[Cotton Canvas]

I'm relatively new to photography but what I'm looking for is a good scanner for scanning old pictures of the family to have a digital copy with me at all times. The only thing that I know to look out for in scanners are dpi but nothing else.

Most of what I'm scanning are regular sized photos that are in color. Even though color is important, I would also like a good scanner with a decent black/white contrast. The last thing that I want in a scanner is that although I'm looking for a scanner to scan photos, I want to be able to scan larger (doesn't have to be that much larger) than letter sized pages (just in case I have the need to).

Can anyone give me a recommendation on some scanners and some advice to what to look for?

[awdark]

I am not too into this stuff so if someone can give better guidance go for it.

There are 2 types of scanners CIS and CCD

The CCD is the fat ones
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx...N82E16838110019

and CIS is the thin ones they are generally a bit cheaper.
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx...N82E16838111121

CCD basically has a camera on the end while the CIS is a little scanner bar. These days if you buy a all in one it will probably have a CIS scanner. Pretty sure the CCD ones produce smoother images and just better overall, but the CIS type scanners have gone a long way and is definitely comparable. I got a $40 all in one and just use it for the scanner and it works great for me.

[Jungwon]

It does not matter whether it is a "CIS/CCD" scanner.

Rule of thumb, when purchasing a scanner (assuming you want high-quality scans) look for:
- anything with a high resolution greater or equal to 4800 dpi
- that is 48-bit
- scan times
- ability to scan think/fat objects/documents (look at the hinges)
- usability and compatibility (is it compatible with your operating system? can it scan directly to PDF, TIFF or JPG?)

Most Canon scanners are great, I own an EPSON and Canon myself, and I prefer the Canon due to personal preferences in colour scan quality.

[Cotton Canvas]

I already found a canon scanner that I like from the main site. Now I wonder if there are cheaper retailers out there.
Thanks a lot guys!