Photo Scanning Frequently Asked Questions
If you are like most people you probably have some questions, thoughts and concerns when it comes to the safety, handling and care of the irreplaceable memories stored on your photos.
And, after serving people like you for many years we’ve learned that each client we serve has unique questions and needs – and you are probably no different.
If we haven’t answered your question below, please call us toll-free at 866-253-4229. We’d love to talk with you, answer any questions you have and make you feel comfortable that we’ll not only do a great job, but we’ll keep your precious memories safe.
How much will it cost to have my photos scanned?
Is 300dpi good enough or should I have a higher resolution scan?
Why do I want Gold Disks?
What guarantees do you have?
How long does it take?
How will the files be named?
Will they be in the exact order that I gave them to you?
What if my computer doesn’t have a dvd drive?
How much will it cost to have my photos scanned?
These prices are a current special that is even lower than the 30% off special we are running right now.
The price for scanning photos is determined by the condition of the pictures, size, and desired resolution.
Take advantage of our Spring Half Price Sale. Save 50% on your order NOW!
Simply place your order before April 30, 2010 and take an additional 50% off your order.
Calculate your Estimate using the chart below then CUT IT IN HALF!!
Hurry. This is a limited time offer.
Orders will be completed mid to late January.
Certain conditions make it easier to handle your photos and allow us to offer a lower price. Please see the following list to see if your pictures qualify:
Pictures between 2×3 (wallet) and 8×12.
All glossy finishes and some matt finishes.
Pictures are loose, out of albums, not cut into odd shapes or torn.
Pictures are not attached to extra backing papers or boards.
If your pictures meet the above conditions, the prices are as follows:
300dpi = .50 per photo
600dpi = .55 per photo
1200dpi= .65 per photo
*If your photos do not meet the above criteria, add .20 per picture to the above price (only for the photos that do not meet the above criteria).
We can handle cut pictures, pictures in albums and pictures that are attached to backings etc.
Is 300dpi good enough or should I have a higher resolution scan?
Scan resolution is expressed in dots per inch or dpi. The resulting file of a scan is expressed in file sizes referring to total dots or pixels that are contained in a file. If you scan a 4 inch wide picture at 300 dpi, the result will be an image size of 1200 pixels wide. If we scan the same picture at 1200dpi, the result will be 4800 pixels. Etc. (300dpi x 4 inches = 1200 pixels, 1200dpi x 4 inches = 4800 pixels
Your printer at home uses up to 300 dots of information per printed inch. Therefore, if you want to print a picture file that is 1200 pixels wide, you can print it at maximum quality up to 4 inches wide. If you try to print that file any larger than that, you start to give up quality.
Here is the best rule of thumb when deciding which resolution to choose:
If you wish to be able to reprint your pictures the same size as they are now or only view them on a computer monitor or tv, then 300dpi is sufficient. To print up to twice as large as the original, and/or leave room for cropping, choose 600dpi. If you want maximum flexibility, and more room for cropping before you print, choose 1200dpi. This will also yield prints up to 4 times the original’s size.
All files are saved on gold, archival dvd data disks. These are the longest lasting storage media available. We can also put your pictures in a dvd slide show with music, titles, etc. for a true keepsake family history production. Please call us for details. Return to top
Why do I want Gold Disks?
The main reason you want to put your family memories on DVD is that DVDs last forever right? WRONG!! All DVDs have a shelf life and do fail eventually. And, once a disk starts to go bad, it becomes unreadable. So, instead of the picture fading or degrading a little at a time, you go from perfect to nothing in one step. Most services like ours use regular disks. They are said to last 2 to 5 years. We don’t think that is acceptable so we use the top of the line Gold Archival DVD disks made by Mitsui. These disks are superior for two reasons: First, the construction of the disk is much more durable. It can take punishment and age better than any other disk. Second, the information layer is actually made of gold. Gold can hold information better than the assortment of metals used in other disks. The result, a disk that is thoroughly tested and rated for a shelf life of over 100 years. These disks have been tested against other gold disks and every major maker of DVDs. They stand out as far superior in every case. That’s why we insist on using them, and that’s why you should insist on getting them. Why doesn’t our competition use them? Because they are many times more expensive than any other disk. When you want your data to outlast your grandchildren, insist on the best disks on the market, Mitsui Gold Archival DVD disks. And to play it safe, we recommend that you order a backup copy to keep at a second location just in case. Return to top
What guarantees do you have?
The results of every scan are inspected by our technician before your project is done. Scan results obviously are determined by the photo, but everything is done to ensure you will receive the best possible results from your photos. We spend extra time to ensure it is right the first time. Your project will receive the undivided attention by only one technician that it deserves. Return to top
How long does it take?
Turn around time will depend on our backlog, but it is usually about 2 to 4 weeks. Every project gets personal attention so it is not possible to accurately predict the exact date of completion. Return to top
How will the files be named?
Your scans will be organized the same way you give them to us. If you have 10 bags with 100 pictures in each, you will get 10 folders with 100 images in each. Each file will be named according to the label of the bag it came from and a number. For example, if you have a bag full of pictures and label it Hawaii 1989, The folder on the disk will be called Hawaii 1989, and the picture files will be something like Hawaii 1989 (1), Hawaii 1989 (2) etc. Return to top
Will they be in the exact order that I gave them to you?
For the most part, yes, but the pictures that need special handling will be run separately and be out of order. They will all stay in the set they belong with however. So at worst, a picture that ought to be Hawaii 1989 (1) might be Hawaii 1989 (100), but it will remain in the Hawaii 1989 group of pictures. Return to top
What if my computer doesn’t have a dvd drive?
Scans are delivered on the top of the line gold archival dvd data disks (these are not in a movie format and are not intended to be played in a dvd player. A computer is required) unless otherwise specified. If you require CDs instead, just let us know and we will be happy to do so. The DVDs are by far a better choice for longevity so choose them if possible. We can also copy your pictures to SD cards, CF cards, memory sticks, etc. for your electronic picture frames. With the right information about your electronic frame, we can resize the scans to fit the frames correctly and give you those images in addition to your high resolution archival scans. We can even set up new electronic frames for you. There is a nominal charge for this service. We do not sell frames or memory cards etc. We will be happy to help you with what to look for when shopping, but we do not sell this equipment. Return to top
If you have any further questions or if you would like to schedule an appointment, pleases do not hesitate to call.
"The results are the best I've seen anywhere."
