When you scan old photo slides with Photomyne, the final image resolution depends on how you scan and the device you’re using.
Below is a clear explanation of what’s normal and how to get the best possible results.
Typical slide scan resolution
1. Standard slide scanning
- With regular lighting and a steady scan, most slide scans come out at about 2 megapixels per slide.
- This is well suited for viewing on phones, tablets, and computers, and for sharing with family.
2. Higher-resolution slide scanning
You can get clearer, more detailed scans if you scan with one of the newer iPhones.
With these setups, slide scans can reach around 6 megapixels per slide, which means sharper details and better zooming.
How to get the best slide scan quality
To improve clarity and detail:
- Use a strong, even backlight behind the slide.
- Keep your phone steady while scanning.
- Allow the camera to focus before capturing.
- Make sure the slide fills the frame properly.
- Consider accessories like a Slide & Film Negative Viewer or a flat light pad if you scan often.
What this means in everyday use
- 2 megapixels is perfectly fine for everyday viewing and sharing.
- 6 megapixels is better if you plan to zoom in, print larger images, or preserve fine details.
Slides are small originals, so even small improvements in setup can make a noticeable difference. If you’re unsure whether your results look as expected, our support team is always happy to help.
Disclaimer: If you use the Magic Restore feature to enhance your photos
Magic Restore enhances your photos by applying advanced processing that optimizes overall visual quality. As part of this process, the image resolution may be reduced to approximately 1 megapixel or less. Resolution and image quality are not the same: resolution refers to very fine details that are typically only noticeable when zooming in closely, while quality reflects the overall look of the photo. Magic Restore works by gently reducing extremely fine details and then enhancing key visual elements such as colors, clarity, and the removal of glare, scratches, and other imperfections - resulting in a clearer, cleaner, and more polished image.