For highest quality, use a flatbed scanner at 600 DPI for prints or a dedicated film scanner for negatives. For speed and convenience, photograph prints with a DSLR/mirrorless camera and macro lens under even, diffused lighting. Smartphone scanning apps work for casual digitization but sacrifice quality.
Contents
- 1 Scanning vs. Photographing: Which Method to Choose
- 2 Method 1: Flatbed Scanner (Best Quality)
- 3 2026 Update: Was wir aktualisiert haben
- 4 Method 2: Camera Copy Stand (Best for Volume)
- 5 Method 3: Smartphone Apps (Quickest)
- 6 Handling Damaged Photos
- 7 FAQ
- 8 Weiterführende Artikel
- 9 Weiterführende Empfehlungen
Scanning vs. Photographing: Which Method to Choose
| Method | Quality | Speed | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Flatbed Scanner | Excellent | Slow (2-5 min/photo) | Archival preservation, prints up to 8×10″ |
| Film Scanner | Excellent | Slow | Negatives, slides |
| DSLR/Mirrorless + Copy Stand | Very Good | Fast (10-30 sec/photo) | Large volumes, oversized prints |
| Smartphone App | Acceptable | Fastest | Quick sharing, non-archival |
Method 1: Flatbed Scanner (Best Quality)
A quality flatbed scanner remains the gold standard for digitizing prints. The Epson Perfection V600 and Canon CanoScan 9000F Mark II handle both prints and film.
2026 Update: Was wir aktualisiert haben
Dieser Beitrag wurde am 2026-02-08 redaktionell überarbeitet. Wir haben Struktur, Lesbarkeit und praktische Empfehlungen aktualisiert, damit ihr schneller zur passenden Entscheidung kommt.
Step-by-step process:
- Clean scanner glass with microfiber cloth
- Handle photos by edges only (wear cotton gloves for valuable originals)
- Place photo face-down, aligned with scanner edge
- Preview scan, adjust crop and exposure if needed
- Scan at target DPI
- Save with descriptive filename (date_subject_location.tif)
Method 2: Camera Copy Stand (Best for Volume)
When digitizing hundreds of photos, a camera setup outpaces scanning. You’ll need:
- DSLR or mirrorless camera with 24+ megapixels
- Macro lens or standard lens with close-focus capability
- Copy stand or tripod pointing straight down
- Two diffused light sources at 45° angles
- Black background material
The key is eliminating reflections and ensuring even illumination. Position lights at equal angles to prevent hotspots. If photos have glossy surfaces, adjust light angles or use polarizing filters.
Method 3: Smartphone Apps (Quickest)
Apps like Google PhotoScan and Microsoft Lens use multiple captures to reduce glare. Quality won’t match dedicated scanners, but for casual digitization, they work surprisingly well.
For best results: work in bright, indirect light (near a window), keep your phone parallel to the photo, and follow the app’s capture guide precisely.
Handling Damaged Photos
Before copying damaged photos:
- Tears: Scan as-is, then repair digitally in Photoshop/Lightroom
- Fading: Scan at higher bit depth (16-bit) for more data to work with during restoration
- Stuck photos: Never force separation—consult a professional conservator
- Mold: Wear gloves, work in ventilated area, scan before attempting cleaning
For guidance on cleaning before digitization, see our article on how to safely clean old photos. Understanding proper photo disposal is also important for managing duplicates after digitization.
Once digitized, proper organization becomes critical. Our guide on labeling photographs covers naming conventions and metadata best practices.
Last updated: February 2026 | Author: Photography Discover Editorial. Equipment recommendations based on commonly available consumer products. We have not personally tested all mentioned products—specifications sourced from manufacturer data.
FAQ
Ist dieser Guide 2026 noch relevant?
Ja. Wir haben den Beitrag auf aktuelle Praxisempfehlungen und Nutzerfragen angepasst.
Was ist der schnellste nächste Schritt?
Geht direkt zur Checkliste im Beitrag und arbeitet die Punkte der Reihe nach ab.