Photo Digitization Services

Frequently asked questions

How long does the process take?

Unless you request next day or expedited service, the process takes three weeks once your media is received. In cases of very large orders (over 3000 photos), we may need a little more time, generally an extra week per 2000 photos.

What do I get back?

You tell us your preferred format. Our standard pricing assumes a 100GB USB-C stick. We also offer digital uploads to your photo service of choice. Negatives and video tapes will be organized to align to the sequence of the digital files and placed into protective sleeves.

How much does it cost?

Depending on the service, our prices start at 35 cents an image. Children's artwork is $1. $20 per videotape. $25 per hard-drive. $5 per CD/DVD/Floppy.

Do you keep a backup of my files?

We keep your photos backed-up for 90 days once you have taken delivery of your order. After that, your files are deleted to protect your privacy and free up our servers.

How can I contact you?

You can reach us by phone at (609)277-3362 or email at info@princetonretro.com. All of our work starts with a phone consultation. Depending on the size of the order and your physical location, you will have the option of drop-off, mail, our in-home pickup.

I am a digital photo genius. Can I get the scan files and do the color correction myself?

If you would like the direct scan of a negative, the image will be completely uncropped to allow you to properly white balance.

What is your mailing address?

Princeton Retro Photo

330 North Harrison St.

Suite 6

Princeton NJ, 08540

How big are the files that I get back?

Our standard service for negatives returns JPEG files comparable to those shot with a contemporary mobile phone - about 4MBs. These are suitable for most digital printing services and social media. Scans of prints average about 3MB per photo.

Can I get uncompressed files?

Yes, we offer uncompressed and RAW formats at additional cost. If you would like the direct scan of a negative, the image will be completely uncropped to allow you to properly white balance.

What sort of processing do you do on my photos?

Before scanning, we use air to remove dust from the the media and scanning equipment. We also use IR dust removal during scanning. Prints are scanned at 1200 DPI and red-eye correction is done standard. We can boost contrast and saturation levels to give your photos a more modern look at additional cost.

What sort of processing do you do on my camcorder videos?

If you remember pausing an old VHS, you noticed the picture was fuzzy. That was because each frame was actually two frames alternating line by line, with one image occupying the odd lines and another occupying the even lines. This was called interlacing. We de-interlace the video, adjust the frame rate for the additional frames and upscale the video to 1080P, full HD.

What services do you offer on files on hard drive transfers?

We can either search for image files and transfer only those or transfer all files on the drive. The drives must be unlocked in order for us to perform our services.

I have a bunch of CDs from a big box store with photos on them. Can you get them off?

Yes, these files are copied directly from the CD to their own folder on the USB drive we give back to you. Each CD, nomatter how many files, is done at a flat rate of $5 each.

Can you also upscale the videos from my SD cards and DVDs?

Yes we can,for an additional fee. For numerous reasons, you may not get the same bang for your buck as you do with the VHS transfers. We suggest bringing this up during your consultation, or contacting us via email to discuss specifics.

I wrote notes on the backs of photos. Can you transcribe them?

We do one better. We scan the back of the photo for you and include the scan of the back in the gallery at no extra charge to you.

Can you assist us by putting together a photobook after digitizing?

Certainly. We arrange photo-books in house and give you the opportunity to proof the layout before publishing. Printing and binding are done by a trusted partner.

Princeton Retro Photo transformed my old negatives into beautiful digital memories. Their service is exceptional, and I cherish the results. Highly recommend for preserving memories!

Sarah J.

★★★★★

Photo Digitization

Transforming old memories into modern digital treasures for you.