LaserSoft Imaging

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?

Hello ghostwriter,

In answer to your first two questions, you will need the driver provided by Nikon, but beyond that SilverFast is able to handle your needs.

IMHO I would recommend that you at least go with SilverFast SE+ maybe because the additional features speed up your over all work flow.

You may find the movies http://www.silverfast.com/mov/en.html to be helpful.