Hammacher Schlemmer announced the Photograph to Digital Picture Converter ($149.95): a perfect solution to those boxes of old photos in your parents' attic and maybe even in your own place. You can also throw away the ancient scanner that sounds like a fax machine: Hammacher claims that the Converter is quicker, easier, and provides better-quality digital images. It instantly captures the entire image using a 5-megapixel CMOS sensor, the same found in some digital cameras and the newest cell phones.

"With up to 1,800 dpi resolution, 10 bits per color channel, automatic exposure control and color balance, pictures are transformed perfectly with the clarity and color from the original photo," said the company.

All you do is place your photos into a tray, slide it into the converter, and then push a button--the images are instantly recorded. The Converter includes a USB cable that plugs into a PC for power and works with Windows XP and Vista. Editing software is also included.
Hammacher also carries the Slide and Negative to Digital Picture Converter ($99.95), which can convert old 35mm slides and film negatives into digital images. Pretty awesome for photography students who want to keep digital copies of the work they've done with film.

Post by Chris Gampat