Scanning photos - DPChallenge Forums

05/16/2007 03:13:24 PM · #1

How can I get the best quality when I scan a photo?

I have a friend going to a scrapbooking coference she has some photos (that are not on digital media at all) that she wants to convert to B & W , even I can do that! I'm experimenting with the scanner and the quality is not very good, any tips?

05/16/2007 03:19:51 PM · #2

With film it's best to scan the negatives. However, flatbed scanners don't always do a good job of scanning the negs.

Are you just scanning the prints?

What scanner?

05/16/2007 03:21:50 PM · #3

Only have the photos Brother DCP115C

05/16/2007 03:24:29 PM · #4

When I scan prints I generally play in the adjustments window.

When you say 'not very good', what is wrong with the scan?

05/16/2007 03:28:08 PM · #5

grainy and noisy whats in the adjustments window?

05/16/2007 03:29:43 PM · #6

On my scanner I can adjust brightness and contrast and dpi.

Is there a way to do a custom scan with the Brother?

05/16/2007 03:34:45 PM · #7

I havent seen a brightness and contrast option. Whats a good dpi?
Yes there is custom scan what settings would I use?

05/16/2007 03:35:42 PM · #8

Have found brivghtness and contrast what would be a good setting there?

05/16/2007 03:37:51 PM · #9

OK it seems I cant adjust brightness and contrast if I'm scanning in clour. Is it maybe better to scan in B & W if thats what she wants anyway?

05/16/2007 03:38:30 PM · #10

The dpi is used to determine the pixel dimension of the scanned image.

Are the images going to be printed? At what size?

Example: If the print is 4 x 6 then scanning at 300 dpi will give you an image with dimensions 1200 x 1800 pixels.

Set the dpi based on what is going to be done with the scanned image.

What other settings are there in your custom scan window?

A good setting for any of the options depends on the image. You just have to play with it.

Message edited by author 2007-05-16 15:39:21.

05/16/2007 03:47:35 PM · #11

Custom Scan options

Target Application
File Type
Resolution
Scan Type
Document size

I think mainly she will want 6x4 maybe a 5x7

05/16/2007 03:51:48 PM · #12

To figure out what dpi to use on the 4x6 scan decide what dpi you need to print the 5 x 7

If you want the 5 x 7 to be at 300 dpi then the final pixel dimensions need to be 1500 x 2100.

To get this from the 4 x 6 you need a dpi of 1500/4 or 375.

05/16/2007 04:01:39 PM · #13

Thasnks Collette for all your help ;)