The new release, version 5.5, of SilverFast Ai, a scan and imaging software package geared toward digital camera users, has the most powerful negative film optimization yet, promises Karl-Heinz Zahorsky, president and founder of LaserSoft Imaging.
SilverFast incorporates real-time processing preview and correction; auto-adjust with artificial intelligence; professional unsharp masking; a color cast removal slider; selective color correction for professional users; integrated ICC-based color management into Photoshop; and RGB, CMYK, LAB-TIFF, EPS, DCS, and JPEG output formats. SilverFast DC’s ScanPilot is designed to guide the novice user through the best steps to achieve the best images while the professional user has full densitometric control over all image quality aspects.
NegaFix, the new negative real-time film optimization in SilverFast Ai 5.5, can handle many types of negative film, gray scale and color. More than 120 film presets and a very powerful 16-bit orange mask auto-adjust will make negative film scans as easier than ever, Zahorsky said.
“Maximum dynamic range and perfect image quality from the negative film, as well as ease of use was the objective and has been achieved with this new development” he added in a statement.
SilverFast SE 5.5, the entry level SilverFast will have the ability to select vendor, film group and film speed. A real-time exposure slider will enable adjustment of film exposure within a range of -3 and +3 f-stops.
SilverFast Ai 5.5, the full version of SilverFast, will also have a NegaFix Advanced Mode allowing creation of custom film type presets. The advanced mode is unique in scan software development as it allows adjustment of any negative film with reference to any aspect of the film’s characteristics to get optimum results. An import function will allow customers to import new negative film presets that LaserSoft Imaging will post on their web site for download.
SilverFast Ai 5.5 is a US$45 upgrade, and SilverFast SE 5.5 is a $10 upgrade. Both can be purchased online from LaserSoft Imaging’s Web site. It currently works on the traditional Mac operating system, but a Mac OS X version is in the testing stages.