14 DAY TRIAL // I see nothing wrong in being overwhelmed by graphics and video software releases, and I must confess that I really enjoy it when such a thing happens. Now, the time has come for SilverFast 6.5, a program coming from LaserSoft Imaging, an award-winning scan and imaging software packed with unique and powerful tools that enable users to handle most demanding color imaging tasks without getting a headache!
The new version features an improved NegaFix tool that automatically reduces colorcasts when scanning negatives and the new NegaFix Profiles available allow for more detailed corrections. Even more, the good old Selective Color Correction lets you create, save and export presets for use in other SilverFast versions.
The new Auto Frame Detection automatically creates frames for all the images in the prescan, while Multi-Exposure increases the hardware's capability to capture the full dynamic range, but unfortunately, not all scanners are supported. According to the company, "The SilverFast Multi Exposure function is based on the principle of the distinguished Multisampling Feature (multiple scan) with auto-alignment.", and the result will be a dynamic range comparable to that of a drum scanner, or at least that's what LaserSoft claims, and I can't prove they're right or wrong yet...
Another interesting feature available in SilverFast 6.5 is the Ai-HDR Gamma Optimization that further synchronizes 48bit scanning between SilverFast Ai/ Ai Studio and image editing with SilverFast HDR/ HDR Studio, which independently adopts the gamma settings of the previous scan.
SilverFast requires Mac OS X 10.2 or later to run, and Windows versions are also available, while pricing depends on your scanner's model. If you're a beginner, then I am sure that the new basic mode will give you a much easier way to enter into the digital imaging world, so all you have to do is dare to make the first step!