Reflecta iScan 3600 review

Small and lightweight scanner for 35mm negatives and slides

Reflecta iScan 3600
Scan 35mm film negatives and mounted slides

TechRadar Verdict

Pros

  • +

    Small

  • +

    Lightweight

  • +

    Good detail

Cons

  • -

    USB 1.1 interface

  • -

    Slow scanning times

  • -

    Inaccurate colour reproduction

Why you can trust TechRadar We spend hours testing every product or service we review, so you can be sure you’re buying the best. Find out more about how we test.

The Reflecta iScan 3600 is a small-format film scanner that accepts both 35mm film negatives and mounted slides. It offers a maximum resolution of 3600dpi and 48bit scanning (16bit per colour channel), and comes complete with both its own CyberView X software and a copy of Adobe Photoshop Elements.

The bundled software enables both positive and negative film to be scanned, with a small plastic frame clamped over the negative to hold it in place. The light from the bottom of the scanner makes it easy to line up the edges of the negative with the eye of the scanner, and small adjustments can be made without the frame needing to be released.

The scanner connects itself via the USB 1.1 (yes, 1.1) interface, and its design is about as current - less 2012 and more an imitation of an old Bondi Blue iMac. Still, at just 750g it's reasonably light, and it doesn't take up any more workspace than an average hardback.

While the iScan can better flatbeds for footspace, it can't match their scanning times. For a single 35mm frame scanned at 8bit to 300dpi, the scanner takes around 1 minute 40 seconds, meaning that a standard six frames strip will take at least 10 minutes to scan, plus the time in between each frame to reposition the film.

The results are even more disappointing, with flat images devoid of vitality and strong colour casts being common. Despite this, the detail captured isn't too bad.

Verdict

Ultimately, other than the fact that a copy of Photoshop Elements is thrown in for free, it's difficult to recommend the Reflecta iScan 3600.

Latest in 360 Cameras
Insta360 X4 360 degree camera without lens protector
Leaked DJI Osmo 360 image suggests GoPro and Insta360 should be worried – here's why
Relaunched GoPro Max 360-degree camera, front and back, on a dark blue background
GoPro unveils a much cheaper 360-degree camera, but it’s not the all-new Max 2 that we’ve been waiting for
Image of the front of a GoPro Max 360-degree action camera
GoPro Max 2 hit by further delays – 2025 is the earliest we'll see the 360-degree action cam
Image of the rear of a GoPro Max 360-degree action camera, including its screen
The leaked DJI Osmo 360 looks like very bad news for the delayed GoPro Max 2
Dji
DJI tipped to launch its first 360-degree camera to rival Insta360 and GoPro
Kandao QooCam 3 Ultra in use
Kandao QooCam 3 Ultra review: the best 8K 360-degree camera?
Latest in Reviews
The Kiwi design K4 Boost Battery strap being worn by Hamish
I test VR headsets for a living, and this affordable headstrap is the first Meta Quest 3 accessory you should buy
Both Kiwi design G4 Pro Performance Controller Grips
I thought VR controller grips were pointless until this Meta Quest 3 accessory proved me wrong
The Kiwi design H4 Boost Halo Battery Strap
Want to upgrade your VR headset? Look no further than my new favorite Meta Quest 3 headstrap
The RIG M2 Streamstar.
I wanted to love the new RIG M2 Streamstar, but this pricey gaming microphone fails to deliver
Bambu Lab H2D Vs X1C
I've been reviewing the hotly anticipated Bambu Lab H2D for a month, and it's the most versatile machine I've ever used
Full view of the Cherry KW 7100 Mini BT
I tested the Cherry KW 7100 Mini BT - see what I thought of this travel keyboard