Scan & Optimize photos in seconds! - Epson FastFoto (FF-680W) scanner Review

This is a review and walkthrough of the Epson FastFoto (FF-680W) photo scanner which can scan batches of photos and optimize them (balance colors, remove redeye, and enhance) in literally just a few seconds. It's great for archiving mass quantities of photographs without any thought!
Chapters:
00:00 Intro to the Epson FastFoto scanner
1:01 Title
1:09 FastFoto scanner overview
2:09 How it works
2:30 Corded or with Wifi
3:10 Scan to many computers but link one only
3:48 2 scans made automatically
4:05 Automatic photo enhancements
5:24 Other scan settings
6:46 Batch scanning setup
7:33 How fast is the scanner?
9:29 Scan results
9:39 Optimized photographs
10:11 HighTechDad's thoughts
11:28 Learn more
12:24 HighTechDad info
Read the full review on HighTechDad.com.
www.hightechdad.com/2022/07/1...
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Disclosure: I have a material connection because I received a sample of a product for consideration in preparing to review the product and film this content. I was/am not expected to return this item after my review period. All opinions within this video are my own and are typically not subject to the editorial review from any 3rd party.

[@Aesir5]

9:06 what you're waiting for

[@mikemalone9896]

My scanner will be delivered today and I got a lot of information from your blog. One suggestion though. I am a little hard of hearing and the background noise made hearing yo a little more difficult. As I turn up the volume on my ear buds the background noise increases also. Thanks for sharing

[@kristinwahl884]

Thank you for the review - I am working on photo decluttering and have so many physical photos from family members who have passed and want a way to preserve them. This product seems to be a great alternative to hand scanning on a flatbed scanner.

[@caretosail]

Thanks for the review. Seems like this scanner will solve my pictures storage issues.

[@karenbrower3952]

Thank you. Once the photos are scanned can you put them on the desktop in a folder?

[@vivienyip3342]

Thank you for the review. I am wondering how well does it work with photos that are curl-up (not totally flat)? And those with some sticky on the back?

[@Shahzadiqbal2]

Sticky needs to be cleaned but it works fine for curled photos. It scans front and back in one go.

[@skybox-101]

What about our old VHS vids? What equipment do you recommend?

[@golyadkin6527]

Great review

[@MySneakers1]

Thank you for the review! I’ve read that some people have issues with dust and need to routinely clean the scanner. Have you come across that problem?

[@Hightechdad]

Not yet but that would make sense. I will look out of it as well.

[@nickschommer3135]

Thank you for the review. Can the 1200 DPI be done wireless as well? Or does it have to be plugged in with the UBS cord?

[@Hightechdad]

I haven’t tested that but I assume so. Remember that higher resolution will create a larger file (that it has to transmit and save). Larger file size does typically mean more time.

[@user-br6sk3bs2q]

I have a question. While I was out someone ended up getting two long white plastic pieces and 2 bent metal piece and a white plastic gear out of the machine. We have this exact one. I have no idea where they belong inside the machine? Any idea?

[@rosejennings-newhouse2068]

I keep scanning photos with the epson, but can't find on my laptop afterwards. using the cable cord. frustrating!

[@eliran1210]

Thank you very much for the review, very helpful. I'm a bit confused about the resolution, from one hand it seems that the max optic resolution is 600 dpi, from the other hand, seems like there is 1200i dpi available as well, it's important especially when scanning small photos. Could you please explain why Is the optic resolution is 600 but the configuration allows to choose 1200 dpi?

[@Hightechdad]

As I don’t have the specs in front of me, I’m assuming that the 600 is optical and the 1200 is interpolated. I believe it is similar to a smart phone camera zoom where you have a certain optical zooms provided by the lenses and a digital zoom that is higher and done by software.

[@gyunter]

Thank you, sir.

[@cynthiaschaeffer650]

Thank you for the review and demo. I'm seriously considering purchasing an Epson FastFoto FF-680W, but I've seen two comments on another website stating that the rollers in the machine tend to leave scratches or impressions in some photos and I'm worried about trusting my vintage family photos to a machine that might damage them. Have you had any problems with scratched photos?

[@Hightechdad]

I haven't had that issue (yet). But I haven't done too many bulk scans. One thing you may want to try (and it is just my own idea), is to occasionally clean the rollers with a Q-tip and some rubbing alcohol to ensure that it doesn't have any buildup of junk. You would obviously have to let the rollers dry well before you do any type of scanning.

[@MarinMarketingMaven]

Use a flatbed scanner for delicate, damaged and historic photos...not worth the risk of them getting damaged when using an autofeed scanner

[@cynthiaschaeffer650]

@@MarinMarketingMaven Thank you for your reply. I have literally thousands of historic (antique) photos and my whole purpose of buying a high speed scanner was scan and share them with family. I purchased the Epson FastFoto shortly after posting my question above, and fortunately I've found it to be ideal, and does not damage the photos in any way. The first few did show a faint "track" of the wheels on the surface, but that turned out to be an easily wiped-away oil residue, no scratches or dents.

[@oreview]

@@cynthiaschaeffer650 Thanks for the confirmation. I just returned my SnapScan for this reason. It left white lines on the digital scan, and ever so slight vertical scratches on the physical prints. I wouldn't put my real old ones through, but even standard prints from the 80s/90s don't need to get scuffed up when I'm trying to archive them. The Plustek scanner does a great job of treating the photos nicely, but shame the quality isn't up to par.

[@Seoirse-pn5uu]

Great video anyone know what most photos can be done in one run . And anyone got deal on prices its 500 usd. Codes etc ? Best buy etc

[@rickmaudlin2160]

Thanks !!

[@annafarach4080]

My questions - did you throw away the photos once you scanned them? Can you add a new batch of photos to an existing folder if you find photos from the same event later on? Can you open the photos in other photo software for editing or can you only edit in the Epson software provided? Thank you !!

[@Hightechdad]

Lots of questions! I would NEVER throw away the old photos. I do think you could physically archive them somewhere (as opposed to under the bed like we do). I haven't tested adding to existing folders yet. You may be able to do that if, in the output, you name the folders the same. It may create a subdirectory in there. And yes, you can open the images in other photo editing apps as they are standard image files.

[@annafarach4080]

@@Hightechdad Thank you for responding. I have decided to shred all old photos as the whole point for me is to reduce the space all those albums are taking in my house. I have selected the 600dpi and they look great. You are correct. As long as I name the album the exact same thing, I’m able to add other photos to an existing folder. Figured out you have to rotate the photos in the fastfoto app as it won’t let me do it in the external hard drive file folder I’ve created. Taking this project one album at a time. Thanks for responding !!

[@lorettahowell8400]

I have a question. I love the scanner and it's so easy! But is there an easy way to change the naming for a group of photos? I have pics from the 1970's and many are not identified. For instance, I name 30 of them Christmas 1978 and of course it adds a sequential number to each. Then, I find that those were actually 1979. I have only been able to change them manually 1 by 1. There must be a better way (other than me knowing the actual date) of the 2k photos I'm digitizing?

[@Hightechdad]

Are you talking about renaming the actual image files themselves? If so (and if you are on a Mac), you can simply use the built in “rename” function by bulk selecting the files and renaming that way. I’m sure there is a similar function on Windows. And there are 3rd party apps that can help as well. Within the Epson software, I’m not sure, unfortunately.

[@lyndajenson532]

When you scan a second, third, fourth ,etc set of pictures for the same file (because you can only scan about 30 at one time) how do I get them to appear in chronological order? My first set appears at the end of the file and the newer ones up top... For example if I am doing all the pics from one year. I scan in January's, then February's etc....But in my folder January shows up at the bottom and December shows up on top. Confusing but I hope that makes sense...

[@Hightechdad]

I'm not sure exactly what you explaining (sorry), but perhaps there is something you can do with the naming conventions when you export. I haven't done bulk batches (yet), but that is a great question.

[@MarinMarketingMaven]

When Scanning with the Epson FastFoto 680W when you want to scan and name the photos in sequential order: - Photo #1 goes on the top of the stack, scan photos, then remove from scanner, then flip them over to facedown on the desk - To scan the next batch, the first photo in that batch should be on top of the stack. Scan photos, remove from scanner, then flip them over to facedown on top of the previous stack. - Note: even though the scanner pulls the photos through from bottom to top, the files names will then appear in order. - To prove that this workflow is correct, I did a test. I numbered and scanned 12 index cards. I scanned the first 3, scanned the next 3 and the final three using the method outlined above and it worked perfectly. When scanning individual photos that have been removed from an album, start on page one, remove the photos in the order desired with the first photo of that batch on top. Do the same thing for each page, with the first photo of the batch being on top and it will put all the photo file names in the correct sequential order. IMPORTANT NOTE: The "Prompt Me to Describe the Photos" box should be checked.

[@cpdusmc4281]

Does the app provide facial recognition for organizational purposes? Great useful video

[@Hightechdad]

No, I don’t think so. It is quite basic. They may have added features since I last tested it but I doubt it.

[@allenbuyck7957]

What is the resulting file size after scan. My understanding is the 600 dpi is the highest optical scan thius unit can do?? I am curious what filer size is and whether I can make larger prints from them

[@Hightechdad]

I have found that the size varies by the images being scanned and the detail in the image.

[@tonyphotiou1742]

After spending nearly an hour with epson support, it appears the cropping of photos in the app is not available for Mac. It is available on PC. That's very disappointing. I found the feature very handy when using the PC. You can crop as you go, rather than having to go back with some other software and remember which photos needed cropping.

[@tanyapersons1873]

Question. How do we scan and each one has a different name? We are scanning pumpkin patterns (1000) but each one has a title and number specific. I think suggested not to use fast photo software but instead scan smart but it isn’t allowing to name each one? Advice?

[@Hightechdad]

Unfortunately you may have to name the files after the batch process. The advantage of this scanner is to define a set and have a standard name for that set and the increment with numbers or something like that.

[@jpfile319]

Are you able to scan to a device other than a computer, i.e. to an IPad via WI-FI?

[@Hightechdad]

I haven't tested that yet. I think, however, it may be a bit more complicated just based on how you need to "pair" the scanner with a computer. If you are able to do it, it may have limited functionality, I'm also thinking, as the Mac/PC software does do enhancements.

[@dyllan8132]

Are you noticing any small surface scratches after a photo goes through the machine?

[@lynnf1945]

If this happens (after about 300 scans) then you need to use the head cleaner/brush and remove the paper “lint” thats accumulated.

[@skybox-101]

Then can you put them into a power point or movie to play in background at family gatherings?

[@diannewilliams2800]

My printer with full tanks on ink. Have red cast to it. Can you help me? Thank you

[@dsoren1]

disable airpirnt.. It causes red cast..

[@erikT131]

What does it do with the writing on the back of photos?

[@Hightechdad]

I haven't tested that yet, but I believe it will automatically capture the back as an image.

[@annafarach4080]

It creates a separate image of the back of the photo with whatever is on the back as if it’s another photo.

[@annafarach4080]

Since I name the folder with the year in the naming convention, I’m just deleting the extra photo. But if for example you have peoples names or the place where the photo was taken, that may be helpful to keep. Otherwise you can just be specific with the naming convention of each folder to capture that information.

[@w2kr]

Does it write EXIF tags in the photo files?

[@Hightechdad]

I don’t believe so since usually the EXIF data comes from the camera. You may be able to set manually. I would have to check though.

[@christopherdillard4063]

Thanks for the review can you add in your comments the time it takes to scan 600dpi and file size along with 1200dpi. Was hoping you would cover that. The reason I'm asking is I'm looking at archiving all of my moms old photos. I'm going to assume this can scan 8 1/2 × 11 but not sure you covered it.

[@joshymcdaniel9233]

1200 file is 4x larger than 600 Either so 600 Or 300 If you will probably never print them in the future as a “large blown up photo” 300dpi is going to suite u well’

[@1953lewbad]

Does it take the older 3x5s?

[@Hightechdad]

It can take pretty much any reasonable size.

[@Reeseboy30]

How many photos can it scan at a time?

[@Hightechdad]

One at a time but it’s fast.

[@mostcallmerob]

It holds up to 50 at a time when doing bulk scans.

[@rubycook3364]

How much does the machine cost

[@Hightechdad]

Be sure to read my review as it has more details including the price. The price may have dropped since the review though.

[@johncooper5674]

I purchased this scanner for my Family History project. I was disappointed to discover UK birth, marriage & death certificates are to wide to be scanned with the FF-680W.

[@hughlowell7226]

Hi First time at your site and liked the content but for now could not Subscribe because of the repedative noise/music in the background, for me it did not add anything positive at all. This is meant as positive feedback. Found your presentation and content to be ver watchable.

[@Hightechdad]

Thanks for the feedback. I try to keep the music low but I will see what I can do about future versions.

[@sircasino614]

$600???!!!! For fuck's sake, that's too much for one thing I want to do.

[@Hightechdad]

You could get a manual scanner for much less probably.

[@texaswoody1]

Dude. Kill the background music next time! Video and research are good. Thanks for that, but that music competing with your voice is aggravating.

[@Hightechdad]

Yep thanks! My new videos have no background music when I’m talking. This was a bit older.