The Fastest & Easiest Photo Scanner? Plustek ePhoto Z300 Overview + Tutorial - Quick Photo Scanner!

View on Amazon in your region: amzn.to/3l7EFs5 (my affiliate link) For more tips and tricks using this PlusTek ePhoto Z300: • PlusTek ePhoto Z300 - ...
✨✨ Find/follow/support the channel: linktr.ee/mergedroid ✨✨
This video gives an overview of the Plustek epohoto Z300. I've found it a great investment to allow me to quickly scan old physical photos and digitise them, in my case for upload to Google Photos, but of course you can do many things with them once you have the digital files.
If you are using Google Photos it's a great time now (before June 1st 2021) to get any old photos uploaded, as before then they will not count toward your storage quota. See my other video on how to minimise the cost of Google One if you think you'll be looking at a storage plan anyway - • 4 Ways to Minimise the...
Link to install the Plustek software - plustek.com/us/products/film-...
Timestamps:
00:00 - Video Intro / Contents
01:05 - Unboxing
01:54 - Device Overview
02:44 - Using the Scanner
03:35 - Using the Software
10:42 - Adding Photos to an Album in Google Photos
16:36 - Channel Outro
#Plustek #BargainTech #PhotoScanner #Z300 #GooglePhotos #Backup #BackupPhotos

[@MergeDroid]

View on Amazon in your region: amzn.to/3l7EFs5 (my affiliate link) For more tips and tricks using this PlusTek ePhoto Z300: kzbin.info/www/bejne/oYK0apqYrtxpgK8 ✨ Find/follow/support the channel: linktr.ee/mergedroid ✨ A big thank you to everyone who has liked and subscribed from this video too, I'm glad it's of use.

[@lisamoody5121]

Hello! Your tutorial is great as the Plustek Help is rather weak. I am unable to name photos as they are scanned. Is there a way to say "Jane in Grandfather Lou's car" for example, while I am scanning that one? Trying to save time I have volumes to scan in prep for wildfire season. THANKS!

[@MergeDroid]

@@lisamoody5121 Thanks Lisa, glad it's helping! Are you wanting to pre-fix a lot of photos with the same name or do individual ones as you go?

[@janarobertson1939]

This helped me so thank you! What you didn’t talk about was the ‘slide show’ located in the lower left. I can’t figure it out! 😳

[@MergeDroid]

Thanks for taking the time to comment. I'm really glad the video has helped. I don't think I've ever used that slide show option, I'll try and take look and see if I can give any pointers 👍

[@MergeDroid]

@@janarobertson1939 I played about with this a bit today. So if you click the Slideshow icon (bottom right of the side draw) you'll get a new window pop up. In that window click on the photo icon with the plus next to it in the bottom right. Select your photos, they could be ones you've scanned with your PlusTek or probably any image files. Then look to the "Music" field, click in that, you need to add a music track of some sort, you could get some royalty free MP3 or similar if you don't have something you want to use. Then click 'Create'. It'll space your photos out to the music and fade between them in a slide show that's output as an MP4 file. Let me know if that helps?

[@elizabethwilson9704]

Great video. Very helpful. Thanks so much for posting it. You not only sold me on buying the scanner (which I did using one of your Amazon links), you helped get me started scanning once it arrived. Highly recommend this video to anyone thinking about buying this scanner.

[@MergeDroid]

That's really great to hear Elizabeth, thanks for taking the time to comment. I hope the scanning continues and goes well! Do check out my tips and tricks video too if you haven't seen that one yet.

[@MergeDroid]

*My first video to reach over 100 likes! Thanks to all who hit that thumbs up and found it of use!*

[@rwjehs8101]

Just bought this for my mom for her birthday, glad I watched this video so I can set it up quickly and give her a rundown. Great job!

[@MergeDroid]

That's great to hear, thanks. Hope she enjoys the birthday, a pretty nice gift! Please do check out my other content for potential birthday gift ideas 👍 Oh and consider a subscribe if you enjoy the videos, thanks!

[@grandpapa115]

Your video was helpful in making a buying decision. Thank You

[@grandpapa115]

I tried to buy using your link but it was in euros and I could not switch it. So sorry

[@MergeDroid]

@@grandpapa115 Thanks so much for taking the time to comment, I'm really glad the video was of use. I hope you are happy with the scanner when you receive it, please do comment back here. Please do also give a 'like' on the video if possible and it'd be great if you'd join the channel as a subscriber, perhaps some of my other videos will be of interest - see what you think. Thanks also for trying my affiliate link, sadly it seems if you're outside the UK it can't factor in redirecting you to your local Amazon site. I think I can create affiliate links for other Amazon sites though, so perhaps this is something I'll look into doing in future.

[@m.muroya9339]

Thank you. This was very helpful. I just purchased this scanner and I needed a simple explanation on how to save my photos to a file. I hope to organize my scads of pictures using this machine.

[@MergeDroid]

You're welcome. It's great to hear how it's helping. I'm pleased to see you found my 5 Tips & Tricks video too. The scanner is a great bit of kit, enjoy digitising your memories. I hope you might also check out some of my other content on the channel if anything looks of interest and perhaps consider subscribing for future updates 👍

[@lloydchristmas4547]

Thanks for all the details.

[@MergeDroid]

You're welcome. Please do check out the follow up tips and tricks video - kzbin.info/www/bejne/oYK0apqYrtxpgK8 If you find the videos useful and enjoy the other content on the channel please do consider a subscribe too 👍

[@normhamman9200]

Excellent video. Very helpful

[@MergeDroid]

Glad to help. Happy scanning!

[@percy6464]

I bought one of these to use instead of my flatbed as I had c400 old photos to scan or pay £0.79/photo at a local shop. It is really great - quick and simple to use. Does all formats (but only at 300/600dpi). 300 is in/out, 600 is maybe 3-4 seconds. A great buy!

[@MergeDroid]

Glad you're benefiting from yours. A great alternative to the choices you mention 👍

[@robertgreer4156]

Thanks .. Lovely and clear ...

[@MergeDroid]

Thanks Robert.

[@rosemarieloxton3279]

Thanks for this tutorial, I've just purchased this machine today and been playing around with it. Not being IT astute I've been tumbling around trying to upload my photos to 'Google photos'. My lap tops running really slow so I'm worried I'll loose the images or that I won't have enough storage for all my photos. I'm sure after watching your video that I can now scan and upload my photos to 'Google photos' so that they'll be safe. 🤞

[@MergeDroid]

I'm really glad it's been of use and is helping you. I'd highly recommend you check out my follow up video too - kzbin.info/www/bejne/oYK0apqYrtxpgK8 Good luck with your scanning and backing up of your photos, hopefully there's no issue with your laptop.

[@Scottie404]

Good video. You need to add the "Calibration sheet" procedure when installing software - won't let you install unless you do a calibration. Please note on using the calibration sheet to take your time feeding it (or ANY photo) - if you skew a photo i.e. not aligning it while feeding it into Plustek, it will get stuck and jam your machine and mess up your photo. Don't ask me how I know this.

[@MergeDroid]

Ha, nice one Scottie, thanks.

[@nancynoe5944]

Software installed without calibration.

[@MergeDroid]

Pro 👌

[@gravesend46]

Would this work OK with newspaper/magazine clippings or would you have to paste those to regular paper to feed in?

[@MergeDroid]

Should be fine as long as they are no wider than the machine takes and you place them with care. I've used it with receipts and similar without issue.

[@marie-elainepetrino7933]

Thank you. What is the best way to scan documents?

[@MergeDroid]

You're welcome. This scanner is very easy to feed A4 sheets through. You can also test apps for your phone such as the Microsoft Office Lens. If you haven't heard of it, do give it a try first. I hope you may also check out the rest of my channel and consider subscribing if you like the content 👍

[@davidkelly7716]

Hi there, brilliant video thank you, really helping me decide to buy this particular scanner of course will use your affiliate link. Quick question, have you any experience of installing the software onto a Mac? (iOS 12.4 Monterey) - some people in other online reviews were complaining the Mac version is very poor compared to the Windows version. Thanks again, excellent review Sir!

[@MergeDroid]

Hi David, thanks for the kind words, glad it's useful. Also really appreciate the support or using my link. I'm afraid I haven't got any experience with it on iOS, sorry. Please let me know what you think if you try it. Also, you may link my follow up video with some tips and tricks for the scanner here - kzbin.info/www/bejne/oYK0apqYrtxpgK8

[@davidkelly7716]

@@MergeDroid Thank you, no worries I'll let you know of course. I have various friends, family, acquaintances and colleagues who want me to scan their photos online (after I did some of mine that were trapped in multiple old albums!). Been thinking the best way is to just scan them quickly and efficiently at 300dpi and store them on Google Photos, just like you say 😊 Only hassle is Google Photos has size limitations as you know so I can't store them there longer term. This is why I like this scanner, can't find anything better really (the Epson one are good but super expensive) and I do really think this will do the job. Thanks so much kind Sir 😊

[@MergeDroid]

Yeah, it should be perfect for your needs. Fingers crossed. Maybe share them via Google Photos and explain to the family members etc that they need to save a copy to their Google Photos library as the original in yours will need to be deleted. Keep a copy on local storage too. Just an idea.

[@davidkelly7716]

@@MergeDroid Thanks so much, brilliant advice. Sorry don't know your real name!

[@MergeDroid]

@@davidkelly7716 No problem, need to keep an element of mystery to the channel 😅😎

[@100benih]

How disappointing the software can’t update the original date taken, location and people tags. Would save a lot of additional time in the workflow. Now need to find additional software to complete the full job. Good review pal, keep it up.

[@MergeDroid]

Thanks Ben, glad you liked the review. Regarding the tags, it might be that there's an easier way, or something they introduce in the future, but for me and I expect many, as the photos will end up in the cloud it may be easier to just bulk modify there or as you say, use a separate dedicated tool.

[@LynnMathers]

Can you tell if this software will work on my new iPad Pro? (Can I use the Mac iOS versions to download?)

[@MergeDroid]

Hi Lynn, Sadly I don't think you'd be able to ge this working with the iPad. Two likely issues: 1.) Software - You could test the link to see what happens (without risking any harm), but I'd assume you'd need an App for the iPad rather than the more traditional software. PlusTek do have an app, but I don't think it's to use with this scanner, just for reference: apps.apple.com/us/app/plustek-escan/id876318758 2.) Hardware - I don't believe your iPad would have a standard USB A port to connect the scanner. I think you'd need a USB C hub (assuming your iPad has a USB C port) or similar to interface between the iPad Pro and offer a standard USB A connection and even then it may not work. Sorry this may not be the answer you'd hoped for. If you still like the content I hope you may consider checking my other videos and possibly subscribing for any future updates and similar content.

[@rtrrr7215]

Wish there was some more analysis on the 600 dpi resolution and how the picture quality looks like vs a scanner bed. This is what I was hoping for in the video is the quaff the pictures

[@MergeDroid]

Hi, I'd say if you're just viewing on your PC or phone, or even printing at 6 x 4 there's little difference and it's not worth the time hit.

[@katherinebrowne2231]

Hi there, wondering if the Plustek scanner scratches photos? I've had a bad experience with another ADF scanner damaging photos and am looking for a replacement. Thanks!

[@MergeDroid]

Hi Katherine, thanks for checking the channel and video out. I've never had any issue with any scratch or damage to a photo using this scanner and can't see how it would occur. It's designed well as you can see and you can open the front bar to clean/dust inside. Hope this helps.

[@rycaz5565]

Do you know if you are able to scan negatives with the scanner as well?

[@MergeDroid]

Just photos for this scanner, no negtives - sorry. PlusTek do sell dedicated negative scanners too, they might be worth a look. I might be able to feature one sometime, but would be an investment. If the video was still entertaining or of use, please do consider a "like" and do check out my other content on the channel, if you like it you may wish to subscribe for more 👍

[@netsider]

Does it pull the images through the scanner or do you need to push a button?

[@MergeDroid]

Hi Russell. It pulls then through, hopefully if you watch me 'drop' them into the scanner you can see I'm not pressing any buttons etc. Hope this helps.

[@Kokolo-ze2cp]

Do you know of any photo scanners that work with Samsung Dex, specifically the Galaxy Tab S7?

[@MergeDroid]

I'm not sure I'm afraid, but it's something I may look into and do a future video on. In theory if there's an Android app and compatibility with the hardware you should be good. There is a PlusTek app, but it doesn't work with the Z300 as you may expect (at least in my quick test). There are scanning apps you can use with your phone/tablet's camera that are great for quick one off scans.

[@Scarn3]

Is this Wi-Fi only or can it be hooked directly to my desk top?

[@MergeDroid]

Hi Captain, it's USB only, no WiFi. Hope this helps. Hope you enjoy my other video on this scanner too and may consider a like on the videos if they've been of use and a subscribe to the channel if you enjoy my content 👍

[@emilytrieu2141]

I just installed the Plustek ePhoto software. When I scanned the photos, it came out overexposed. How do I fix this problem?

[@MergeDroid]

Hi Emily, can you check you installed the latest version of the software from their website rather than the CD that came with the scanner? Also, can you use the calibration sheet again? It'd be great if you'd consider subscribing to the channel if you like the content 👍

[@salanzaldi4551]

If your laptop doesn't play installation disk, how can you install the software?

[@MergeDroid]

You can download it from their website, there's a link in this video's description 👍

[@nancynoe5944]

Carefully tried to calibrate, though I was not prompted to do so, and it ate my calibration sheet (twice). However it "scanned" the calibration sheet and subsequent photos just fine. I'm not getting the point of this procedure but I guess it is optional?

[@MergeDroid]

Hi Nancy, it does seem essential so keep hold of the precious sheet 🙃 You might like my tips and tricks video on the scanner next - kzbin.info/www/bejne/oYK0apqYrtxpgK8

[@nancynoe5944]

@@MergeDroid thanks, I'm definitely hanging on to it! Appreciate your advice.

[@MergeDroid]

Great and no problem. I hope you may like some of the other content on the channel too 👍 Happy scanning in the mean time!

[@kingtanas]

can u change em to black and white?

[@MergeDroid]

Hi Tone - yes, you can edit a photo within the PlusTek ePhoto software and under effects select "B&W" - there are then 3 options ('Light', 'Medium' and 'Gray'). It seems you have to do this for one photo at a time. You could of course also edit the photos in any other software you have once you've saved the files separately. I hope you may also check out my 'Tips for Speed & Quality' video for this scanner - kzbin.info/www/bejne/oYK0apqYrtxpgK8 and of course do consider giving a 'like' to any that are useful and hopefully become a subscriber to the channel 👍

[@timsawyer7443]

Do you know if you can use any glossy A4 sized paper to calibrate the Z 300? $15 for 1 sheet of A4 paper on Amazon seems absurd!

[@MergeDroid]

Hi Tim - Welcome to the channel. I'm not sure, but I had wondered just how special that piece of card really is. Does this mean you have the scanner already but have lost or not been supplied the calibration sheet?

[@timsawyer7443]

@@MergeDroid we probably had it at one time, but there was a long time between when I unboxed it and when we first actually started to set it up to use it. So where it is now is a mystery. 🥺

[@MergeDroid]

@@timsawyer7443 Reading around a bit it sounds like using a glossy card MAY work, but perhaps won't calibrate it so well. If you ever get to test it'd be brilliant to hear back.

[@lag3432]

What’s the difference in image with the first quality scan you did and the one you said is 300? I’m not understanding. Thanks

[@MergeDroid]

Hi Lionel, the scanner offers a default of 330DPI (dots per inch), but you can increase this to 600DPI. In my video you see I show you the difference in speed of the scanner, of course 600DPI is significantly slower. As for the image quality, you can read a lot online if you Google '300 vs 600 DPI', but for me viewing the photos in Google Photos even on large monitors or the TV and printing say 4x6 or even a bit larger is absolutely fine in 300DPI. Occassionally I switch to 600DPI if there's a photo that's particuarly special to me, but can my eyes tell the difference in the way I view them.....probably not! I benefit far more from a rapid scanning process for the bulk of photos I have to digitise, so for me 300DPI is best for 99% of my photos. File size will also be more in 600DPI if that's a consideration. I hope this info and the video are useful. Please do hit "like" to help KZbin know this is a good video and I'd love it if you'd check out some of my other videos on the channel and consider subscribing. Thanks :)

[@lag3432]

@@MergeDroid thanks a lot. I appreciate your time. Glad I found your video.

[@MergeDroid]

Nice one 👍

[@xiscohernandezbibiloni8671]

Hi i have a problem that when photo goes down, the scanner keep rolling 5 or 6 seconds before i can insert another photo you know what happen?

[@MergeDroid]

Hi, that'd suggest it thinks there's still something to feed through. Are you able to lift the white bar from the front and gently clean inside with a suitable cloth or duster? Also check it clicks back into place fully.

[@xiscohernandezbibiloni8671]

@@MergeDroid i calibrated 5 times, and cleaned 2 times.

[@MergeDroid]

@@xiscohernandezbibiloni8671 Hmmm, sorry to hear. Worth checking with Plustek directly. Please do post back with any update as to what they say or what is done. Fingers crossed for you.

[@xiscohernandezbibiloni8671]

@@MergeDroid I gonna make a video for you one moment, and then i send the video to plustek

[@MergeDroid]

Sounds good.

[@joepacheco7979]

Your music broke my speaker! Please adjust volumes: voice and music. Normalize please!!

[@MergeDroid]

I hope you enjoyed the video otherwise Joe. It's all a learning experience, hopefully there's better balanced audio in some of my later videos. Cheers! I'll try and review some replacement speakers for you soon 😉👍

[@hamsunshine9394]

learn volume control

[@MergeDroid]

This is one of my early videos with audio, all a learning experience. Thankfully you can adjust the volume your end too. Please do check the channel for some later stuff with better audio quality - you might like.... kzbin.info/www/bejne/oYK0apqYrtxpgK8

[@barbarababikian9164]

Video is not useful. You cannot hear it.

[@MergeDroid]

Hi Barbara. Sorry you struggled. Most people seen fine with this one. Try with a pair of headphones, it might help. This is one of my earlier videos before my new microphone and audio setup, I hope you might check out a later one to compare such as the tips and tricks video on this scanner - kzbin.info/www/bejne/oYK0apqYrtxpgK8 Thanks 👍

[@barbarababikian9164]

@@MergeDroid okay, thank you.

[@MergeDroid]

Hope it helps.