SCANNING FILM WITH A DIGITAL CAMERA wILL REVOLUTIONIZE YOUR WORKFLOW.

Scanning film with a digital camera is the most viable and popular way to scan your film in 2024.

Why scan with a digital camera?

• Greater dynamic range than flatbed or strip film scanners thanks to using modern digital camera technology

• Far faster operation than flatbed or strip film scanners

• Easy to use software options

• Film is held flatter and scans sharper using Negative Supply film holders

Our film scanning method utilizes a digital camera (mirrorless or DSLR) to photograph rolls, strips or individual negatives or positives. This process allows you to capture frames very quickly, and eliminates the need for flatbed scanners or traditional commercial scanners that are either out of date, or extremely slow. Once you’ve taken a photo of your negative, you then import it onto a computer for conversion using software. For positives, you may use the file as is. 

By not limiting yourself to today’s technology, camera scanning helps future proof your investment into the process by allowing you to upgrade cameras in the future as technology evolves. 

Camera scanning has been around for several years, however it has only recently been made more popular due to tools like our film carriers and software like FilmLab Desktop or Negative Lab Pro. Using these tools you are able to scan film much more quickly than before and conversions are more accurate than ever. 

All you need is a digital camera, a computer, a way to hold negatives flat, and a small light table or similar light source.  If you’re a digital photographer interested in shooting film, a hybrid photographer looking for a resourceful way to scan your own film, or a photographer exclusively shooting film with the desire to quickly and easily scan at home or the office, using a digital camera is a great option.  You can make use of the digital camera you already own or easily source one used or new.  (P.S.- you don’t need the newest and greatest to get great scans)

At Negative Supply, we design, test and build everything you need to upgrade your workflow. We build industry leading 99 CRI light sources to scan your film, film carriers for film from 8x10 all the way down to 35mm, risers to hold your scanning camera evenly above the film plane and a host of other accessories from full border guides, leveling platforms, motor driven units and more.

We offer concierge services to help you decide the exact tools or kit that’s right for you and your workflow. Our team has a calendar with times you can book here. You can also find us on Instagram and YouTube for example photos from our users, set ups, workflows and product information. We are available to chat on here as well in the lower right hand area of the screen. If you don’t get an immediate response, rest assured we will get back with you shortly.