We Use CookiesWe use cookies to enhance the security, performance, functionality and for analytical and promotional activities. By continuing to browse this site you are agreeing to our privacy policy

10 Best 35 Mm Slide Scanner For Mac 2025 in the United States

How do we rank products for you?

Our technology thoroughly searches through the online shopping world, reviewing hundreds of sites. We then process and analyze this information, updating in real-time to bring you the latest top-rated products. This way, you always get the best and most current options available.

headphones-stars

Our Top Picks

#1

Winner

Epson Perfection V850 Pro scanner

Rating
10.0
Chosen by1,143
Resolution

Most important from
476 reviews

Resolution
Exceptional resolution and scan quality make it ideal for color slides, prints, and negatives.

The Epson Perfection V850 Pro scanner is a powerful tool for those needing high-quality scans of 35-mm slides. With an impressive 6400 dpi resolution, it promises exceptional detail and color accuracy. The scanner's advanced dual-lens system automatically selects the best lens for the job, ensuring optimal results.

Its 4.0 Dmax rating provides a remarkable tonal range, capturing fine shadows and smooth gradations, which is essential for preserving the nuances in slides and photos. Compatibility with Mac OS X versions 10.6 to 10.10 and various Windows operating systems makes it versatile for different users. Connectivity is straightforward via USB, which is reliable but somewhat standard compared to modern wireless options.

The scanner is relatively large and heavy at 20.9 pounds, which might limit its portability and require a dedicated workspace. It operates at a wattage of 23 watts, which is moderate for its class. Given its advanced features and high-quality output, it is particularly suited for professional photographers, archivists, and serious hobbyists who demand top-tier performance from their scanning equipment.

Rating
10.0
Chosen by1,143
Resolution

Most important from
476 reviews

Resolution
Exceptional resolution and scan quality make it ideal for color slides, prints, and negatives.
#2

KODAK Slide N SCAN Film & Slide Scanner Digitizer with 5” LCD Screen, Quickly Convert Negatives & Slides to Digital 22MP JPEG Photos, Compatible with 135, 126 and 110 Film & Slides

Rating
9.7
Speed

Most important from
11390 reviews

Speed
The quick-feeding tray technology is efficient, but handling curled negatives can be a bit tricky.

The KODAK SLIDE N SCAN Film and Slide Scanner offers a user-friendly solution for digitizing your old photo memories. Equipped with a high resolution of 22 megapixels, this scanner ensures that your 35mm, 126, and 110 film negatives and slides are converted into high-quality digital photos. The large 5-inch LCD screen with gallery mode is a notable feature, allowing you to preview and edit photos directly on the device, which is convenient for sharing with friends and family or even using it as a digital picture frame.

The scanner’s quick-feeding tray technology simplifies the scanning process, allowing continuous loading of film slides for efficiency. This is particularly valuable for users who have a large collection of slides to digitize. Single-touch editing features enable easy adjustments to color and brightness, making the device accessible even for those who might not be tech-savvy. In terms of compatibility, the scanner works well with Mac and any USB Type-C enabled computer, and it supports SD and SDHC cards up to 32GB for direct storage (though the SD card is not included).

The connectivity options, including USB and HDMI, add flexibility, but it’s worth noting that scanning speed is not explicitly mentioned, which could be a concern for those looking for faster processing times. While it’s a solid choice for anyone looking to digitize old slides and negatives, those requiring ultra-fast scanning speeds or additional included storage options might need to consider these aspects.

Rating
9.7
Speed

Most important from
11390 reviews

Speed
The quick-feeding tray technology is efficient, but handling curled negatives can be a bit tricky.
#3

Pacific Image PowerSlide X Plus 35mm Slide Scanner. Auto Batch Scan Mounted Slides. Maximum 50 Slides/Batch Scan. 10000 dpi/True Color. 4.2 Dynamic Range. Mac/Pc.

Rating
9.1
Resolution
Speed
Software Features

Most important from
14 reviews

Resolution
The quality of scans is excellent, though the real advantage of 10,000 dpi is in fine masking or corrective purposes rather than everyday use.
Speed
A superb upgrade for those familiar with previous PowerSlide models, offering significant improvements in speed and noise reduction.
Software Features
Easy to install and use, with software that simplifies the scanning process.

The Pacific Image PowerSlide X Plus 35mm Slide Scanner is a robust choice for those needing high-resolution scans, offering a remarkable 10,000 dpi with true color capabilities. Its 48-bit color depth and 4.2 dynamic range ensure that your scans will be vibrant and detailed, capturing subtle nuances in your slides. Moreover, the scanner’s ability to handle batch scanning of up to 50 slides makes it highly efficient for larger projects, saving significant time and effort. The user-friendly interface is designed for easy operation, making it accessible even for those new to slide scanning.

Additionally, it supports both Mac and PC, which is a considerable advantage for users with different operating systems. The support for the DNG format is another noteworthy feature, allowing professional users to post-process raw images without losing quality. However, some potential drawbacks include its relatively bulky size and weight, which might be inconvenient for users with limited space. Additionally, the scanner requires a significant amount of RAM (4 GB) and disk space (50 GB), which might be a limitation for some older computers. Furthermore, care must be taken to ensure that slides are in good condition to prevent jamming.

Despite these minor issues, the PowerSlide X Plus proves to be a reliable and effective tool for both amateurs and professionals looking to digitize their 35mm slides.

Rating
9.1
Resolution
Speed
Software Features

Most important from
14 reviews

Resolution
The quality of scans is excellent, though the real advantage of 10,000 dpi is in fine masking or corrective purposes rather than everyday use.
Speed
A superb upgrade for those familiar with previous PowerSlide models, offering significant improvements in speed and noise reduction.
Software Features
Easy to install and use, with software that simplifies the scanning process.

Buying Guide for the Best 35 Mm Slide Scanner For Mac

Choosing the right 35-mm slide scanner for your Mac involves understanding your specific needs and the key specifications that will impact your scanning experience. A good slide scanner will help you digitize your old slides with high quality, making it easier to store, share, and edit your photos. Here are the key specifications you should consider when selecting a 35-mm slide scanner for your Mac, along with explanations to help you make an informed decision.
ResolutionResolution is measured in dots per inch (DPI) and determines the level of detail the scanner can capture. Higher resolution means more detail and larger file sizes. For general use, a resolution of 2400 DPI is usually sufficient. If you need to capture very fine details or plan to print large photos, look for a scanner with 4000 DPI or higher. Consider your end use: if you are archiving family photos for digital viewing, a lower resolution may suffice, but for professional or high-quality prints, opt for higher resolution.
Color DepthColor depth, measured in bits, indicates how many colors the scanner can capture. Higher color depth results in more accurate and vibrant colors. Most scanners offer 24-bit color depth, which is adequate for most users. However, if you need professional-grade scans with the most accurate color reproduction, look for scanners with 48-bit color depth. Think about the importance of color accuracy in your project: for casual use, 24-bit is fine, but for professional or artistic work, 48-bit is better.
Dynamic RangeDynamic range, measured as Dmax, indicates the scanner's ability to capture details in both the darkest and lightest areas of the slide. A higher Dmax value means better detail in shadows and highlights. For general use, a Dmax of 3.0 is usually sufficient. For professional use or slides with high contrast, look for a Dmax of 4.0 or higher. Consider the quality of your slides: if they have a lot of contrast or you need to capture subtle details, a higher dynamic range is important.
CompatibilityCompatibility with your Mac is crucial. Ensure the scanner is compatible with your Mac's operating system and has the necessary drivers and software. Some scanners come with Mac-specific software, which can make the scanning process smoother. Check the manufacturer's specifications and user reviews to confirm compatibility. If you are using the latest macOS, make sure the scanner supports it to avoid any software issues.
SpeedScanning speed is how quickly the scanner can digitize your slides. Faster scanners save time, especially if you have a large number of slides to scan. Speed is usually measured in seconds per scan. For occasional use, speed may not be a critical factor, but if you have many slides, look for a scanner with faster speeds to improve efficiency. Consider your workload: if you are scanning a large collection, a faster scanner will be more convenient.
Software FeaturesThe software that comes with the scanner can greatly affect your experience. Look for features like dust and scratch removal, color restoration, and batch scanning. These features can save time and improve the quality of your scans. Some scanners come with advanced editing software, which can be useful if you need to make adjustments to your scans. Think about what features are important to you: if you want to minimize post-processing, look for scanners with robust software features.
ConnectivityConnectivity options, such as USB or Wi-Fi, determine how you connect the scanner to your Mac. USB is the most common and reliable connection, but some scanners offer Wi-Fi for wireless convenience. Consider your setup and preferences: if you prefer a clutter-free workspace, a Wi-Fi-enabled scanner might be ideal. Ensure the scanner's connectivity options match your Mac's available ports and your personal workflow preferences.

FAQ