On Sat, 07 Apr 2001 22:47:18 Mikael Risedal (risedal@hotmail.com) wrote:
> I cant understand why people are discussion a software like VueScan so
> much in this group. .If you are trying to learn how to scan a picture
> from negative or slides the only good software in my opinions are
> Silverfast, ( and some thimes the shipping manufactories software to
> your scanner.) If you are looking after a good automatic calculating
> software try Binuscan.
Yes, I have both here, have worked extensively with both, and - with
colour neg - generally manage to get the best scan via Vuescan, with less
effort and better consistency. The way I see it is:-
- SilverFast : designed for heavy-duty production use, without any
requirement for Photoshop manipulation. If you spend all day every day
scanning dozens of originals, it makes perfect sense. Consequently
powerful, hard to learn, and expensive. Fast and good for experts,
otherwise just plain difficult and confusing.
- Binuscan : very clever software mainly aimed at producing superior CMYK
seps without going anywhere near PS. If only art eds would accept them!
Specialist, idiosyncratic, expensive, and the bundled cut-down
Photoperfect can produce very good RGB, or disappointingly overcontrasty,
oversaturated, oversharpened, probably due to optimisation for pre-press.
Not much control over the result via the buried parameter settings. Comes
close to being a one-button autopilot software, with some clever CC
algorithms.
- Vuescan : replacement for OE scanning softwares, often extending scanner
capabilities. Strange UI belies a lot of power which works best at getting
the maximum into the scan rather than finally correcting it, which is
better done in PS 16 bit mode after approximate VS adjustments.
Consequently slow 2-stage workflow for is for control freaks, but with
excellent scan quality potential. Quick/dirty 8 bit scans can be better or
worse than OE software, but this isn't the best way to use VS. Desperately
cheap, and rapidly evolving.
All 3 have UI's which can provoke shock and bewilderment in the naive
user, and I think most beginners would do best to work with OE software -
which mostly doesn't look like a flight deck from a UFO - until they begin
to sense the limitations.
Regards
Tony Sleep
- Online portfolio & exhibit; + film scanner
info & comparisons
