Best Negative Scanning Services in 2024: Buyer's Guide

1. Our Top Pick
2. Comparison Table
3. iMemories
4. ScanMyPhotos
5. Legacybox
6. Time Capsule by Capture
7. MemoryBox by DigMyPics
8. ScanCafe

Summary of Our Top Picks

Negative scanning services provide a convenient and professional solution for converting your negative physical photos into a digital format. This process not only ensures high-quality scanning but also often includes additional enhancements and even repairs for your images.

However, with numerous scanning services available, it can be challenging to determine which one is the best fit for your specific requirements. To assist you in making an informed decision, we have thoroughly researched and evaluated several top-rated scanning services. We considered various factors beyond just output quality, such as cost, service range, user-friendliness, and turnaround time. Let’s delve into the details of each service and how they performed in our tests.

Best Negative Scanning Service Comparison Table

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1) iMemories

iMemories is a leading service provider that offers a wide range of digitizing options, making it a top choice for photo scanning at an affordable price. Notably, they have gained a strong reputation and high ratings from satisfied customers on well-known review platforms like Trustpilot, Yelp, and Sitejabber. In fact, they have been recognized as one of the world’s most innovative companies of 2023.

When it comes to conversion services, iMemories covers various media types, including videotapes, old films, slides (regardless of size), photos (up to 12x16), and even digital formats like DVDs and MiniDVDs. Their skilled team ensures the best possible Capture of your media, taking into account factors such as age, condition, and original quality.

One of the standout features of iMemories is their straightforward and user-friendly process. After placing an online order, they provide you with a conversion box kit called SafeShip. This crushproof box is meticulously packed with protective materials to ensure the safe transit of your negatives or other media to their facility for digitization. With over 200 digital restoration specialists and a track record of serving over 1 million customers without any losses or damages, iMemories prioritizes the preservation of your precious memories.

What sets iMemories apart is their commitment to delivering exceptional results. In addition to standard conversion services, they offer digital enhancements to improve the overall quality of your digitized photos. They also have the expertise to repair or “splice” broken videotapes and films without any loss of footage.

Another notable feature is that iMemories provides you with 30 days of free online access to view, share, organize, and edit your digitized memories. Additionally, their dedicated app allows you to stream your memories on most TV streaming platforms. For added convenience, you can opt for extras such as customized DVDs or flash drives, or choose an iMemories cloud subscription at $7.99 per month or $49.99 per year.

Throughout the entire process, iMemories keeps you informed via email and their order status page, providing updates on each step your media goes through. Their service fee is currently priced at only $0.49 per negative, slide, or photo, making it highly cost-effective. The turnaround time typically averages 3-4 weeks, depending on the quantity and type of media. Importantly, iMemories ensures the safe return of all your original materials, along with the chosen digital storage option.

Overall, iMemories combines affordability, convenience, and exceptional results, making it an excellent choice for your negative scanning needs.

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2) ScanMyPhotos

In terms of negative scanning, ScanMyPhotos offers scanning options for 35mm, APS, and 120mm negatives. One unique aspect of their service is the ability to choose the scanning quality that suits your needs.

Unlike some other services, ScanMyPhotos does not provide a conversion box kit. Instead, you will need to mail your negatives in your own packaging. However, once they receive your negatives, their dedicated team delicately digitizes each frame by hand, ensuring meticulous attention to detail. All scanned negatives are saved in a 24-bit JPEG format.

ScanMyPhotos offers medium or high-resolution scans for your film negatives, allowing you to select the desired dpi. For 35mm and APS film, you have the choice of 2,000 or 4,000 dpi JPEG scans, while for 120mm film, you can choose between 1,000 or 2,000 dpi JPEG scans. Opting for higher dpi scans, such as 4,000 dpi, is ideal for obtaining the best results, especially if you plan to print your images as large photos or posters.

To enhance the quality of your scanned images, ScanMyPhotos employs Digital ICE technology. This Kodak technology, built into their scanners, detects and reduces dust and surface scratches without compromising the image’s sharpness or altering its appearance.

Once the scanning process is complete, ScanMyPhotos returns your negatives and any other media you sent, along with a DVD data disc containing all your scanned images. Additionally, you have the option to receive your scanned images through online digital download. If you require extended cloud storage, they offer a year-long subscription at a competitive price of just $29.95 per year.

Pricing for ScanMyPhotos varies depending on the type of negative and the selected dpi.

Negative Type	2,000 dpi Price	4,000 dpi Price
35mm	$0.47 per frame	$0.89 per frame
APS	$7.95 per roll	$12.95 per roll
120mm	$1.95 per frame	$4.96 per frame

ScanMyPhotos also offers additional add-on services to further customize your order, such as the Elite Concierge Expert Service for $12.95 per order, express scanning for $0.10 per scan, scanning in order for $0.07 per scan, image rotation for $0.08 per scan, and a photo index book for $95.50 per 1,000 frames scanned. If you require delivery signature confirmation, this service is available for an additional $4.95.

It’s important to note that ScanMyPhotos is a high-quality photo scanning service, and their attention to media, customization of orders, and overall quality is reflected in their pricing, which may be higher compared to standard scanning services. If you are seeking the best possible results and are willing to invest in top-notch service, ScanMyPhotos is an excellent choice.

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3) Legacybox

Legacybox is a notable choice for those seeking a conversion box kit service. Their entire service revolves around the concept of conversion box kits, which come in different sizes ranging from 2 to 40 items. Each item represents a specific type of media, such as one videotape or 25 pieces of photos. Legacybox specializes in scanning and converting 35mm film negatives into a digital format.

The process of ordering and mailing your media is similar to the iMemories service. However, with Legacybox, you are required to pay in advance for the exact number of items you are sending. Once they receive your box kit, they carefully digitize your negatives and provide you with the scanned images in the format of your choice: thumb drive, cloud storage, or DVD.

It’s important to note that unlike the previous service mentioned, Legacybox does not offer any restoration or enhancements to the media. The final results of the scanned images will depend on the condition and quality of the original items you send.

Currently, the cost of Legacybox’s box kits is as follows:

• $30 for 2 items
• $140 for 10 items
• $280 for 20 items
• $550 for 40 items

One convenient aspect is that they offer the option to pay in full or in 4 interest-free installments using ShopPay. If you choose the financing option, your first payment is typically due before the completion of the digitization process.

Upon completion of your order, Legacybox will return the original negatives to you along with a digital copy of your choice. It’s important to note that the turnaround time for this service may be longer compared to others. However, they do offer a 10-day priority digitizing option for an additional cost if you require a quicker turnaround time.

Overall, Legacybox offers a simple and straightforward process for converting your negatives into digital photos. Their popularity and the trust they have gained from customers make them a reputable choice in the industry.

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4) Time Capsule by Capture

Time Capsule by Capture offers a conversion box kit service similar to Legacybox, with box sizes available for different numbers of items ranging from 2 to 20. Like Legacybox, Time Capsule counts and prices the service per item. For instance, 25 negatives, photos, or slides are considered as one item, while one videotape is counted as one item as well.

One distinguishing feature of Time Capsule is that their box size is not fixed to a specific number of items, allowing for more flexibility in choosing the appropriate kit. Additionally, Time Capsule stands out by offering their service for purchase through their official Amazon store, providing an additional convenient option for customers.

When it comes to accepted negative formats, Time Capsule supports a wider range of formats, including 35mm, APS Film, 110 Film, 110/220 Film, 126 Instamatic films, and large negatives.

Time Capsule offers two options for box kits: digitized to USB or digitized to DVD. Both options start at $58.97 for two items, making it a competitive pricing option.

The process of using Time Capsule is similar to other conversion box kit services. Once you place your order, you will receive the box kit, which you can then use to pack and mail back your negatives. Upon completion of the digitization process, you will receive your original negatives back, along with a digital storage copy. The choice of digital storage will depend on the kit you selected, whether it’s USB or DVD. Additionally, Time Capsule provides online access for viewing and downloading your photos for a period of 60 days, and you also have the option to add them to your Google Photos account.

One notable advantage of Time Capsule is its faster turnaround time, with the entire process being completed within 30 days, which is relatively quick compared to some other services.

Overall, Time Capsule by Capture offers a new conversion box kit service with the latest and best features. It provides a convenient option for preserving and digitizing your precious memories. Moreover, Time Capsule can be a thoughtful gift for your loved ones to help them preserve their special memories.

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5) MemoryBox by DigMyPics

MemoryBox by DigMyPics is another innovative service that offers scanning and conversion solutions for various types of old media, including negatives. They accept 35mm negative strips, APS film, and 126/110 negative strips. It’s important to note that their service treats negatives as premium items, counting as two photos towards a set of 25. This is something to keep in mind when considering the quantity of negatives you plan to convert.

During the scanning process, MemoryBox includes scratch and dust removal for film and slides. One unique feature they offer is real-time scanning, which allows you to see your photos as they are being scanned, providing a more interactive experience.

MemoryBox offers box sizes in small, medium, large, and extra-large options. The small box includes 4 items and costs $58, the medium box includes 10 items and costs $144, the large box includes 20 items and costs $279, and the extra-large box includes 40 items and costs $540. If you have additional items beyond the allotted quantity for each box size, you can add them for an additional $15 per item.

In terms of turnaround time, MemoryBox provides estimated durations based on the box size or the amount of media you send. For the small box, the estimated turnaround time is 10 business days, for the medium box it is 12 business days; for the large box it is 15 business days, and for the extra-large box (20+ items) it takes longer than 20 business days.

When it comes to digital storage options, MemoryBox offers choices such as a flash drive, DVD set, or digital download. Additionally, they provide 1-year cloud storage for your digitized files, ensuring easy access and backup.

MemoryBox by DigMyPics offers a comprehensive solution for scanning and converting your negatives and other media. With their scratch and dust removal feature and the ability to view your photos in real-time, they aim to provide a high-quality and interactive experience.

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6) ScanCafe

ScanCafe is a notable service to consider for scanning and converting various types of media, including 35mm negatives, color and black and white films, and APS films. They provide the option to either mail your negatives directly to them or use their Value Kit, which includes a conversion box similar to the ones offered by previous services. However, it’s important to note that ScanCafe Value Kit has a minimum order requirement, starting at $230, making it more suitable for larger orders.

If you choose to mail your media, ScanCafe offers a straightforward step-by-step ordering process. You select the boxes corresponding to your media type, digital storage preference, shipping details, and partial payment, and finally, proceed to the print, pack, and send step. Additionally, during the ordering process, you have the option to upgrade to express delivery or rush order, which expedites the processing time. With this feature, you will be able to view your scanned images online within 8-10 days, for an additional cost of $3.29.

The average turnaround time for ScanCafe is 3-4 weeks, providing a reasonable timeframe for the completion of the scanning process.

One useful feature offered by ScanCafe is their calculator for negative services. This allows you to input the number of negatives you are sending and select the type of media, giving you the total service price. Currently, the price per negative is $0.48.

Regarding storage options, ScanCafe provides choices for receiving your digitized files. You can opt for digital download at a cost of $10, USB storage for $19, or a hard drive for $80.

During the scanning of negatives, ScanCafe includes various corrections to ensure your photos look their best. These corrections may involve re-orientation, cropping, scratch and dust removal, color correction, and red-eye removal.

ScanCafe offers a comprehensive service that focuses on delivering high-quality scans and corrections for your negatives. Their straightforward ordering process and the ability to customize your order make them a reliable choice for preserving and enhancing your cherished memories.