Typically each large resolution tiff. image ends up being around 112MB each. In terms of pixel size for the large format .tiffs they are very close to being around 5270 X 3566. Small Jpegs are 1 MB and Large JPEGS are 4 MB. Typically a DVD holds about 44 pictures at full resolution. The large .tiff scans are of high enough quality that printing them up to poster size is not a problem.

What size slides, besides 35mm do you scan?

Super 35mm, 110, 126, 127, and 120. Keep in mind the 120-127 sized images, or medium format price, is .58¢ per slide.

How much are the DVD-R’s?

Each DVD-R is $5. If you would like additional copies, each additional DVD-R costs $5. A DVD-R can hold about 44 images at the full 16 bit color and 4000 dpi. If you want smaller images please contact us to discuss your needs.

Can you save to a different storage device?

Yes, if you have many images, over 350, we recommend that you consider letting us put your images on a 500 gigabyte USB external drive for $80.00. This saves the hassle of trying to sort through a large number of DVD's and trying to find that one picture. In most cases it also provides additional room for you to add your digital pictures too in the future. Unlike DVD-R that cannot have pictures added to them. If you choose to upgrade to the hard drive option we will put the images onto the hard drive for you. These drives are easy to use. All you need is to have an available USB port on your computer and you are set to go.

If the hard drive fails, do you have a warranty period in which you keep backups so you can re-send the pictures to us?

The manufacturer's warranty is for 6 months on the drive. So, if a warranty issue comes up with your drive in the 6 months, send it back to us. We will send you a new drive and deal with the manufacturer concerning the warranty.

Do you keep back-ups of all my images for the future?

We do for a little while just to make sure that your images arrive safely. Ultimately, you are responsible for backing up your images (along with everything else of value on your computer). If you don't already have a reliable automated off site backup system we recommend http://www.backblaze.com . They have a completely automated system that backs up everything of value for only $5 per month. Backblaze works on both PC and Mac. You get as much personal storage as you need. We investigated all of the back-up services available on the planet and this one came out on top. We use it on our personal computers and it works great.

Can you scan without using the ICE technology?

Yes, we can turn off digital ICE. Just make sure you request turning it off in the notes section of the order form.

Does adobe Photoshop use PNG? Does Mac OS X, Windows XP or Vista use .png?

Yes, Photoshop uses the PNG format. Mac systems, Windows XP and Windows VIsta also uses PNG.

What color bit depth (8 or 16 bit per channel) files will I get back?

As for bits per channel, we normally send 16 bit, but if you want 8 bit just write it on the order form in the notes section. There is no extra charge for that.

Can you scan black and white slides/negatives?

Yes, we can. However, the hardware technology that we (and everyone else in the industry) use to remove dust and fingerprints from the scanned image is not as reliable with B&W slides. Sometimes the scratch removal works great, sometimes not as good. If you are interested in how your slides/negatives will look, we can scan a few of them for you and send you a preview by email. If you are happy with the quality of the images, we will continue with the order.

Can you save in a format other than .tiff and .jpeg? Like .png or .whtvr?

Yes we can. Just be sure to write in the notes section on your order form if you would like you pictures saved in a format other than .tiff or .jpeg.

Can you burn to Blu-Ray?

No, we cannot at this time.

Can you scan other sizes of film?

As for other sizes, we have to get them in the normal 2x2 mounts. The special scanner only takes that size of mounts. The size of the image does not matter as much, we can just crop the mounts out afterwards. So if your 110 or 120 film is not already on 2x2 mounts you can order them from a place like this http://www.frugalphotographer.com/catSlideMounts.htm And have them remounted before sending them over to us. We can scan Medium format slides, this is done with a flat bed scanner so the price per slide is .58¢ per slide. We also provide film to digital services 8mm, super8 and 16mm film. We also have VHS and Mini DV to DVD transfer services.

Cropping of each image to give a nice edge? Does this mean that the white slide holder (mount) is eliminated from the finished image?

Yes, cropping eliminates the white slide holder (it looks black once scanned). Some older slides have rounded corners and we crop those out giving the image a clean crisp look without cutting out any valuable information in the image. If you would like to crop your images yourself or have special cropping instructions just let us know and we will be more than happy to work with you.

Can I see my pictures before you burn them to DVD-R?

Yes, we can. We post thumbnails to a web site for you to review the work before we burn the images to DVD.

How do I get to see my pictures before you burn them to DVD-R?

We will set up a private preview area on the web and upload thumbnails of all your images. Once completed, we will send you an email with your own personal account number and password so that you can access them. Your images will not be shared and cannot be viewed by anyone else. Once you approve them and we have received full payment for your order, we will burn the remaining full resolution images onto an external hard drive or dvd(s) and send them with your originals to your address.

I can see my images but they look weird or they are too dark, what can I do?

Depending on what browser you are using you may need to check if the color display (of the browser) is managed or non-managed. Go here and find the color bar about a 1/4 of the way down on the right hand side of the page. If the color names do not match up with the color, your browser color is non-managed (which may be the result of why your pictures appear off-color or too dark.

How do I make my browser "color managed"?

The simplest way for Mac users is to download Mozilla Firefox 3 and then download this Color Management Ad-On. The easiest fix for PC users is to download the latest version of Safari here, which has color management built-in. With Firefox 3 for PC or MAC you may be able to turn color management on by typing about:config into the address bar. To turn it on you must find gfx.color.management.enabled change it to "true" and restart Firefox (I have not tried this method, but have read that this works). No current version of Internet Explorer has color management capabilities.

What scanner are you using?

We will use the Nikon Coolscans on your slides. We also use a flat bed scanner, the Epson Perfection V500 for medium format slides, large format film and loose prints.

Do you take orders from Canada?

Yes we take orders from Canada. You will pay via credit card and pay your bill in Canadian dollars, but the price will be in US dollars and your card company will handle the exchange conversion. For shipping you will pay the postage both ways (as do all of our customers).

Is there a way to check on the progress of my order?

You will receive an email when your order is started, another while the order is in process with some samples of what we are doing, and of course an email when your order is completed.

Do you have a minimum number of slides that I have to send in to get the $.29 price?

No, we do not have a minimum number. You can send in as many or as few as you wish. Some customers even prefer to send in a few images so that they can get a feel of our commitment to quality before sending in an entire collection for scanning. Please remember that you will have to pay for postage both ways plus as least 1 DVD-R even for just 1 slide.

How do I package my slides to ship?

See our page on Packaging for Shipment.

How do you return the slides when you are done scanning them? Do you insure packages when you return them?

After we scan your originals, we carefully package them and return them to you with delivery confirmation. Usually, we skip the insurance on return because we will keep a backup copy until you confirm safe return of all materials. If you want insurance let us know and we will be happy to give you a quote.

How do you calculate return shipping charges?

We calculate postage by weighing and measuring the package we are returning to you. With the information we gain we can accurately input the weight, measurements and your zip code at usps.com. We receive a quote for shipping and we give you the exact same quote.

We understand that your slides are important to you. We could have purchased proxies for trust by joining the chamber of commerce and other organizations and paying their dues. (But we would have to pass those cost onto our customers). One of the great things about Slide Scanning Pros is that we don't have a minimum order size. You can start with a few dozen slides. See how it goes. See our quality on your pictures. Feel your originals returned safely to you. Then send in the remaining slides once you feel comfortable and are satisfied with the quality of our work. Customer satisfaction is very important to us and we know that we are handling your precious memories.

Which color space or profile do you use?

We normally use Ekta Space. If you have other needs please email us to discuss them.

Do you calibrate your monitors?

Yes, we use a hardware colorimeter and set our monitors to a gamma of 2.2 and a temperature of 6500 K.

What are some suggestions for organizing my slides?

Usually, when it comes to organizing, it is best to keep things as simple as possible. Also keep in mind that a flat directory structure works better than multiple hierarchical layers of folders inside folders

For example:

A group called "Mexico" with 3 trips to Mexico labeled in sub-folders "1978," "1985" and "1991," does not work as well as just having 3 folders labeled "Mexico 1978" "Mexico 1985" and "Mexico 1991."

The other thing to consider is how alphabetizing on your computer will make the groups come together. If you want them in chronological order you should put the year first "1978 Mexico," "1988 France" "1989 Mary's Birthday" etc. On the other hand if you want all the same subjects together in a list you should put that first "Mexico 1978" "France 1988" and "Birthday - Mary - 1989" (or maybe "Mary - Birthday -1989").

Can I order prints? How much do they cost?

Yes, you can order them stright from zenfolio.com, the site that we use to upload all your photographs with a protected password. Their prices are very reasonable. They have many options, sizes and prices to choose from ranging from .70¢ for wallet size prints, .29¢ for a 4x6 inch print and to 1.99 for an 8x10 inch print just to name a few. They also have various other things for sale such as coffee mugs, apparel and beautiful high quality canvas wraps.

If you have any other questions call toll free 1-888-210-1591.

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Slide Scanning to Digital

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