Scanning slides

I am now getting the photos from the photographer (Dave) in digital format. He has - in the last year or so switched over to a digital camera. It strikes me that digital is the way to go - at least from my point of view. I'm not sure if there are any purists out there that still feel slides are better for one reason or another.

However, much of the photographers previous work is in slide format. I suspect this is the case for many photographers. The agencies - it seems - used to do the scanning and photoshopping. Although I suspect some photographers in the past did this work themselves and as such have digital copies of their work going way back.

I am wondering what the best way is to get slides into digital format? I recently asked this questions on a photography forum and was told that today one can buy a Nikon scanner for about 1000 bucks which will do a professional job. Also, I was pointed to a site - http://www.scancafe.com/. Some folks have indicated that these guys do a very good job and the prices are also good. The only thing that would concern me here is that you have to send your slides to India (concerned about sending them anywhere for that matter). Isn't it a bit risky putting all your hard work into an envelope and sending it half-way across the planet. Also, at the other end what is to stop folks from making copies of your work? Perhaps I'm being a little paranoid? Would be interesting to hear what others have done with their slides or indeed if anyone has had any experience with scancafe.