LaserSoft Imaging

Hi all,

new member, new to SilverFast, so please, excuse my ignorance and possibly redundant questions.

Recently purchased an Epson V750 scanner (flatbed scanner). Came with SilverFast AI. That was one of the reason I purchased that model, the SF software was highly recommended. Of course I'm a bit peeved that I instantly have to buy an upgrade to get the profiles I need (Fuji 160S neg film), but hey, that's business. Now my decision is which version to upgrade to?
I'm using the scanner 95% for film scanning, and 80% of that film is going to be negative colour film. I'll be scanning mostly 4x5 sheet film along with medium format and some 35mm film.
Should I just stick with upgrading the AI version or should I be looking at another version, such as studio or HDR. As I said, that may sound like a stupid question, but I know Silverfast through it's reputation as good scanner software -I really haven't had the chance to use it much yet - however it's other reputation is for being a bit confusing in its product line-up and supporting materials, like the website.

Many thanks!

nick

Are you working with PS CS3 ? If so check the filters and tools to see which are 16 bit /channel versus 8 bit. HDR's advantage these days is getting slimmer over the days when it was about the only 16 bit editor around. But, if you also use a digital camera, look at DC pro as it provides the same functions as HDR with the benefit of handling import of digital negs from the camera and converting them with a consistent set of tools.

These days it really amounts to a choice of which tools you want to edit with IMHO.. Either PS or DC/HDR will do most of the job. i use both.

The other thing to think about is what your workflow will be - make a archive scan and then edit later or do all the adjustments at scan time. The former is suited for HDR/DC or PS and the later for Ai Studio with finishing in PS.

I'm still in PS CS2, though I'll be upgrading soon.
I work my files in 8 bit, unless there's a very good reason to work an individual file in 16 bit. I'm talking about post work in Photoshop here though.
My workflow, for scanning, is to scan the image (usually neg film), then work the image in post using PS. I want to make a clean, neutral image with good endpoints (shadows/highlights), before doing my post work. I would like to do as much of that in SilverFast, though I know I'll have to do at least some in Photoshop to hit the numbers.
My camera workflow (Raw) goes through Adobe Lightroom, Adobe Camera Raw (via PS or Bridge) or maybe the camera manufactureres converter. So I won't be looking at DC Pro.
Am I correct in thinking HDR (regular or Studio flavour) is used AFTER the scanning process? In that case, I just need to decide between AI and AI Studio and can purchase HDR later if I decide I want to go that route. Have I got that right?
It looks like the main difference between AI and AI studio is the AACO, Auto Adaptive Contrast Control. As the price difference between AI and AI studio (upgrade) is over a hundred dollars, is that feature worth while, or perhaps more importantly, does it work when scanning colour negative film?
Any idea if there are any sales people in the United States? I'd love to talk with the people I'm going to be giving my money to!

Thanks for your help!

nick

If you are going to work/scan in 8 bit , you should consider doing all of the adjustments at scan time rather than post scan, unless you are only making small curve changes and other tweaks. Otherwise i would scan at 16 bit/ch and adjust in HDR or PS as you see fit.

Best choice i think is to download the demo version and test it. All it costs is time and it will help you make the right decision., much more than any conversation will.

Have a look at
www.luminous-landscape.com

for a discussion of some of the workflow issues.

Thanks for the reply. Actually I found the SF rep here in the States. Why there's no number/email listed on the website I have no idea, but Boris from SF was very helpful. I'm going to take a good look at AI Studio. I like the concept of opening up shadow detail with AACO and Multi pass scanning, even if I then convert to 8 bit very quickly. Looks like my best solution. I won't get into the whole 16 versus 8 bit argument, but personally I try and do as much of my post work in 8 bit as I can. I found Mark Segals Silverfast article on LL. That's going to be a big help in setting things up.
Thanks for your help!

nick