totally stupid scanning questions! - SBB Digital Scrapbooking Forums | Scrapbook-Bytes

kittie · #1 (**permalink**) 02-24-2005

OK, here goes:
I have never owned or even used a scanner before (which is funny because I used to sell fax machines professionally for Xerox for several years in my corporate career life.)

So, here are my rather stupid questions:
* Do all scanners scan in color? or do you have to buy one for that purpose?
* A lot of my photos are on my computer digitally, but my older ones are from a 35mm camera developed/printed. I want to scan those. What kind of scanner do I need for that?
*I read about dpi's on scanners (the specs) and don't understand exactly what dpi I would need. What I am wanting to scan are old photos (not too many really old ones, though, most are in decent condition), old memoribilia (like ticket stubs, programs, letters, fabric, etc), and a couple of slides and negatives -- though, I could probably get away without doing the slides/negatives and get my Dad to do those for me (he is a professional photographer.)
*I am wanting a plain flatbed scanner (don't need a printer, I have a great color laser printer already) but do want the ability to scan something to my PC and then be able to print it out -- I am going to do digital scrapbooking but also want to print out my pages. Will dpi on my scanner affect that? Do I need higher dpi for that purpose?

Phew, I think that is all.

Thanks so much for your help and patience with this.

Sarah

Emma · #2 (**permalink**) 02-24-2005

Almost all new scanners will do color and high res. Scan at 200-300ppi for good printing.
You have to get a slide attachement or slide capability. That's not too uncommon anymore either.
You're not using it for anything unusual, so most scanners will work fine for you. When scanning be aware of the lint problem. Carefully clean the glass and photo with a microfiber cleaning cloth, and be prepared to clean them up digitally with the Clone and Scratch Remover

any other suggestions?

kittie · #3 (**permalink**) 02-24-2005

thanks for that info.
Why are scanner sold with really high dpis then? Just curious. Is it a marketing thing?