LaserSoft Imaging

***** NOTE: THIS IS A DUPLICATE OF WHAT I POSTED IN THE "NIKON FILM SCANNERS" FORUM. *****


Hello, I am looking into purchasing a Nikon Super Coolscan 5000 ED scanner to scan about 4,000 35mm personal use slides. Also, some 35mm strip film. None of the film is Kodachrome, rather mostly Ektachrome and Kodacolor. I would be attaching the scanner to my Apple Intel iMac running OS 10.4.10. I am new to scanning and have some very basic questions that I would appreciate having answered. Thanks in advance! GW

1. Does the LaserSoft scan software totally replace the "Nikon Scan" software that comes with their scanner? I.e., the "Nikon Scan" software would not be needed at all?

2. If the answer to (1.) is yes, is the LaserSoft scan software fully compatible with the Nikon Super Coolscan 5000 ED scanner and can it fully access and use all the features of the Nikon scanner?

3. What version of LaserSoft scan software would be appropriate for me?

4. Is there some online material, such as a video, available that I could see to understand how the LaserSoft scan product works and to better understand its capabilities?

1) not totally. If you want to use anything beyond ICE that is included in NS ( GEM, ROC, etc) Otherwise, yes and more than. SF has some similar functions that are better or at least as capable as NS's. SF does allow more ways to control what you get out of a scan. THere is a bit of a learning curve. i had scanned 4-500 images learning SF and then decided to go back and redo them as my understanding improved. i use the HDR workflow for my scanning.

2) most recent version of Ai Studio for Nikon CS5000. IIRC, it also comes with HDR. You will want the IT8 option for the E6 slides. Note , there seems to be some issues reported with Intel Macs and SF. Search these forums. Try the demo first. You can use the DC version to try out HDR workflow (they are the same - DC just has the camera image import).

3) download the demo version (everything but IT8 is active) and try it out before you buy. HIGHLY recommended. Download the videos, manual etc and walk through them.

4) visit www.computer-darkroom.com and READ the Silverfast tutorials.

i'm using SF with my cs4000 and cs5000 and Microtek E6 with good success ( since version 3) and no real serious issues over the years. A few hiccups occasionally though, but that will be true of any software. NS has its issues as well - but Nikon is not supporting it anymore best i can tell. i am on windows. The CS4000/5000 are really good scanners. Only a drum will do better. ( that ought to get a few comments ;-)) )

good luck scanning.

Thank you very much for the helpful information! I didn't understand everything you said but as I get into scanning, I imagine that I will become more literate on the subject. And it was re-assuring to read your last comment in which I believe you were saying that the Nikon Super Coolscan 5000 ED is a good device that will produce good, quality scans. GW