I have been asked to do some photo montages. So I will need to scan alot of pictures. This will be new to me, so what brand and model scanner do you recommend? Also I use Adobe Premiere 6, can you recommend how to go about this in premiere 6? Do you guys usually offer to save it to cd or dvd?
Richard

I've used HP scanners extensively and own a rather old Agfa scanner. The new HP scanners are great: extremely thin, great quality (just keep the glass clean!) and easy to use. So I recommend HP. I can't recommend any models because I don't know any off the top of my head.

Here's a link (http://reviews.cnet.com/4520-3000_7-5109045.html?tag=prmo1) to CNET's most recent Scanner Shootout, where they compare and review 8 scanners. You'll probably find that pretty helpful.

For Premiere 6 (and 6.5 -- I haven't tried it in Pro yet):

Scan the photograph to produce an image at least 4,000 pixels in the longest dimension. Save it as a TIFF or BMP, not a JPEG.

Open it in Photoshop and resize (resample in other programs) so that the longest dimension is exactly 4,000 pixels. Save the result as a TIFF or BMP.

Import the still into Premiere.

Using the Image Pan Transform dropped on the still, hold down the ALT key (to constrain the image to the proportions of your video), and adjust your key frames for panning, zooming, cropping, etc.

That's it -- you'll wind up with fluid, smooth pans and zooms without pixelation or artifacts.

Thanks Paul,
That is some very helpful info. Now all I need is a scanner any suggestions. I did check out the lead Alex gave me. Thanks Alex.

id suggest a HP printer which also scans negative and slides..

If you are scanning LOTS of photos, you may want to check out an HP (I agree with that brand) that has a sheet feeder.

Although I have not used this model, here is an example:

http://h10010.www1.hp.com/wwpc/us/en/sm/WF05a/15179-64195-215155-15202-215155-77360.html

I picked up an HP Scanjet 7400c on eBay for, if I recall, around $300. It comes with a negative/slide scanning attachment, has a sheet feeder and does a terrific job of scanning. It's the latest of a series of HP scanners that I've owned. I find them to be reliable and produce high quality results.

Josh,
Why the sheet feeder for picture copying purposes? How do you find this would be helpful even know you don't own one? Just wondering. I am trying to keep cost down, but still own a decent scanner.