iTechGuides is reader-supported. When you buy through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Learn more
Verdict: The Epson FastFoto FF-680W is designed for people who need to digitize many loose prints without placing each one on a flatbed. Its automatic feeder, one-pass two-sided scanning, and photo-focused software make it a compelling fit for large, ordinary print collections. It is less obviously suited to fragile, curled, damaged, or especially valuable originals, which must pass through a sheet-fed path. This is a research-based review; it does not include hands-on testing.
What the Epson FastFoto FF-680W does
The FF-680W is a sheet-fed, one-pass duplex color photo scanner with a stated 600 dpi optical resolution. It can scan loose prints in batches and capture the back of a photo in the same pass, which is useful when handwritten names, dates, or locations are part of the family record. Epson also positions it for postcards, panoramas, and documents.
Epson lists USB 3.0 and 802.11 b/g/n wireless connectivity, along with FastFoto and ScanSmart software. These are the features on Epson’s US product page; check current operating-system compatibility, app availability, wireless setup requirements, and service status before buying. Epson FastFoto FF-680W specifications
How fast is it for scanning a large stack?
Epson advertises scanning “as fast as 1 photo per second at 300 dpi” and batches of up to 35 photos. The one-photo-per-second figure is a manufacturer claim at 300 dpi, not an independently measured result, and it should not be read as the speed at 600 or 1200 dpi. Epson’s US specifications list a 36-photo-sheet automatic document feeder for the stated photo-paper thickness; standard-paper capacity is listed as 100 sheets.
#1 Best Overall
- HIGH-SPEED PERSONAL PHOTO SCANNER¹ — Scan thousands of photos as quickly as 1 photo per second at 300 dpi ²; Further increasing your efficiency, this Epson picture scanner also allows you to batch-scan up to 36 photos at a time
- PRESERVE YOUR PRICELESS PHOTOS — Photo scanner for transforming old pictures to digital fast; Restore, organize, protect, and share your special photos; Scan Polaroid photos, panoramas, postcards, and photos up to 8 x 10 in
- SHARE STORES FOR FUTURE GENERATIONS — After scanning your photos with this Epson FastFoto scanner, use the Epson FastFoto app³ to add voice and text over your photos, or create slideshows right from your smartphone
- PRECISE PICTURE IMAGING SYSTEM — When you use this wireless, high-speed scanner you can bring new life to old photos with the help of auto enhancement, color restoration, red-eye reduction, de-skew, crop, and rotate
- SINGLE-STEP TECHNOLOGY — With this double sided scanner you can capture both the image and any handwritten notes on the back of a photo in a single scan; Duplex scanner's functionality helps you preserve what matters
That rated pace describes scanning, not the entire digitizing project. Sorting prints, loading and unloading them, reviewing results, naming files, processing images, and making backups all take time. Higher-resolution choices can also affect scanning time and storage needs; no measured throughput or file-size figures are established here.
Which resolution should you choose?
Epson frames its output choices around how the scan will be used. There is no single best setting for every print: higher resolution may suit later enlargement, while sharing and archiving have different practical priorities.
Rank #2
- World's Fastest Photo Scanner: Scan old pictures to digital at 1 photo per second, 600 dpi quality, Process shoeboxes in hours with 36-photo auto feeder, Save weeks versus traditional scanners
- Digitize Old Family Photos Fast: Perfect for old photos to digital conversion, Batch scan inherited collections and faded pictures, High-speed photo digitizer processes 1000s of memories quickly
- Auto-Restore Faded Memories: Photo enhancement corrects color on old pictures automatically, Reduces red-eye and improves brightness, Scan both sides to capture handwritten notes in one pass
- Bulk Photo Scanner with Feeder: Load 36 photos at once for batch scanning, Stop tedious one-at-a-time work, Photo scanner feeder handles multiple photos automatically, Digitize albums fast
- Photos Plus Documents: High-speed document scanner processes paperwork at 45 ppm duplex, Creates searchable PDFs with OCR, Remains useful after photo projects, Scans receipts to manuals easily
| Intended use | Epson’s stated option | Practical consideration |
|---|---|---|
| Sharing | 300 dpi | A sharing-oriented choice; Epson’s one-photo-per-second speed claim is specifically stated at this resolution. |
| Archiving | 600 dpi TIFF | Epson labels this its archive option. For a preservation workflow, keep an unaltered master and save enhancement edits separately. |
| Enlargements | 1200 dpi | Epson labels this for enlargements. The supplied specifications do not establish its throughput or resulting file sizes. |
These are Epson’s suggested modes, not a guarantee of archival permanence or a measured comparison of image quality. The scanner’s stated 600 dpi optical resolution is distinct from the listed 1200 dpi output choice. Epson’s product information and output modes
Free tools Windows power users keep installed
One-click scans. No signup required.
Is a sheet-fed scanner safe for old or delicate prints?
The FF-680W moves originals through a feeder. That handling method is central to its speed advantage, but it may not suit every source. Take particular care with fragile, curled, damaged, or especially valuable photographs, and consider a flatbed workflow or a professional digitization service if you are uncomfortable feeding those originals through a scanner.
Rank #3
- World’s Fastest Photo Scanner (1) — scan thousands of photos as fast as 1 photo per second (2).
- High-quality scans up to 600 dpi — scan precious images, from wallets to panoramic photos.
- Preserve what’s priceless — Restore, Save, Organize and Share images.
- (1) In its class, as compared to other consumer photo scanners priced under $1,000 MSRP USD (sold into the United States and Canada as of November 2015).
- (2) Based on average speed from start of scan to end, using Windows driver, scanning thirty 4" x 6" photos at 300 dpi in landscape orientation. Auto-feed tray accommodates 30 photos at a time.
No model-specific damage rate or test of fragile media is established here, so it would be misleading to promise that delicate prints are safe—or to claim that they will be damaged. The product is intended for loose media fed through the machine; assess each photograph’s condition and importance before choosing that workflow.
How useful is two-sided scanning?
When the back of a print has handwritten notes, capturing it alongside the image can preserve context that might otherwise be lost. Epson describes the FF-680W as able to capture both the photo and its handwritten back in one pass. This can make a batch workflow more complete, though files still need sensible naming and organization so the information remains findable later.
Rank #4
- DIGITIZE PHOTOS & PRESERVE PRECIOUS MEMORIES. Includes 3 photo carrier sheets for delicate prints and quick start instructions to create photo scanning profiles
- OUR MOST ADVANCED SCANSNAP. Large touchscreen, scans up to 100 photos per minute, Automatic Document Feeder holds up to 100 documents or up to 36 photos, Wi-Fi and USB connectivity, automatic optimizations, and support for cloud services.
- PHOTO AND DOCUMENT ORGANIZATION MADE EFFORTLESS. Easily manage, edit, and use scanned data from photos, documents, receipts, and business cards. Automatically optimize, name, and sort files.
- CUSTOMIZABLE. SHARABLE. Select personalized profiles from the touchscreen. Send to PC, Mac, mobile devices, and clouds. QUICK MENU lets you quickly scan-drag-drop to your favorite computer apps.
- STABLE WIRELESS OR USB CONNECTION. Built-in Wi-Fi 6 for the fastest and most secure scanning. Connect to smart devices or cloud services without a computer. USB-C connection also available.
Can it scan documents too?
Yes. Epson specifies document scanning as well as photo scanning. For letter-size documents at 300 dpi color, the US product page rates it at up to 45 pages per minute or 90 images per minute. Those are manufacturer-rated figures, not independent test results; they apply to the stated document size and scan setting, not to photo batches.
A general buying guide also places the FF-680W among scanners aimed at both documents and photos, but that secondary context does not establish a controlled comparison or hands-on performance result. Digital Camera World’s scanner buying guide
Best Value
- 【Compatibility】Size: approximately 12.01 x 6.75 x 7.12inches. This scanner dust cover is tailored for Epson FastFoto FF-680W Wireless High Speed Photo and Document Scanning System, compatible with Fujitsu ScanSnap iX1400 iX1500 iX1600 iX2500 Document Scanner, for Epson DS-530 II / DS-770 / DS-870 / DS-970 / ES-400W & ES-500W Document Scanners, and for similar outlook and size scanners
- 【Premium Quality】Made of 290T nylon composite fabric, this dust cover is anti-static, water repellent, soft touch, durable and easy to clean. It protects your photo & receipt scanner from dust, spills, scratches and other dirt, ensuring its longevity
- 【Easy to Use】The lightweight one-piece design and bungee cord bottom provide a snug fit for your desktop document scanner. Adjust the tightness for added convenience and comfort
- 【Easy to Maintain】The water-repellent coating allows for easy cleaning with a damp cloth. When not in use, the sleeve cover can be folded and stored without taking up much space, making it ideal for busy users
- 【No Risk Purchase】Great dust cover for home and office use. Please check your device model and size before purchase. If you're not satisfied, we offer a hassle-free refund policy
Who should consider the FF-680W?
- Good fit: You have a large number of loose, reasonably robust prints and value batch feeding, back-of-photo capture, and a photo-oriented workflow.
- Think twice: Your collection includes delicate or unusually valuable originals, or you would rather handle every image individually on a flatbed.
- Check before purchase: Confirm compatibility with your current computer and operating system, availability of the software you need, and the scanner’s current price, warranty, and parts availability. Those current details are not established here.
Bottom line on the Epson FastFoto FF-680W
The FF-680W’s strongest case is practical: it is built to move through a large pile of loose photographs, scan both sides in one pass, and offer output choices for sharing, archiving, or enlargements. Epson’s speed and document-rate figures are specifications rather than independent test results. If the collection is fragile or valuable, its sheet-fed design deserves more weight in the decision than its headline speed.
For the stated product purpose and features, see Epson’s FF-680W product page and its launch announcement.
Quick Recap
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
