Posted By:
Paul SDerek, welcome to the forum. Since you've been reading here for awhile it's not secret to you that we wish more collectors would "come out" and contribute with questions, information and scans.
The general consensus is that scanning is better than digital camera pictures -- overall they are clearer, sharper and bereft of lighting problems. I wouldn't worry about scanning a card a few times hurting a card, even the flash of light. If the card is not holdered then you can always put it in a plastic sleeve or hard toploader, which is what I have most of mine in already. Make sure you scanner screen is clean, etc. One technique many people use for a nice looking scan is to turn the room lights out and leave the scanner top open. Myself, I leave the top closed, with a thin sheet of black foam between the back of the card and the scanner lid.
Post way, man!