Scanners & Accessories

Scanners and Accessories

The easiest way to transfer physical documents and photos onto your computer is with a dedicated scanner. These offer a much higher-quality option than simply taking a picture of a document with your phone. Some models feature fast black-and-white scanning, while others have high-resolution, full-color capabilities. The best models have a mix of both.  

Adorama features scanners and accessories from trusted brands like Canon, Epson, and Panasonic.

Sheetfed scanners 

Sheetfed scanners will look familiar to anyone who has ever seen or used a fax machine. The document goes in vertically at the top, is scanned, and exits the scanner via a tray on the front. These are often called document scanners, as they’re primarily used for scanning pieces of paper.

Some models only scan in black and white, while others can scan in color. Most models let you stack multiple pages so you can set the device to scanning while you’re doing something else.

Flatbed scanners

Flatbed scanners look more like small versions of office copy machines. You lift the lid and place the photo or paper you want to scan onto a large glass surface. Close the lid, and you’re ready to scan. Most models only handle one document at a time, though some have feeder trays on top. Others are large enough to scan multiple documents at the same time.

Flatbed scanners are good for scanning documents that don’t come in traditional paper sizes, like photos and books. 

Photo and film scanners

If your only use for a scanner is digitizing old photos and negatives, consider a dedicated photo or film scanner. These are usually smaller than traditional scanners, and offer features that can speed up your scanning process. Some models are designed for negatives and slides, while others can scan 8mm film.

Some traditional scanners will offer high enough resolution and color accuracy that they can also scan photos, though they’ll also take up a lot more space on your desk.

Portable scanners

For real estate agents, notaries, and anyone else who needs to scan documents away from the office, portable scanners are small enough to fit in a briefcase or backpack. They can quickly scan documents directly to your laptop or in some cases, even to your phone. Most models prioritize speed and size, but some can scan in color as well.