What are the advantages of Silver fast

[Arnason]

I have been using the Epson default software that comes with the Epson perfection V750 PRO for hundreds of scans of old film.
What are the advantages of using Silver fast? After running the demo mode Silver fast v 3.0.9 it seem appears complicated to use and I do notice any improvements in my scans. The reason may be that I am not familiar with the software. The question remains, why switch?

[jsfitz]

Related question: I own SilverFast Ai (6.4) - purchased as part of a scanner bundle (Epson 4990 Pro) - I am looking to upgrade to 6.5 and start using this program more (have only used once or twice to scan negatives): is the 6.5 Ai upgrade worth it (only about $30), and what about the Ai Studio version (would be about $130-140)?

Ai Studio appears to have the new "Multi-Exposure" feature - is this worth it? Anything else Ai Studio does that Ai does not?

Also, is anyone familiar with Monaco EZColor? What does this do - calibration?

Would this eliminate the need for the Lasersoft calibration extras (saw these avail. for purchase in the online store)?

Thank you.

[Arnason]

I am disapointed that Silverfast does not reply to the questions that I put into this thread. Product makers are usually quick to respond to question and eager to describe the advantages of using their products.

[Numptie]

I have been using the Epson default software that comes with the Epson perfection V750 PRO for hundreds of scans of old film.
What are the advantages of using Silver fast? After running the demo mode Silver fast v 3.0.9 it seem appears complicated to use and I do notice any improvements in my scans. The reason may be that I am not familiar with the software. The question remains, why switch?

You too? Did you decide to switch in the end?

The Epson software is okay but hardly great. You'll get fine scans from it. I've seen what Silverfast can accomplish in the hands of scan users who know what they're doing. It seems to offer better fine tuning at the scan level rather than using Photoshop to do all the adjustments.

Silverfast v3 is a bit old....I'm running v6.5 - it's not cheap but I'm hoping it's worth it. Definitely liking it more than v**s**n, but it's taking a long learning curve to understand Silverfast. That's the only downside so far ;(

Ai Studio appears to have the new "Multi-Exposure" feature - is this worth it? Anything else Ai Studio does that Ai does not?

I've got this version. It's supposed to increase density exposure of negatives so you get better contrast range. It's easy to operate since it's just a click on the Scanflow. If you're happy with the dynamic range of your scans, it's probably not worth it. Otherwise, if you're used to scanning a lot of contrasty transparencies, you'll appreciate it.

I can already see a huge difference in the Silverfast Ai Studio scans c/w the Epson software which I've used.

[drm]

I have no idea why Lasersoft staff have no interest in promoting their product, but whatever...

I can't speak for Epson software, but in general, Silverfast provides a greater degree of control over scans than manufacturer software. Depending on the version, it also offers scanner calibration. Silverfast is powerful, but very complex. The language used in the user interface - in the English version at least - can be confusing, as can be the documentation, which, although extensive, is not very well organised, and not perfectly translated.

It can also be unstable, but considering how many combinations of operating system and scanner hardware they support, this is not so surprising. It can also be rock steady.

Basically, if you don't understand what Silverfast offers, you probably don't need it. But if you are frustrated with the quality of scans you are getting, or the time it takes you to get a decent scan, then you should try it.

In any case, Lasersoft offers free demos of all products, so the best thing to do is download it and try it. It won't bite you.

[jsfitz]

Thanks for your help. I went with the Ai6 6.5 upgrade (was only $30) - I read some more about the Multi-Sourcing and it sounds very cool, though I don't think I need it, at this point.

Also just got Photoshop Elements 6 - already this setup is yielding some good results - even though the original setup was very good, too.

[President_LSI]

SilverFast Ai Studio 6.5 Features

Dear User,

SilverFast Ai 6.5 Studio adds a number of significant features:

Multi-Exposure with Auto-Alignment
This patented feature enhances the Dynamic Range tremendously while at the same time reduces noise.
See test review by photographer Peter Wolff: http://www.photographical.net/silverfast_me.html

SilverFast Auto IT8-Calibration
This is also one of our patented unique highlights allowing you to calibrate your scanner automatically with highest precision.
See the IT8 Part in Mike Pasini's M1 Review: http://www.imaging-resource.com/SCAN/M1/M1.HTM

HDR 48bit concept with HiRePP
SilverFast allows to scan into 48 bit HDR (uncorrected) or 48 bit Color-corrected format. Those file can become very large (couple hundred Megabytes). A separate application SilverFast HDR can then open these large files in close to real-time and edit those file on the fly. An integrated JobManager can finally process all files in the back ground.

https://www.silverfast.com/48bit-hdr-software/

A SilverFast Review by Vincent Oliver can be found here: http://www.photo-i.co.uk/Reviews/softwa ... page-1.htm

It might be noteworthy that SilverFast Ai Studio is the only software that is used with High-End Scanner such as Linotype-Hell (Heidelberg) drum- and flatbed scanner, such as Chromagraph, Tango, Topaz, Nexscan.

Hope that gives you some insight! Many more SilverFast highlights can be found on our website https://www.silverfast.com/highlights/short/en.html.

best regards

Karl-Heinz Zahorsky
President
LaserSoft Imaging AG

[jsfitz]

Thank you!