EpsonScan vs ?

[63strat]

Advertisement (gone after registration)

The easy of use and workflow with batch scanning negatives using EpsonScan and my V700 scanner is great, however the scans lack punch and contrast. If I scan with SilverFast, the results are better, but I find the software to be a real pain. VueScan seems too basic for my needs. Is there anything better out there with the great batch-scanning capabilities of EpsonScan? I know others such as Steve Huff have said the Epson software produces a softer-looking, slightly washed-out output. But this should be recoverable in Aperture or Lightroom, yes?

[Advertisement]

The Leica Q3 is available for pre-order at B&H Photo Video and Adorama

[andybarton]

Have you tried Vuescan in advanced mode?

[Joe S]

I know others such as Steve Huff have said the Epson software produces a softer-looking, slightly washed-out output. But this should be recoverable in Aperture or Lightroom, yes?

 

 

The idea is to just get all the information on the scan so you can adjust it in Photoshop or Lightroom. Epson scan works very well for this.

[250swb]

The last thing you want is a scan derived from any scanner software that looks finished. It should be slightly flat, and the main thing is to ensure above all else the blacks and whites are not clipped. Scanner software simply cannot replicate what Lightroom or Photoshop can do in creating the final balance of tone, so use it as a starting point.

 

Epson Scan is pretty good, and while Vuescan can seem overly simple on one level, and annoyingly obtuse the other, in either form it just seems to work most of the time. I wouldn't say it was the best, they are all flawed in my estimation, but it is the one I go to when I have a difficult negative.

 

Steve

[63strat]

Thanks to all. I must have had a particularily difficult color slide batch to scan. It was Fuji 100 shot at 400 by accident, so had to be pushed by the lab. Not the best situation to start with.

 

Tonight I tried some older color negative film and everything turned out much better. I won't now expect the scans to look like finishes, thanks for that advice. With just a few tweaks in Aperture, all is well. Now the Epson software did the best job, and that's great since that software has the best and easiest batch recognition of the group.