SilverFast is appalling. I scanned a ton of old slides on my Plustek bundled with SilverFast. I got scan lines, terrible contrast and colour. Frustrated I searched and discovered VueScan. Even in auto mode, it blows SilverFast out of the water. SilverFast is total junk. I wrote to Plustek and they admitted that they know SilverFast 'has issues' but contractually still have to bundle it. VueScan is the way to go, every time.
Thanks Amanda for another great video. Regarding image quality, how would you rate the quality of the scans from the Epson Scan software? I couldn't really tell from the video other than the overall brightness.
I would say they are a pretty good just standard scan with cropping, but no great colour improvement or corrections unless you do that afterwards. So, a decent scan of the original. 😊
I'm a SilverFast user. I can't fault it for negative and slide scanning. I use an Epson Perfection 4490 Photo whose software no longer works on Windows 11. I tried a couple of options before settling for SilverFast 9. You are correct about the steep learning curve, but there is always that problem with new software. You make mistakes - you learn. There are tutorial videos just a click away in each of the sections so help is at hand.
Great that you have found a solution. Also recently downloaded an update for the SE version I use and there is now a help pilot to walk you through! Great functionality!😊
If you are using your printer scanner unless it can do 600DPI (dots per inch), it is overkill. If it can or it is a specific photo scanner, then you will be OK. 😊
I haven't used it myself but checking out the spec it looks like it could do a decent job with the ability to scan at 800 DPI. However it will only be useful for printed photos, it won't work for slides or negatives. 😊
I still can't even work out what scanner to get! The V600 is so old I just can't see the price being justified because surely, at some point, someone will come out with a better one. And my scanned photos on my tablet all look "smudged" because the screen itself is so good!😂
And it looks like the V600 is on its way out. It is discontinued I the UK but still seems to be available worldwide. There is the V850 of you have the money. 😊
Ah I never like to say as they keep changing prices but today VueScan is £24.95 and Silverfast starts at €49.. so a bit of a money conversion is needed there!
@@amandalittlecott Does actually seem that to use Vuescan for photo or slide scanning, one needs to buy the Pro version (currently £99.95 UK). According to their website! It seems not to handle slides or photos in the cheaper versions. Which I guess makes Silverfast better value.
What are you thoughts on scanning software? Would you invest in a specific programme?
SilverFast is appalling. I scanned a ton of old slides on my Plustek bundled with SilverFast. I got scan lines, terrible contrast and colour. Frustrated I searched and discovered VueScan. Even in auto mode, it blows SilverFast out of the water. SilverFast is total junk. I wrote to Plustek and they admitted that they know SilverFast 'has issues' but contractually still have to bundle it. VueScan is the way to go, every time.
Thanks Amanda for another great video. Regarding image quality, how would you rate the quality of the scans from the Epson Scan software? I couldn't really tell from the video other than the overall brightness.
I would say they are a pretty good just standard scan with cropping, but no great colour improvement or corrections unless you do that afterwards. So, a decent scan of the original. 😊
I'm a SilverFast user. I can't fault it for negative and slide scanning. I use an Epson Perfection 4490 Photo whose software no longer works on Windows 11. I tried a couple of options before settling for SilverFast 9. You are correct about the steep learning curve, but there is always that problem with new software. You make mistakes - you learn. There are tutorial videos just a click away in each of the sections so help is at hand.
Great that you have found a solution. Also recently downloaded an update for the SE version I use and there is now a help pilot to walk you through! Great functionality!😊
Thank you for a concise comparison / review, very helpful.
My pleasure!
Thanks, this is exactly the comparison I was looking for!
Yay! Happy to help!😊
How do you know if the software is overkill for the scanner you have?
If you are using your printer scanner unless it can do 600DPI (dots per inch), it is overkill. If it can or it is a specific photo scanner, then you will be OK. 😊
What about he Plustex a320e? Its the only affordable scanner that's a3, but there are next to zero reviews. It was released in 2021.
I haven't used it myself but checking out the spec it looks like it could do a decent job with the ability to scan at 800 DPI. However it will only be useful for printed photos, it won't work for slides or negatives. 😊
@@amandalittlecott Ill report back, it arrives tomorrow!
@timothy790110 oooo keep me posted! Happy Scanning!😊
Amanda, Thanks for an excellent review.
Always happy to Nerd out with a comparison!😊
I still can't even work out what scanner to get! The V600 is so old I just can't see the price being justified because surely, at some point, someone will come out with a better one. And my scanned photos on my tablet all look "smudged" because the screen itself is so good!😂
And it looks like the V600 is on its way out. It is discontinued I the UK but still seems to be available worldwide. There is the V850 of you have the money. 😊
How much? you never answered
Ah I never like to say as they keep changing prices but today VueScan is £24.95 and Silverfast starts at €49.. so a bit of a money conversion is needed there!
@@amandalittlecott VueScan is $120 for Professional Edition and $50 for Standard Edition. SilverFast 9 came with my Epson 850.
@@amandalittlecott Does actually seem that to use Vuescan for photo or slide scanning, one needs to buy the Pro version (currently £99.95 UK). According to their website! It seems not to handle slides or photos in the cheaper versions. Which I guess makes Silverfast better value.
@philmarsh5593 yes when I reviewed them, I focused on printed photos, then discovered the slides and negatives issue, very annoying!😊
@@keithconstance3103 ooo lucky you with getting it with your Epson. How are you liking the 850?