Silverfast Version Recomendations.

[TheAudioDoc]

I'm considering purchasing HDR Studio as per the recommendation of David Brooks of Shutterbug magazine. I just want to make sure I'm making the right choices in setting up my digital darkroom. I shoot 35mm film and with a DSLR, specifically I'm using the KM Dimagescan Elite 5400 II to scan my negatives to 48bit raw and my DSLR is the KM Maxxum 7D. As far as I can see I should be able to use HDR Studio to process both my scans and my camera raw files -- is that correct? Though looking at the comparison chart, DCProStudio looks it has the same features, so I'm wondering about the differences there.
As far as my scanner driver goes, the AI driver looks nice -- I'm especially intrigued by the Multi Exposure feature of AI -- I'm wondering if this driver will really give me a noticeable improvement over the Dimagescan driver, which seems adequate as I would be doing all adjustments post scanning. Of course I would like to keep costs down -- not making any unnecessary software purchases. I'm using Windows XP 32 bit, which brings to mind yet another question. With the Dimagescan driver I'm stuck with Win XP as KM is "dearly departed"! The Silverfast driver is listed as only for XP -- is Vista in the 5400 II's future (not that I need it -- it's just down the road my hand may be forced)?
I'm thinking of purchasing the HueyPro for calibrating my monitors. Please advise me if this choice will work well -- will Silverfast have any problems with the Huey profiling?
Any recommendations will be greatly appreciated.
Thanks,
Kelly

[degrub]

#1 Download the demo versions that you are interested in. Full function except watermark and IT8. FREE

#2 same as #1

#3 DC is an adapted version of HDR to work with digital cameras. Works the same as HDR , just more features .

#4 If you are happy with the output of the scanners software, you won't need SF, just PSor similar. If you want/need more control and finer granularity of control then get SF. You will need Ai for the scanner. If you output "for HDR" you can use DC to finish editing and work with images from your camera.

#5 Download the demos. they are full function and free and you get to determine if it is what you need/want.

6) THe Huey....it's ok, there are better devices and software available. But for the price, not bad. SF won't care which profiling HW/SW is used.

[TheAudioDoc]

Thanks degrub! I'll try the demos as you recomend. Fully functional meaning I can import raw scans and camera raws into VLT and try out all the controls? I've been reading as much as I can here, and watching the QT videos on various funtions -- quite a bit of info for me to digest! So DC has all the HDR functions plus additional camera related features I assume?
My only problem with purchasing both both the AI driver and HDR Studio is that many features are duplicated and AI plus HDR studio is alot of money for me, as an amature. So, I've read on the site that there are upgrade prices -- would that mean if I purchase HDR Studio, I could get some price break on only the scanner driver that I nead, that would include the Multi Exposure feature?
Also, the Vista issue remains unanswered.
I can't afford to go too overboard on the Monitor calibration tool at this point, before I even know what I need. Which one do you use, or recommend, and why?
I should have time Saturday to play with the demo software, after which time I'll post my feadback.
Thanks again for your tips, degrub! And Vielen Dank Silverfast!
Kelly

[degrub]

i have used the Spyder series with acceptable results for me.

AS an alternative, you can try some of the free utilities based on your vision to set the monitor up fairly close.

Ugrade means version upgrade ( ie from 6 - 6.4 to version 6.5+) not adding Ai to HDR etc. There can be some discount when changing scanners, but i would just call the sales office if you have any questions.

DC is HDR + camera features last i heard.

Vista is an unanswered question for many, not just SF. drivers seem to be an issue that will not get resolved for some.

Work the demos hard and several times so you know what you are getting. You can even try to use output from your scanners existing software and see what you can do with DC/HDR and compare that to using Ai.

[TheAudioDoc]

Thanks Degrub! I downloaded the demos and am in the process of installing.
I've looked at the Spiders and am considering them as an alternative, though they are more expensive. They are advertising a Spider 3 now.
OT: there will be Frogs and Native Americans matching up in Texas tomorrow! Should be a good one -- telecast on Versus, Utah @TCU.