MHO conclusions

[o-b-1-kanobi]

I tried your demo of SilverFast Application (with PhotoShop Plug-in Option)
Version: 6.1.0d7, File size: 17.31 MB, Date: 2003-12-02 for Minolta DiMAGE Scan Elite 5400.
There are a few things I found that are preventing me from using it.

First the output resolution is not consistent with the resolution I am setting.
I put 7100x4752 300DPI pixels and I get a completely different resolution.

Second the ICE+GrainDisolver are not operating the same way they do in
Minolta scanner software. GrainDisolver can be operated by itself while ICE
will operate the GrainDisolver once it's been selected and this is not the
case with SilverFast Ai. Each of the functions works independently which
I am not sure it should (and I do not want to use your own GANE).

Third there are no constraints on the resolution settings so I can create something
like 7100x4752 600DPI which does not exists. In Minolta scanning software
I cannot set incorrect values.

I could not find out how to operate the focus button. What does all the small
icons mean? This is something the I find with most of your small icons. They
are too small and not intuitive.

Overall the software looks with lots of potential and features and it seems
that a lot of effort was put in it.

Thank you for letting me test it before deciding.

[jtrevino]

o-b-1,

As the Leica folks would say, "it's not a defect, it's a feature"... The problems you find about SF are what keeps most users loyal from scanner to scanner. It imposes no "foolproof" limitations on the user and usually allows him/her to decide the parameters of the scan, even if less than optimal. I haven't tried oversized scans with my 5400 but my guess is that SilverFast will interpolate to give you a larger file. This might come handy for some applications like large posters.

The focus button will cycle through four stages that are OFF, Program, Auto and Manual. ICE and Grain Dissolver can be operated independently of each other which is real fine with me as sometimes I want to use ICE but turn off GD. Again, this is part of the SF functionality that longtime users usually like.

I hope one of the LSI folks chimes in with a more technical explanation.

[o-b-1-kanobi]

SilverFast is allowing you to create larger scans by interpolation but I
think that this option should be optional via the setting.
I for one do not want to use SilverFast interpolation since I have
my own preferences if I want to enlarge my scans.
The problem is that I do not know if my result is interpolated or not.

My concern about the focus among the rest of the toolbar that is too
small and cryptic. Since I am a software engineer and a GUI designer
for many years I have a vast knowledge of what is user friendly and
what not. I am working on 21" CRT 1280x1024 and I find the icons to
be too small.

Regarding the ICE+GD see my reply in viewtopic.php?t=2453
I think this subject should be more clear and explained.

[jtrevino]

o-b-1,

I also work on a large "desktop", usually 1600x1200 (21" monitor) and agree with you that the buttons could be better designed and also larger. OTOH, once you are familiar with them, the cryptic icons and tiny buttons become irrelevant.

What I would really like to see is a way to straighten scan frames. In the Minolta it's not extremely important as the holder usually is aligned all right. However, I also have an Epson and you have to go some lengths to get the holder squared up or scan a generous rebate around the film image and then straighten in photoshop, something that you know is not the best option. Other scan programs have it and I have been assured since version 5 by the LSI people that this should be easy. Why it hasn't been incorporated, beats me.