negative scanner

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "negative scanner" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to a device that scans negatives, typically in photography, to convert them into digital images. Example: "I just bought a negative scanner to digitize my old film photographs."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

8 human-written examples

I'm a negative scanner.

The New York Times - Magazine

The iConvert Slide and Negative Scanner is $130.

The New York Times - Tech

1. VEHO USB negative scanner £49.99, firebox.com You know those old photograph negatives?

Independent

The iConvert Slide and Negative Scanner from Brookstone is a welcome alternative to paying a professional to do such work for you.

The New York Times - Tech

The Kodak P811 Personal Photo and Negative Scanner is one of the few portable scanners aimed at the photographic market, and it can scan 8in x 10in prints at 600dpi.

The Guardian - Tech

If you don't want to spend the bills on a high-quality negative scanner, but do want to get some of those old black and white 35mm rolls backed up digitally, this one's for you.

TechCrunch

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

50 human-written examples

When it comes to scanning film, however, all four scanners have to switch to a second lamp that beams down through the slide or negative into the scanner's sensors.

The New York Times - Tech

Unfade may not be the perfect match for more advanced photographers; those of us who enjoy a bit of pixel-peeping and taking full control of the digitalization process would gladly invest the time with a flatbed, negative or drum scanner to get the maximum quality from the images.

TechCrunch

We used standard positions of the negative within the scanner [ 26], scanning speeds and image resolution.

BMC Musculoskeletal Disorders

Extracting the most from slides and negatives requires a scanner designed just for film.

The New York Times

Just run the negatives through this scanner and it turns them into a digital file to store on your computer.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When referring to devices that scan both slides and negatives, consider using the broader term "film scanner" to encompass both functionalities.

Common error

Avoid using "negative scanner" when a standard flatbed scanner with a film adapter is being used, as it implies a dedicated device, instead simply write that you are using a "scanner" with a film adapter.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "negative scanner" functions as a noun phrase, specifically identifying a device. As shown in Ludwig, this phrase describes a specific type of scanner used for digitizing film negatives.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

33%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The term "negative scanner" refers to a device used to digitize film negatives, primarily found in news, media, and scientific contexts. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and utility in diverse scenarios. While alternative phrases like "film scanner" or "slide scanner" may be used depending on the context, "negative scanner" is suitable for descriptions and technical reviews. Remember to avoid using "negative scanner" when a standard flatbed scanner with a film adapter is being used.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

photo negative scanner

Similar to the original phrase, specifying photo negatives, but can be seen as slightly more descriptive.

scanner for film negatives

Slightly rephrased from the original query, still clearly conveys the same meaning.

film scanner

Focuses specifically on scanning film, similar to a negative scanner's function.

photographic film scanner

A more formal way of saying "film scanner", specifying "photographic film".

slide scanner

Refers to a scanner designed for slides, which is another type of photographic film, but the function overlaps.

35mm negative scanner

Specifies the size of the negatives that can be scanned.

film digitizer

Highlights the conversion aspect of a negative scanner: transforming film into a digital format.

image scanner for negatives

More descriptive, specifying that the scanner handles negatives for image capture.

negative to digital converter

Focuses on conversion, similar to a "film digitizer".

digital negative converter

Emphasizes the conversion of negatives to digital form.

FAQs

What is the purpose of a "negative scanner"?

A "negative scanner" is used to convert photographic film negatives into digital images, allowing you to view, edit, and share them on computers or other devices.

What type of files can a "negative scanner" handle?

Typically, a "negative scanner" handles 35mm film negatives, but some models can also accommodate other film formats like 120 film or slides. Always check the scanner's specifications to ensure it supports the film types you want to scan.

What are some alternatives to using a dedicated "negative scanner"?

Instead of a dedicated "negative scanner", you can use a flatbed scanner with a transparency adapter or a digital camera with a macro lens and a light source to photograph the negatives. You can use alternatives like "film scanner" or "slide scanner" depending on the type of the material you are scanning.

How does a "negative scanner" differ from a regular document scanner?

A "negative scanner" is specifically designed to scan transparent film, using a light source that passes through the negative to capture the image. Regular document scanners are designed for opaque documents and do not have the necessary light source or resolution to effectively scan negatives. Some multipurpose scanners include document and film capabilities.