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Film scanning software and image quality


johnwolf

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Among the various scanning software products, are there significant differences in image quality? Or is it only more a matter of features?

 

I shoot mainly digital, but scan old negatives and slides occasionally using a Minolta DiMage Scan Dual III. I use the software than came with the scanner. I'm wondering if upgrading to newer software will improve scan quality.

 

If so, any recommendations on software? I know Silverfast supports this scanner. Any other products to consider?

 

Thanks.

John

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John, I would recommend you try VueScan from VueScan Scanning Software. I have used this software for a dozen years, with free upgrades that entire time.

 

The hi-res (pro) version costs $80 and a full-featured download is available for trial. It's full-featured and universally admired.

 

Highly recommended!

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I'm another satisfied VueScan user. Much more economical use of memory than the clunky software that usually accompanies scanners. The author, Ed Hamrick, releases updates frequently and for the modest price it's a must have.

 

The fact that I have the same interface across multiple scanners is a great convenience as well.

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John, I vote for VueScan as well. Be prepared. The learning curve is steep, but worthwhile. The interface is deceptively 'bland' but gives the largest screen area to the image in question by far IMHO. Definitely need practice to achieve skill, but so does anything worthwhile, including Leica.;)

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  • 1 month later...

I've been using Vuescan for almost 10 years. In all that time every update has been free. It will also work with just about every scanner out there. Remarkable value.

 

The interface is very 'busy', but once you get to know it, it all makes sense.

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I tended to find various films and software packages seemed to get along with one another better than others. Resign yourself to having a good scanner and 2-3 software packages and a lot of experimentation. My fave: Kodak 160/400NC, Nikon 5000ED and Nikon's software.

 

160NC on the above combo with a good lens on my R8 was indistinguishable from the same shot with same lens on my (now gone) 30D.

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