Silverfast AI vs. Epson w/Epson 4870

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Novice questions:

In searching for info regarding these two scan engines, I get the impression
that different programs can actually give different 'physical' results?
i.e. difference in sharpness etc.? If either program was set to scan with
all options 'off' (no dust, ice, USM, etc...), can the scans be different?

Also, are all USM algorithms the same, or do they differ from product to
product.

Trying to decide whether to install Silverfast or stick to the Epson
interface...

thanks
a
 
If you have the better Ai version of Silverfast, I would definitely give it
a try in addition to EpsonScan. The Ai version has some really nice
features compared to the SE version and compared to EpsonScan, too. The raw
data available to each software package from the scanner is the same but
each software packages can interpret the data differently and/or massage it
in different ways (e.g. ultilizing multiple pass scans, longer exposure,
etc.). I think most people try to wait on the application of unsharp
masking until one of the final steps and after they have completed final
edits and any resizing within Photoshop.

Doug
 
Ditch Silverfast.
This is not a novice interface in any way, shape or form.

Douglas
 
- said:
If you have the better Ai version of Silverfast, I would definitely give it
a try in addition to EpsonScan. The Ai version has some really nice
features compared to the SE version and compared to EpsonScan, too. The raw
data available to each software package from the scanner is the same but
each software packages can interpret the data differently and/or massage it
in different ways (e.g. ultilizing multiple pass scans, longer exposure,
etc.). I think most people try to wait on the application of unsharp
masking until one of the final steps and after they have completed final
edits and any resizing within Photoshop.

Doug
Click to expand...

Would you elaborate a bit on Silverfast Ai's advantages? SE had a
couple of interesting tricks but didn't seem to offer anything over
Epson Scan apart from the included negative profiles. I found the
interface somewhat annoying as well (not that Epson's is a masterpiece
of design). Does Ai feature the same "pilot" interface? What are
Ai's main strengths? Do its image cleaning methods match or surpass
Digital ICE?

Also, can you offer any thoughts on Ai in comparison to Vuescan? I
get the impression that these two are the most powerful scan utilities
overall in their price range, especially when compared to those
shipped with consumer/prosumer scanners. I've tried Silverfast SE and
the Vuescan demo, but both are too limited for a true comparison (and
I don't know what all to look for yet).

Thanks,
false_dmitrii
 
Would you elaborate a bit on Silverfast Ai's advantages? SE had a
couple of interesting tricks but didn't seem to offer anything over
Epson Scan apart from the included negative profiles. I found the
interface somewhat annoying as well (not that Epson's is a masterpiece
of design). Does Ai feature the same "pilot" interface? What are
Ai's main strengths? Do its image cleaning methods match or surpass
Digital ICE?

Also, can you offer any thoughts on Ai in comparison to Vuescan? I
get the impression that these two are the most powerful scan utilities
overall in their price range, especially when compared to those
shipped with consumer/prosumer scanners. I've tried Silverfast SE and
the Vuescan demo, but both are too limited for a true comparison (and
I don't know what all to look for yet).

Thanks,
false_dmitrii
Click to expand...
You can look at my discussion on using Silverfast in the tips section
of my web site.
 
Save your money

According to an optical physicist friend, bits are bits. Capture to the maximal degree is critical, and Epson Scan does as well in that regard as SilverFast - and free. What you do from that point on is your business. IF you go straight to Photoshop, you can do what you need and lose less than going through SilverFast to Photoshop (or whatever you wish to use).

Don't lose bits or money. Even Epson support techs will tell you sotto voce to stick with Epson's free product. Shhhh.
 
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