The image scanning system (52) of the present invention scans slides and film strips containing photographic images and creates a corresponding plurality of digital representations of the photographic images. The system (52) includes a touch screen monitor (96), a computer (54), a scanner (62), a high speed interface (112) and a printer (98). The scanner (62) includes a light source (172) for projecting light through the film strip. A light sensor (124) senses the light projected through the film strip and generates pixel data. A film drive advances the film strip between the light source (172) and the light sensor (124). A lens located between the light source and the light sensor directs the light projected through the film strip onto the light sensor (124). The pixel data is transmitted through the high speed interface (112) to the computer (54) for processing operations. After the pixel data has been processed, digital images are displayed on the monitor (96) and may also be printed out.