In other words, it is a bit like using a D-SLR camera and saving the Raw files. You then open a Raw file in conversion software to color correct and adjust the image to the final picture you want for printing or other output. The original 64-bit SilverFast scan file then becomes an archival file of all the information you scanned. And you can then process that file again at any time to obtain an 8-bit file for printing and other output.

(Left): Just getting a scanned image file that is clean without any dust or scratches that have to be retouched would seem a great advantage, and it is. But added to that is a brighter, more brilliantly saturated reproduction of the colors in a photograph. (Right): Black-and-white film negatives, exposed and developed for portraiture, typically involve a different balance of characteristic curves so skin tones are in the straight center of the curve and shadows on the toe are less contrasty. Scanning film just captures film characteristics pretty much on a straight line, so with portraits you can lose detail in the shadows and the file becomes difficult to print effectively. Fortunately, the highlights, mid tones, and shadows can be separately adjusted with SilverFast and you can preserve the character of the image successfully in a final scan. .

One of the most wondrous and magical natural environments are the rainforests along the coast of Washington state, but they are also a challenge to photograph because there is so little light under the canopy of trees. Getting a good scan of a transparency made in the rainforest can be a challenge, too. But with this new SilverFast iSRD archival system I obtained the best scan results I have ever made of these images.

The image adjustment and color correction in HDR is the same workflow as it is with a standard scan, with the addition of clicking on iSRD, getting the cleanup preview, clicking on Auto, and adjusting how much cleaning needs to be applied. Then once all the scan adjustments are applied, click on Process and you get a new file that is adjusted, cleaned, and ready to use.

The new Epson Perfection V600 Photo and LaserSoft SilverFast simply offer more for less. In addition, the new system produces better results more easily and effectively if the ultimate Archive Suite option is added to the package. The image cleaning is now visually controllable, fast, and effective.

Landscapes in black and white usually depend on the resolution of fine detail in the scene, so scanned image sharpness and good tonal separation in highlights, mid tones, and shadows are essential. The Epson Perfection V600 Photo does this and records a realistic and minimal reproduction of film grain.

Making studio images that are striking and eye-catching has always been fun. To make them work can be a lighting and exposure challenge. When you team up a good scanner, such as the Epson Perfection V600 Photo, and the right software you have a better chance that the image is closer to what was hoped for when the initial film exposure is made.

Many users have asked for a quick and easy way to scan their film. Well, it is still work that has to be done with careful knowledge, but you now get a better result with less work. Considering the amount of information scanned, I could not believe that the scanning and processing could be accomplished so rapidly.

Just buying inexpensive hardware may be enough for some, but having a good marriage between hardware and software produces a superior result in all ways, and that is worth the investment. And it is still less than the best scanner hardware of just a few years ago. So don’t short yourself by being too frugal. Many of my comments about the process are contained in the captions to the images. For more information, visit www.epson.com and www.silverfast.com.