Scanning documents and images in bulk or just use my Nikon d3400?

[Don001]

I have more than 1300 old photos and some very important, can’t afford to lose documents with me, which I need to scan into my computer. I am having a confusion, whether I should photograph all those photos and documents with my Nikon new D3400 or buy a dedicated scanner for the purpose. I know that scanner may produce better results for document imaging and photo scanning. I would like faster conversion and don’t need to spend a lot of money. Is there a way I could improve the results if I photograph them? Or is there any cheap, but good quality scanners available? I would appreciate some quick help here.

 

[weepete]

If they are just family photos and stuff I'd just photograph them with the D3400. If it's stuff you want professionaly printed later on I'd look to have them scanned.

 

[Derrel]

The camera will be faster. You might need a macro lens. The 85mm f/3.5 DX Macro is inexpensive, but might be a bit too long for use without a copy stand and adequate room. If the photos are small, say 4x6 inches, the 85mm lens might require you to be within 2 feet of them, which is workablke; If they are bigger, like 8x 10 photos, you'd need to stand farther away.

 

[Dave442]

For documents I often just use the scan to PDF app on my phone, it automatically knows to make the paper white and lets you crop. For a big batch of documents I have a flatbed scanner with paper feeder - I have it make a multi-page TIFF and then I edit each page and print to PDF.

Prints I usually photograph using a homemade copy stand and the macro lens. Years ago I found out my grandfather had photographed all the old family tintype images and the copies were the version hanging on the wall - that just sort of stuck with me.

 

[cgw]

For Nikon DX, the oft-overlooked Micro Nikkor 40/2.8g is near-perfect--and every bit as good as the venerable 55/3.5. I use it with a D7200 on a Manfrotto copy stand with a light box for slides and 120 negs. As noted above, camera scanning is quick, not to mention capable of precise focus--two things flatbeds just don't deliver.

 

[Derrel]

For documents I often just use the scan to PDF app on my phone, it automatically knows to make the paper white and lets you crop. For a big batch of documents I have a flatbed scanner with paper feeder - I have it make a multi-page TIFF and then I edit each page and print to PDF.

Prints I usually photograph using a homemade copy stand and the macro lens. Years ago I found out my grandfather had photographed all the old family tintype images and the copies were the version hanging on the wall - that just sort of stuck with me.

I just got one of these apps for my iPhone...snap a picture...BOOM! Coverts a receipt or piece of paperwork to a .PDF...works super fast...

 

[Boy_Cringe]

Just buy a dedicated scanner i guess since the result is better. The problem now is how could you make it with that 1300 photos.

 

[Don001]

Thank you guys! Sorry for the late reply. I won't print them later, but I also don't want to compromise on quality. Most of them are clicks of our precious memories with friends and family. And some important docs too. I know Camera can make it fast, scanner can give better results and that's exactly what is confusing me. I have tried a few apps available for Android and they couldn't give me desired quality. iPhone may give better results, but I don't have one. I think I'll give a try using d3400 with 30-50 photos and see how good they are. If it's good, I 'll do the same with rest of them. But there are some docs too. Do you think a scanner works better with them than a camera?