The work presented here compares the performance of slit with video densitometry. Linearity, precision and detection limits were studied for some test dyes. Slit densitometry was performed using commercial TLC apparatus and video densitometry using a conventional flat-bed scanner with commercial software. Results show that video densitometry has equivalent precision compared with slit densitometry, however, it has a broader linear range and better sensitivity for the compounds studied. Other attributes of video densitometry are highlighted.