LaserSoft Imaging

I really am starting from scratch. I regularly shoot HDR with a DSLR and process using Photomatix and Lightroom.

However, I always wanted to replace my Nikon FTn and I found one the other night. And now I have a brilliant idea that I want to try a hybrid workflow for HDR.

I can get the negatives processed locally but they weren't sure if they could do multiple scan passes at different exposures.

So I need a scanner first, and would appreciate suggestions.

Next, I have no idea which scanning product I need here. I want to be able to scan the negative and create separate files at different exposures, as well as different files for bracketed shots. These I will process in Photomatix as opposed to combining here.

Thanks for the help.

Dear Malcom,

I am assuming you need the best quality possible for your scans. Two things must be said at this point, there are film dedicated scanners and flatbed scanners with film holders capable of scanning films and slides. In my opinion film dedicated scanners are better than flatbed scanners for the task of scanning films and slides of course this also depends on what scanner you get.

As in most things budget is a very influencing variable in the equation, I will mention some scanners with different price ranges and qualities, you should decide what fits well your needs/budget.

Here is a suggestion on some of the best film scanners you can use for your task.
(a complete list of supported scanners by SilverFast can be found here: http://www.silverfast.com/product/en.html) bear in mind that not all scanners are supported under all operating systems, make sure you check carefully before making your choice.

Nikon Super Coolscan 9000 (for slides and 35 mm films up to medium format film, expensive scanner but the best quality).
Nikon Super Coolscan 5000 (mainly for 35mm film and slides, expensive but the best in the 35mm class).
Nikon CoolScan LS-50 (mainly 35 mm film and slides, expensive but excelent )

Reflecta DigitDia series only for 35 mm slides (no film scanning unless framed in slides plastic frames)
Reflecta CrystalScan 7200 (35mm and slides, relatively low price & good quality)
Reflecta iScan 3600 (35mm and slides, low price & good quality )

Plustek 7500i, 7600i (affordable film scanners good quality)

Of course there are many more brands of dedicated scanners with very good quality but have been discountinued, you can find them in ebay though (e.g Minolta ScanElite 5400II, Canon FS4000 US, Microtek Artixscan 120 tf, etc.)

Then you have flatbed scanners with transparency units for scanning films and slides, if you are planning to scan other material than just film (reflective artwork, magazines, etc) you should consider getting one of these scanners, there are also a broad range of scanners with also a broad range of prices and qualities.

Epson Perfection V750 Pro, It is the top of the Epson line and its quality and performance are also top notch
Epson Perfection V500 Photo, next in the price category, this is an LED scanner (this technology is relatively new in the scanning field), good scanner and quick

There are many more Epson models but you should decide if this works for you.

Canon CanoScan 8800F is the top of the line and equivalent to the Epson Perfection V500 in quality.
Canon CanoScan 8600F also a very good scanner, good quality, robust, affordable.

For the sake of brevity I am leaving many other brands which you can check on our list of supported scanners, however I believe I gave you some elements to start thinking about your next aquisition.

Cheers

Thanks for the scanner list. I will start looking into them.

What about the choice of software based on what I am looking to do? Is there a comparison grid somewhere?

yes there is.
<http://www.silverfast.com/download/docu/detailedfeaturecomparisonofallsf6.6-versions_ende_2009-01-21.pdf>

kind regards
Arne Ketelhohn