VueScan
VueScan supports practically every available scanner and enables the user to obtain scans that are demonstrably superior to those that can be obtained with the scanner's own software. Instead of relying on TWAIN or any other third-party scanner extensions it works independently of the normal scanner application.
For those who are restoring faded slides or prints it has two automatic features: Restore Colors to boost RGB values; Restore Fading to compensate for the fade-to-red effect in slides and the tendency of color negatives to acquire a bluish cast over time.
VueScan can make images on badly scratched film appear like new by using a double-scan technique, first with a normal scan, second with infrared light to show up the imperfections. It combines the two images, producing a "nearly flawless" result. Other features include ICC and IT8 Target support, a RAW file save option for archiving, and batch scanning.
Comment
Ed Hamrick's VueScan needs little introduction because millions of people have already tried it and over 200,000 have bought it. Reviewers are in general agreement that it provides the greatest level of control of any scanner software you can buy. The developer readily admits that putting the full set of controls into the hands of a novice can lead to uncertain results, but presets are there to allow beginners to achieve good results at the outset.
A wizard-driven interface means that VueScan is simple for the novice to operate, but there are also manual controls for the expert, making it one of the key weapons in the restorer's armory.
Tech info
- OS: Windows 2000 onwards; Mac OS X; Linux
- Price level: (Standard Edition) $40; (Professional Edition, with unlimited free upgrades) $80
Hamrick Software
Hamrick Software was founded in Phoenix, Arizona in 1991 by Ed Hamrick. Its first product was VuePrint, a JPEG viewer for Windows that for many years was the recommended image viewer for AOL, with more than 100,000 users. The company released VueScan in 1998 and has improved and added to it ever since.
From the same vendor:
- VuePrint
- VueSlide
©trl