12. December 2014
Canadian Camera Magazine reviews PrinTao 8 software for large format printers – There was overall agreement that PrinTao 8 produced a preferred print result to using Photoshop as the print driver.
Canadian Camera Magazine: « When comparing the color prints from the 3880, using Photoshop as the print manager rather than PrinTao8, the preferred print was the PrinTao 8 result. The prints seemed to be slightly lighter in overall tone. The colors are very realistic, and closely match the calibrated monitor screen, the first time. Rick attributes this to the ICC profiles that are built into the PrinTao 8 software. […] The CAPA members who viewed the (blind test) prints pretty much agreed with the comments above. There was overall agreement that PrinTao 8 produced a preferred print result to using Photoshop as the print driver. »
Complete Article
PDF: Canadian Camera Magazine about PrinTao 8
8. December 2014
In early September Lomography.com and LaserSoft Imaging have announced a photo contest and asked people to send in their best photos they like to participate in an exhibition:
Lomography: Have you ever thought that your photos were worthy of having its own exhibit? Well, maybe it is! Lomography and LaserSoft Imaging are teaming up once again in order to showcase you and your photographs! We want to see your best photos that are exhibit worthy because the grand prize winner will get an exhibition in the Lomography gallery store. So get your cameras, and start shooting!
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From a total of 864 wonderful submissions, the winners have been chosen. Congratulations from LaserSoft Imaging! We would like to contribute some software packages:
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4. December 2014
The Epson V800 Photo already comes with SilverFast SE 8, the Epson V850 Pro includes SilverFast SE Plus 8. With an inexpensive upgrade to premium versions Ai Studio 8 or Archive Suite 8, you can benefit from additional highlights such as automatic IT8 Calibration and JobManager. Having a batch scanning functionality including automatic frame detection, both scanners are ideal for archiving large image collections using SilverFast‘s own HDRi RAW data format. An optimal basis for an effective lossless ("non-destructive") image optimization workflow.
Additional information and the upgrade to Ai Studio 8 for a special launch price of € 79,00 (SE Plus) and € 99,00 (SE) can be found here. |
6. November 2014
31. October 2014
SilverFast 8 now with revised Resolution Slider – Many users always scan using the highest resolution, the scanner will allow. This way, they hope to get the best scans possible. But this is often not the case. To facilitate setting an obtainable scan resolution, we have adjusted SilverFast with the latest version 8.2.0r2 and revised the functionality of the Resolution Slider located down in the Scan dimensions dialog.
Learn more about our new Resolution Slider and read our latest newsletter here.
23. October 2014
20. October 2014
SilverFast 8 supports Mac OS X 10.10 Yosemite – SilverFast 8 scanner and HDR software runs natively on Intel Mac OS X systems from version 10.5 (including 10.10 Yosemite). 32bit computers will be supported as well as 64bit systems.
Here you find a list of all supported scanners.
13. October 2014
Professional Photographer magazine – For more than 100 years, Professional Photographer, the official magazine of Professional Photographers of America, has helped readers advance careers in the photographic industry. Each issue contains practical yet cutting-edge lessons in the artistic, business, and technological aspects of professional photography.
Recently, Professional Photographer has posted an article about LaserSoft Imaging's new printing solution for EPSON & CANON Large Format Printers – PrinTao 8.
Ellis Vener on www.ppmag.com: PrinTao 8 – Why should you consider using it? The simple answer is that it takes the frustration out of printing. The interface could not be easier to understand and navigate. […] Whether you do your own printing, or have someone else in your studio do it for you, even a new intern, you’ll be up and running in a few minutes.
Read the complete article on www.ppmag.com.
Learn more about PrinTao 8.
5. September 2014
Photo Contest – Lomography is an analog camera movement and community focussing on the Lomo LC-A camera created by LOMO PLC of Saint Petersburg, Russia.
Lomography: Have you ever thought that your photos were worthy of having its own exhibit? Well, maybe it is! Lomography and LaserSoft Imaging are teaming up once again in order to showcase you and your photographs! We want to see your best photos that are exhibit worthy because the grand prize winner will get an exhibition in the Lomography gallery store. So get your cameras, and start shooting!
Participate in the contest on www.Lomography.com.
1. September 2014
4. July 2014
Canson and LaserSoft Imaging agree on close cooperation
PrinTao 8 and Canson Infinity papers now ideally matched
Canson, expert in the market of fine art and LFP papers, and LaserSoft Imaging, globally leading developer of scanner and digital imaging software, agreed on working more closely from now on. The joint adjustment of paper and software results in perfect printing possibilities without having to concern oneself with complicated printer driver settings. PrinTao 8 has all Canson Infinity paper profiles already preinstalled, thus ensuring optimum prints.
Press Release
PDF: PrinTao 8 & Canson Papers
6. June 2014
Let yourself be inspired by the new features and the Archive Suite Workflow! Watch our movie to find out, how the new VLT fits into the Archive Suite workflow. |
Do you too have already planned on scanning your analog slide and photo collection a number of times? You want to know your memories safe? Now is the time to finally build a digital archive to protect your valuable images from loss, damage or deterioration.
The SilverFast Archive Suite 8 provides amazing new features and allows to build up a high-quality archive in no time following its unique non-destructive workflow.
With SilverFast's Archive Suite 8 you get a package of scanner software SilverFast Ai Studio 8 and image processing software SilverFast HDR Studio 8 as a perfectly adjusted supplement. Including an integrated color management system, this ideal archiving package is now available for your scanner. The VLT as the new Virtual Light Table represents the ideal link between scanner and digital imaging software. We grant a 20% introductory discount on any SilverFast Archive Suite 8 purchase until end of June, 2014. This reduced price also applies to upgrades but is not combinable with other discounts.
2. June 2014
27. May 2014
Dutch photographer Frank Doorhof, who is specialized on fashion photography, will lead a 3 days workshop taking place in New York during next August, 29th to 31st.
This workshop is about lighting with Photoshop and Ligthroom, the usefulness of SilverFast for getting the best out of scans and many other interesting topics. Doorhof: « In this 3 day intense workshop you will learn everything you always wanted to know about fashion/model photography but where never able to ask during standard workshops. » In addition, every attendee will receive a certificate, a signed print, a free download coupon worth 100.00 and a free plugin suite. More information can be found here on Frank Doorhof's websites. |
20. May 2014
Multi-Exposure is a technique for increasing a scanner's Dynamic Range developed by LaserSoft Imaging. Now, the patent on this technology has also been granted in the Unites States. SilverFast Multi-Exposure® only with LaserSoft Imaging.
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What is the Dynamic Range? The Dynamic Range of a scanner, also referred to as density range or contrast range, is a measurement for a scanner's capability to recognize contrast levels. Contrary to reflective originals like photo transparent originals (black & white film), color negatives and slides consist of multiple film layers, which respond to light differently. Therefore, transparent originals achieve a high Dynamic Range when captured, which usually exceeds a scanner's capabilities. As a consequence, especially in the very light and shadow image areas, image details get lost when scanning. How does Multi-Exposure increase the Dynamic Range? SilverFast Multi-Exposure records an original's maximum Dynamic Range by performing a double scan with an increased exposure time of the second scan. This procedure captures the light image area's details in the first pass and the the shadow details in the second. Afterwards an algorithm calculates the final scan, which now contains any detail, from each single scan. Learn more about SilverFast Multi-Exposure. |
16. May 2014
SilverFast SE 8 part of new PIE PrimeFilm Scanners
Kiel, Germany/ New Taipei City, Taiwan. LaserSoft Imaging (LSI) and Pacific Image Electronics (PIE) intensify their cooperation in the field of scanner hardware and software. As of now, PrimeFilm X, XA and XE are supplied with SilverFast SE 8.
As an entry-level version SilverFast SE 8 offers outstanding scan results and easy handling. Users benefit from a variety of automatic functions, which make the scan and image optimization process easier, while a consistently high quality can be guaranteed.
Press Release
PIE & SilverFast 8 product bundle: (PDF)
25. April 2014
18. April 2014
Sri Lanka's Smile – Photographer Knut Stritzke toured through Sri Lanka in 2007, having a camera always at his fingertips. Supported by Sri Lanka's ambassador and the Grassi Museum of Leipzig, Germany, a traveling exhibition has now been launched. The exhibition "Sri Lanka's Smile" shows a series of portraits and landscape impressions, memories of Sri Lanka, a wonder of Asia.
According to himself, Sri Lanka has been an incredibly intense experience for Knut Stritzke. For him Sri Lanka was a land of ease, in which he has traveled openly and impartially. He wanted to photograph country and people without prejudice, to bring out the essence of the individual as well as the beauty of nature. He met people who were firmly rooted with both feet on the ground. He wanted to photographically capture any aspects of life, that can be read from those peoples' eyes and attitudes. The truth is found in the moment. The present contains all, what is essential. You just need to understand, how to read these tracks. Then they will also reveal something about the past and the future. |
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The photographic recordings have been made on analog color film using a Hasselblad camera. Besides the high quality of the resulting images, this "slow" system allows to get closer to the portrayed people. In order to digitize the limited tonal range of this material best possible, a Nikon Coolscan 9000ED has been used together with SilverFast scanner software.
Knut Stritzke: « Even after all this years, Nikon film scanners are still my first choice, when I am scanning analog image material. I am glad to have found SilverFast, which features far more functionality than Nikon-Scan. For my exhibitions I need the highest quality, which SilverFast provides me! » Visit the exhibition Sri Lanka's Smile from May, 24th to August, 24th 2014 in the Grassi Museum in Leipzig, Germany. Come and view Stritzke's unique images. Knut Stritzke's website can be found here. |
Heartbeat of Nature – Images of nature that touch the heart. That's the slogan for an international photo contest organized by German photo festival Zingst and Photokina trade fair. The main prize is a Volkswagen up! Of course, LaserSoft Imaging provides some valuable SilverFast software packages for the contest as well.
Entering the competition is easy: Just choose three remarkable photos impressively showing the beauty and diversity of nature. Upload them on the contest website. On commonly expressed wish, the participation fee of five Euros per participant will be used, to produce an exhibition catalog including the top 100 images.
Enter the contest before June 15th and upload your images. The award ceremony takes place on German photo trade fair Photokina, September 20th. « We are looking for strong emotional motifs – images of nature that touch the heart – focused on the topical issue of species diversity. »
More infos regarding the contest within this PDF or on www.heartbeatofnature.com.
10. April 2014
SilverFast 8 now supports more versions of Photoshop – With version 8.0.1r43 SilverFast 8 now also offers direct connection to Photoshop Elements 11 and 12. With an earlier version, also Photoshop CC has been connected recently. With this option, it is possible to import images directly from your scanner into Photoshop. SilverFast 8 ensures optimal basis data for any further image processing.
- SilverFast 8 supports Photoshop CS3 to CS6 and CC.
- SilverFast 8 supports Photoshop Elements 8 to 12.
7. April 2014
UK Magazine MacUser has reviewed SilverFast Archive Suite 8 – MacUser, a UK based print magazine "for everything Apple, since 1985" has published a SilverFast Archive Suite 8 review. For testing a CanoScan 9000F Mark II has been used, the latest flatbed scanner model from Canon. SilverFast has been awarded with a rating of 4 out of 5 "mice", which is a really good result.
MacUser: « SilverFast Archive Suite 8 is undeniably expensive, but it’s an effective professional scanning app, with excellent colour and contrast correction tools. It could still be more intuitive to use, but the WorkflowPilot goes some way towards easing scan setups. »
You can find the complete review here as a PDF file.
2. April 2014
Book project Marcel Chassot abstract – geometricize – aestheticize Artistic photography as survival strategy The Marcel Chassot book raffle winners have been drawn and the books will be delivered the following days. Congratulations, our lucky winners are: |
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Bernhard Mayer, Herrsching Horst Karbaum, Dortmund Gerhard Poschung, Bächli (Hemberg) (CH) Alois Bernkopf, Hellmonsoedt (AT) Thomas Dausner, Boppard |
Franz David, Passail (AT) Herbert Rothenbücher, Frielendorf Alfred Schmidt, Dautphetal Stephan Sagurna, Münster Eckhard Mehne, Baden-Baden |
19. March 2014
Testimonial: Walt Cecil – ETHNOGRAPHICA – Walt Cecil, specialist for antique oriental carpets, has used SilverFast software for many years. He is really enthusiastic about his upgrade to version 8 and PrinTao 8.
Walt Cecil: « Consequently I have spent many thousands on equipment, ink and paper only to be bewildered and confused by how this is all supposed to work together and often ending up with prints that were only good enough to be trashed.
That all changed when I decided to upgrade my very old version of SilverFast 6 to the new release 8 and add HDR 8. […] »
Learn more about Walt Cecil’s first experiences with SilverFast 8 and PrinTao 8.
26. February 2014
Frank Doorhof – Frank Doorhof is a photographer from the Netherlands, who is specialized on fashion photography. He is the author of "A Guide to Model Photography". Doorhof loves to capture a model's real character instead of just creating a "pretty" image. While Doorhof still conducts magazine and advertising shoots, his main focus is teaching workshops including scanner workshops introducing SilverFast.
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Frank Doorhof: « In my work I’m a 99% digital shooter, but in my heart and soul I’m a 99% analogue shooter. […] SilverFast is my choice because when I scan I want the absolute best image quality and SilverFast delivers what they promise. If I need more Dynamic Range I will use the "Multi-Exposure" function and the dust removal is great.
At the moment I’m scanning my family archive, loads and loads of slides and these are frozen moments in time that will never come back, I discover parts of the life of my family that I did not know or forgot and often also remember, this has to be scanned in the best quality possible. I care for my scans and the memories they represent and if a program can help me get that little bit extra out of them, I’m in. » Visit Frank Doorhof's website: http://www.frankdoorhof.com |
Fund-raising for the Philippines – As part of our fund-raising campaign in December 2013, our customers have helped diligently. An amount of € 2,- for every sold SilverFast full version during donation period now goes to the UNICEF fund-raiser. LaserSoft Imaging AG increases the donation amount and we are happy to be able to forward more than € 3.500 to the typhoon victims in the Philippines.
With the donations UNICEF received up to date, some important objectives already have been realized:
- UNICEF has provided materials for water treatment, jerrycans and water tanks for 360.000 people as well as portable toilets for 25.000 people. Many water supply companies have resumed operation.
- Many thousands of plastic canvas and countless tents were delivered to the Philippines.
- UNICEF supports the "Back to Learning" campaign: After those disastrous experiences of the past few months, half a million students, some seriously traumatized, are gradually led back to school routine.
- UNICEF coordinates the long-term reconstruction in the Philippines. Especially the cold chain for vaccines and essential medical supplies is to be restored with priority.
18. February 2014
LaserSoft Imaging will be back at the CeBIT for you. We are presenting interesting digital imaging, scanning and printing news hand in hand with our partners Epson and Plustek. We would be happy to arrange meetings with press, partners, resellers or customers. Please contact us at cebit2014@silverfast.com.
Epson – Featuring the OfficeScan&Print MFP EP-1000, we would like to introduce for the first time at CeBIT a solution for government agencies, which can be fully integrated into the German DIGANT® III nPA process for passport and ID card issuing. The OfficeScan&Print consists of an Epson multifunction device and a specially adjusted SilverFast software. A flexible license management via license server now allows to share the OfficeScan&Print in a local network.
Visit us at Epson's stand in hall 7, booth A63 (Public Sector Parc) and see life this combination of powerful hardware and high-end scanner software SilverFast including IT8 color calibration and an ID printing solution. The OfficeScan&Print fulfills all requirements German federal printing agency Bundesdruckerei calls for a governmental usage.
Plustek – We would like to invite you to visit hall 3, booth F29 to learn more about SilverFast 8 and medium format scanner Plustek OpticFilm OF120.
The OpticFilm 120 scanner comes with SilverFast 8, the latest version of our scanning software. The novel user interface and the unique WorkflowPilot assistant enable you to digitize slides and negatives as comfortable and easy as never before.
10. February 2014
Frontal Lobbings – Canadian photographer Terrance Lam has reviewed the new Plustek OpticFilm 8200i and SilverFast SE Plus 8 for the well known website Frontal Lobbings. Mr. Lam with more than 25 years experience in creative arts also leads applied arts education at the Pacific Design Academy. In his review he highlights the NegaFix option, which gives the user a convenient and professional way to convert negatives into brilliant positives. Lam is really satisfied with SilverFast and prefers it over all other scanner tools.
Terrance Lam: « The Plustek is a mini scanning lab on your desktop at a value. […] I will say that with a small learning curve with SilverFast, that you'll be scanning awesome negs in no time.
… I'd still suggest spending the time with SilverFast over Vuescan and in terms of colour negs, SilverFast deals with the orange mask far better than any other software scanning combination out there. »
You can find the complete article on the frontallobbings.com website.
5. February 2014
Book project Marcel Chassot abstract – geometricize – aestheticize Artistic photography as survival strategy Marcel Chassot, born 1947 in Zurich, earned a doctorate in economic science. As a self-taught photographer, especially his handling of light and its macro shooting made him known outside Switzerland. Chassot has won some prestigious international competitions, i.e. the Kodak European Gold Award and the Gold Medal of the Fédération Internationale de l'Art Photographic (FIAP). His works are continuously published in specialized journals and books and have been introduced to a wide audience in numerous exhibitions, including the Leica galleries in Germany and Switzerland. |
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Marcel Chassot's new book abstrahieren - geometrisieren - ästhetisieren (abstract – geometricize – aestheticize) is divided into the areas of macro photography, people and architecture & industry, and is especially interesting for photo enthusiasts and photographers, as each of these topics contains instructions for image composition and technical comments. For many of his images the author has used software from LaserSoft Imaging. He states in his book:
« Especially the multiple exposure method (Multi-Exposure) developed by LaserSoft Imaging resulted to significantly better results due to the increased Dynamic Range: More details in very bright and dark areas were captured. Concerning older slides also SilverFast‘s infrared dust and scratch removal (iSRD) proved to be extremely useful. Using this feature, I managed to avoid a lot of elaborate retouching. » Take part in our prize draw and win one of these exceptional books. LaserSoft Imaging is giving away 10 copies – just send an email to gewinnchassot@silverfast.com until the end of March. We will draw the lucky winners from all entries. Please note: The book is in German language and we will ship it to Germany, Austria and Switzerland only. If you want to purchase the book, you will find various sources on the author's websites. |
Moderskeppet.se – 3,5 Hours of Swedish Video Course
Scanning different Image Material using SilverFast 8
Great news for all Swedish and Scandinavian SilverFast users. Moderskeppet.se has just released a very comprehensive online scanning tutorial. Photo and image processing expert Gustaf Hellsing has prepared a 3,5 hour video course introducing all the basics and revealing many advanced tricks on using SilverFast 8 to receive brilliant images from scanning all kinds of originals.
Gustaf shows how to properly install and setup SilverFast and he gives some theoretical background on scanner resolution, Dynamic Range and other elemental terms. The main part of the video course introduces in detail the different scanning techniques and SilverFast features needed to successfully digitize black-and-white photos, colored pictures, negatives and slides. Click here to visit Moderskeppet's SilverFast Video Course. To get a general idea, a few movie clips are free and do not require any registration. |
30. January 2014
Christmas Prize Draw – the lucky winner is: Jonny Andrews In collaboration with British photo website ePHOTOzine.com and scanner manufacturer reflecta, software company LaserSoft Imaging has raffled a reflecta ProScan 7200 including SilverFast Ai Studio 8 and a Fuji 35mm IT8 target in December. The winner of the Christmas Prize Draw, which included a variety of products from the field of digital imaging as prizes, receives a copy of the leading scanner software SilverFast Ai Studio 8 along with the appropriate hardware from filmscanner specialist reflecta. And the winner is really happy with his prize: |
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Jonny Andrews from Newtownards near Belfast was all excited when he received message of his win: « I have to say I’m over the moon to have won the scanner and software package from yourselves! »
LaserSoft Imaging congratulates. If you look at Jonny's photos at Flickriver, it quickly becomes clear that he is a worthy winner. And Jonny is an amateur photographer not a professional – we are amazed. But have a look for yourself. |
Photo Contest – Lomography is an analog camera movement and community focussing on the Lomo LC-A camera created by LOMO PLC of Saint Petersburg, Russia.
Lomography: If your passion is to scan your own film, you probably know how it feels to spend a long night scanning and retouching photos. So in conjunction with LaserSoft Imaging, we want to see how your face looks like after those long hours you spent in front of the scanner, and reward you for all your effort. We are confident that, despite the fatigue after such a laborious task, the happiness will show in your face.
Please visit Lomography's current contest "Show us your face after an long night of scanning" to see if you can win SilverFast products.
More information on the contest on www.Lomography.com.
6. January 2014