Scanner Software & Image Quality
Mar 6, 2021 17:20:37 #
SkipinSC
Loc: South Carolina
Hello-
I am a long time reader and first time poster. When scanning hard copy photos, I have always been pretty happy with the images produced by the software that came with my Brother multifunction printer/scanner.
I wonder if I could get higher quality images using other software packages. I know that other software can do a better job with the mechanics of work flow, dust removal, cataloging, etc. But does other software produce images that actually look better? For those of you who have used several different scanner software programs, do you see an actual difference in the quality of the output. Thanks in advance for sharing your experience.
I am a long time reader and first time poster. When scanning hard copy photos, I have always been pretty happy with the images produced by the software that came with my Brother multifunction printer/scanner.
I wonder if I could get higher quality images using other software packages. I know that other software can do a better job with the mechanics of work flow, dust removal, cataloging, etc. But does other software produce images that actually look better? For those of you who have used several different scanner software programs, do you see an actual difference in the quality of the output. Thanks in advance for sharing your experience.
Mar 6, 2021 17:33:33 #
Both SiverFast and Vuescan (www.silverfast.com,www.hamrick.com) will let you try their software for free. Both will indicate whether they support your scanner, though they probably do. Personally, I found Vuescan's workflow to be preferable.
Mar 6, 2021 17:48:09 #
Mar 6, 2021 18:17:17 #
gvarner
Loc: Central Oregon Coast
A dedicated scanner is likely to give you the best quality especially when you add something like VueScan software. Software that comes with the scanner does a good job but VueScan would give you more options.
Mar 6, 2021 18:41:32 #
Yes, Vuescan is great-I have used it for years, I have Siverfast that came with a film/negative scanner but haven't tried it.
Mar 6, 2021 19:20:07 #
SkipinSC
Loc: South Carolina
Thank you for your insight.
Still wondering if someone has used different software programs and has seen different quality images coming out of those programs. Does the brand of software affect image quality?
Still wondering if someone has used different software programs and has seen different quality images coming out of those programs. Does the brand of software affect image quality?
Mar 6, 2021 20:55:42 #
gvarner
Loc: Central Oregon Coast
My opinion is that image quality starts with the scanner and its ability to scan at a very high resolution. High resolution slows scanning speed down and you have to pay a lot for one that can scan fast at high resolutions. Software just gives options in processing the scan. I use an Epson V600 with its native software and most scans are at 600 dpi. Works fine for my needs.
Mar 6, 2021 21:56:52 #
SkipinSC
Loc: South Carolina
Thanks. I also scan at 600 dpi. It works OK. Just thinking I might be able to get better. The scanned images I get just look "softer" than what my camera produces.
Mar 6, 2021 22:20:17 #
gvarner
Loc: Central Oregon Coast
If you’re scanning prints and they’re not tack sharp to begin with you’re not going to get tack sharp results from any scanner. Scanning at higher resolutions allows you to print an enlargement from the original size print. I don’t do much enlarging so 600 works for me and most of my source prints aren’t real high quality anyway.
Mar 6, 2021 23:47:23 #
Forgot, look at this site, the author is an expert on scanning negs and pictures, I have both his books.
https://rockynook.com/shop/photography/the-vuescan-bible/#
If you check Amazon and Barnes & Noble they sometimes have his stuff at much lower prices or you might luck out and find a used copy of either on Ebay etc.
https://rockynook.com/shop/photography/the-vuescan-bible/#
If you check Amazon and Barnes & Noble they sometimes have his stuff at much lower prices or you might luck out and find a used copy of either on Ebay etc.
Mar 7, 2021 08:39:02 #
Mar 7, 2021 10:28:33 #
SkipinSC wrote:
Hello- br br I am a long time reader and first ti... (show quote)
I use VueScan and it is a great application - much better than the basic provided by Epson - it is regularly updated at no charge to the purchaser.
Mar 7, 2021 10:37:00 #
I scan using an Epson scanner and scan anywhere from 240 to as much as 2400 depending on the need. If it's an old grainy B&W print you can only get so much sharpness out from a scan. Sometimes Photoshop has to step in...
Mar 7, 2021 11:25:54 #
SkipinSC
Loc: South Carolina
Thanks to all of you for helping figure this out. I think will trial download VueScan and scan few images with my old Brother software, and then also with VueScan... that should show me any differences. Thanks again.
Mar 7, 2021 14:07:31 #
SkipinSC
Loc: South Carolina
So here are my results. Absolutely no difference in output from scanning color prints. A small difference after scanning black and white prints. VueScan is more user friendly with the mechanics and workflow. So I bought it.
Thanks again for your advice.
Thanks again for your advice.
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