SlideSnap Camera Kit Options

The following are our current recommended lens / camera combinations across the range of manufacturers and body styles, ordered by our internal preference / customer reports.

This list is by no means exhaustive, and serves primarily to present readily available options that are known to perform. There are countless models from the past few years that are still incredibly capable imagers if you are comfortable looking for used / 3rd party. KEH and B&H sell used options that are fully tested and graded. Don’t let inconsequential features like Wifi, Bluetooth, GPS, 20FPS, 4K video etc. dictate your choice.

Your choice may depend on availability, personal brand preference, total price and wether you value certain features for use outside of scanning. For the vast majority of use-cases an entry level DSLR performs comparably to it’s professional counterpart, so don’t overthink this unless you have cause to do so.

Consider purchasing a compatible AC power supply for uninterrupted scanning ( as opposed to cycling and charging batteries).

Before purchasing via the (Amazon Affiliate ) links below, please first try to support your local independent camera retail store.

The Camera…

The Essentials

• It should be a DSLR or mirrorless camera ( interchangeable lens ).
• Needs to have a hardwired shutter release port (so our equipment can trigger it).
• Support for USB tethering is not required but is strongly recommended. WiFi tethering is often unreliable.
• Support for constant power over USB, AC adapter or Dummy Battery Adapter is strongly recommended.

Resolution : 24MP seems to be the sweet spot for scanning 35mm images with higher resolutions subject to diminishing returns. Scan resolution in PPI / pixels per inch can be calculated by dividing your image width by your subject width. A 24MP image is 6000x4000px and a 35mm frame is 1.3″ wide. 6000/1.3 = 4615PPI. Assuming you overscan by 5%, you are looking at about 4400PPI after cropping.

Sensor Size : Full Frame vs Crop Sensor : In our testing, 35mm scans produced with a full frame sensor aren’t qualitatively superior to those captured with a crop sensor. For medium format (120) scans, a full frame sensor can be worth the upgrade.

Sensor size WILL dictate the appropriate focal length of macro lens. A full frame sensor has 1.5x larger surface area and requires 1.5x the focal length to achieve the same framing as a crop sensor placed at the same distance. So where a 90mm lens is called on a full frame body, a crop sensor equivalent would be 60mm.

Mirrorless vs DSLR : Mirrorless is all the rage, primarily because it means a smaller package and fewer moving parts. It is a common misconception that mirrorless bodies have NO moving parts. They typically still have a mechanical shutter. One relevant advantage to mirrorless is that LiveView ( seeing what the camera sees on the LCD ) can be used full time without consequence to capture rate.

The Lens…

• Lens Type : A Prime “Macro” lens with a 1:1 reproduction ratio. If it has an adjustable focal length (i.e 18-70mm) then it is not a prime, and likely not true macro.
• Focal Length : (Generally speaking) : Crop Sensor ( SlideSnap Pro : 90mm, SlideSnap Strip : 60mm) Full frame ( SlideSnap Pro : 90-105mm, SlideSnap Strip: 90mm )
• Autofocus : Entirely optional. Some prefer strictly manual focus. Can be nice to have the option. Adds 1-2s per scan.
• Lens Mount : Make sure it matches your camera body AND sensor format.
• Focus Type (Internal vs External) : Internal is preferred but generally more expensive.
• Vibration Reduction : Not used for scanning, therefore not a selling point.

Extension tubes, adapters etc.

Yes, you can find adapters from one lens mount type to another. Yes, you can turn a prime portrait lens into a macro lens using extensions tubes. Yes you can achieve macro focus with add-on lenses. Yes you can aggressively crop instead of filling the frame with the image. While there are quite a few ways to achieve the necessary framing, the added variables / unknown consequences put these outside of the scope of our ability to consult. YMMV

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Canon Full Frame (EF)

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Canon R | 30.3MP / 5000PPI@35mm | C1 Shutter Release

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Nikon Full Frame Mirrorless (Z)

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Extras

Notes

• Nikon Full Frame Mirrorless (Z) : New system. Two native macro lens options have been announced, a 105mm and a 50mm. Also, an F mount adapter is available for around $200.
• Canon APS-C Mirrorless (EF-M) : The M50 and M200 lack wired shutter release. Also no good native macro lens options at the time of writing.
• Sony APS-C Mirrorless (E) : Great cameras, but their diminutive size means attaching a substantial lens results in flexing at the tripod mounting point. Also, our SnapTether dongle will be required if you intend to USB tether.
• Nikon APS-C (DX) : The D3300 was the last of the 3000 series to support hardwire shutter release. The D3400 and D3500 only have (unsupported) infrared shutter release. 3000 series and 5000 series Nikon bodies can only autofocus AF-S lenses as they do not have a built in autofocus motor.

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