Top scanners for digitising old family photos
Physical photographs will never lose their charm, and you don’t have to let them. But photo albums and boxes are slowly dying out, as technology and cloud storage take over.
Time isn’t always kind to photographs, and many can go missing or be destroyed. Digitising your photos can help keep them secure and share them with loved ones anywhere in the world.
With a wide range of high-quality photo scanners on the market, you can keep your family photo albums alive online for the next generation. However, with so many options, choosing the right one can be daunting.
That’s why we’ve narrowed our list down to 10 great scanners, perfect for the average family, whether you’re tech-savvy or you haven’t got a clue. In no particular order…
1. Canon RS40
The Canon imageFORMULA RS40 A4 photo scanner is perfect for photo enthusiasts. It can scan up to 40 photographs in batches, making scanning quick and efficient.
It can scan up to 30 coloured pages per minute and 40 greyscale images, working quickly to help you build up your photo album. While the Canon RS40 is great for personal use, this A4 scanner will require a bit of desk space, so it’s best to place it somewhere secure, like a home office.
Images can be shared easily with family and friends from Windows and Mac devices. Plus, it has built-in image correction software that can straighten, crop, and adjust colour as it scans, saving you hours of editing.
Best for: Quick scanning of photo collections and document stacks.
2. Epson FastFoto FF-680W
If you’re looking for a versatile, compact, and modern scanner, the Epson FastFoto FF-680W is the one for you.
It boasts super-fast speeds (think one photo per second at 300 dpi!) and automatically feeds stacks of prints. Plus, wireless connectivity means you don’t have to fuss about with wires. With options of 9x13cm up to 21x91cm (panoramic), you can scan standard, panoramic, instant or square images in one quick process.
Built-in software applies image correction and backs up to cloud platforms, perfect for families who want to instantly share with loved ones.
Best for: Bulk scanning with speed and ease.
3. Epson Perfection V850 Pro
The Epson Perfection V850 Pro flatbed scanner is the ultimate scanner.
From professional use to home scanning, the V850 Pro's resolution of 4800 dpi is designed to meet high-demand scanning. It can scan everything from detailed artwork to old family photographs, producing sharp and beautiful scans.
Dual-lens technology adapts scanning resolution based on the media, and advanced optics deliver sharp detail and tonal accuracy. This is compatible with both Windows and Mac OS and removes imperfections to clear up old film.
Best for: Professional-grade photo and film restoration.
4. Epson Expression 13000XL Pro
Are you looking for a space-saving, portable, and refined scanner? The Epson Expression 13000XL Pro A3 Flatbed Scanner is the answer.
With a resolution of 2,400 DPI x 4,800 DPI, this scanner produces sharp and accurate scans. It is compatible with film negatives, plans, X-rays, and normal photographs—what can’t it do?
With its A3 flatbed and ultra-precise CCD sensor, it handles large and fragile originals with care, capturing vivid colours and fine textures. It’s an investment—perfect for genealogists, artists, or anyone managing a serious archive.
Plus, it uses 30% less power, making it perfect for eco-conscious customers.
Best for: Large-format photo scanning and archiving.
5. Canon CanoScan LiDE 400
The Canon CanoScan LiDE 400 Flatbed Scanner is another excellent space-saver, perfect for portable, office, and home use.
Despite its slim profile, it offers an impressive 4800 x 4800 dpi resolution, meaning it easily captures fine detail and vibrant colour. It can produce high-resolution scans of photos, books, and documents, offering versatility.
With automatic photo correction, including fade and dust reduction, this scanner is perfect for ageing photos. It's compatible with both Windows and Mac and is USB-C powered. This affordable scanner has a one-touch auto-scan button for simplicity.
Best for: Everyday scanning of prints with quality results on a budget.
6. Epson Workforce DS-1630
Look no further than the Epson Workforce DS-1630 Flatbed Scanner for digitising old family photos.
This photo scanner is not your typical scanner— it combines a flatbed scanner with an automatic document feeder. With a resolution of 1200 dpi, it can scan 25 pages per minute and a wide range of document types.
It works well for family needs, such as digitising everything from heritage photos to certificates, letters, or even handwritten notes. Its slim and compact profile makes it perfect for placing on a small desk or countertop. TWAIN and ISIS compatibility allow it to integrate easily with other software.
Best for: A mix of photo and document scanning in a hybrid format.
7. Epson Perfection V39II A4
The Epson Perfection V39II A4 flatbed scanner is affordable, compact, and easy to navigate, perfect for small home offices.
With 4800 dpi, this scanner can scan, store, and share images in one quick process, uploading them straight to the cloud. This scanner can be used lying flat or standing up on its side, offering flexibility for people with limited space.
This scanner includes Epson Easy Photo Fix software, helping to refine old photos, removing faded colours, dust, and imperfections for a high-quality scan. You can also turn your photos and documents into searchable PDFs.
Best for: Casual users wanting reliable photo scans without a complex setup.
8. Plustek OpticSlim 1180 Flatbed Scanner
If you’re looking for a scanner that can digitise photo albums, scrapbooks, and book pages, then the Plustek OpticSlim 1180 Flatbed Scanner is a great solution.
With a resolution of 1200 dpi and a scanning speed of 8 seconds per page, the Plustek Opticslim 1180 is a great value for money for home use. Its large scanning bed can handle wide photos and books, and its edge-to-edge scanning area can gently handle fragile or curled originals.
Plus, its one-touch scanning buttons make it a simple option for homeowners who aren’t familiar with scanning technology. It also boasts built-in editing software, such as accurate image processing, auto-crop, deskew and rotate.
Best for: Scanning and storing delicate images at home without needing industrial equipment.
Invest in a great photo scanner today with Scanner Shop
If you’re tired of low-quality scans, ruined family photos, and piles and piles of photo albums, then why not try digitising your photos with a highly efficient photo scanner?
At the scanner shop, we’re here to offer our expertise in the matter and help you find the perfect scanner for your needs— whether that’s for personal use or professional work.
No matter, what you’re looking for, you can simplify the buying process by browsing our scanners by function today. Let’s get those memories backed up, shared, and enjoyed for generations to come.
