's important to find a reputable company to help you preserve them.
Don't hesitate to ask questions and do your research to ensure that you choose the best option for your needs.
