Epson V750 + which Software; OSx

[gmfotografie]

hi my friends, i want ot buy an epson v750 for scanning mf and lf negatives and positives.

i can order v750 with silverfast 6 or 8.
there is also the possibility of using vuescan?!

can i use vuescan also with the v750 silverfast6 package or it is locked for silverfast?

i have an imac 2009; with mountain lion, newest version; osx.

which hardware package should i buy?

best michael

[Ken Lee]

I prefer the Epson software.

[mpirie]

I prefer the Epson software too for a quick reference scan.

Silverfast is locked to the type of scanner, whereas VueScan is not locked as far as I know.

[gmfotografie]

the epson software is neither silverfast nor vuescan, is it right?

[Brian Ellis]

Right, the Epson software isn't Vuescan or Silverfast. Epson software is simpler to use than Silverfast and Vuescan but doesn't give you as many options and controls as both of them do (I've used all three). All three have their good points and bad points, it's just a matter of which suits your needs best. I found that Epson software did all I needed so I've stopped using the other two but that may not be the case for you.

"can i use vuescan also with the v750 silverfast6 package or it is locked for silverfast?"

If by "locked for Silverfast" you mean is Silverfast the only software package you can use with it, the answer is no. Unless Macs are different from the PC I use you could load both and use one or the other. Or you could just remove the one you don't want.

I think that what mpirie above means is that if you change scanners you can continue using Vuescan at no cost whereas Silverfast is designed for specific scanner models and if you change scanners you have to buy Silverfast again (at least that was how things were the last time I checked, which was several years ago - someone who's more current than I am can correct me if I'm wrong).

[Ken Lee]

When you purchase the scanner, you get scanner software written by Epson for that scanner. If you purchase the 700, that's all you get. If you purchase the 750, for the extra money they give you a copy of Silverfast. If you like, you can purchase Vuescan separately.

Having used all 3, some people (myself included) prefer the Epson software.

[SergeiR]

When you purchase the scanner, you get scanner software written by Epson for that scanner. If you purchase the 700, that's all you get. If you purchase the 750, for the extra money they give you a copy of Silverfast. If you like, you can purchase Vuescan separately.

Having used all 3, some people (myself included) prefer the Epson software.

Nope. You get Silverfast with V700 too.

Not that i like to use it, but, its there.

[pasiasty]

Nope. You get Silverfast with V700 too.

Not that i like to use it, but, its there.

But it is somehow limited version, isn't it?

Ayway, VueScan runs with V700/V750 well. Comparing to Silverfast, which I wasn't even able to start after installation (on Windows), it had relatively few problems with it.
Main reason why I've switched from Epson software is possibility to save 'raw' data, so I'm able to automate scanning process and to leave playing with curves and histograms until the next step. But it's not the most ergonomic piece of software I've ever seen...

[SergeiR]

But it is somehow limited version, isn't it?

nope. Fully upgradeable for future releases & etc.

But i never managed to get it to work fast enough and satisfactory enough. So i am using Vuescan

[Ken Lee]

Nope. You get Silverfast with V700 too.

Not that i like to use it, but, its there.

You are right - Thanks for the correction.

700:

Epson Perfection V700 Photo scanner - with DIGITAL ICE technology
8" x 10" transparency unit (built into lid)
Four film holders: 35mm negatives, 35mm slides, medium format and 4" x 5"
8" x 10" Film Area Guide
CD-ROM with Epson Scan software and productivity applications
DVD-ROM with Adobe® Photoshop® Elements
CD-ROM with LaserSoft Imaging™ SilverFast® SE6
Hi-Speed USB 2.0 cable
Epson Setup Sheet
AC adapter and power cable

750:

Epson Perfection V750-M Pro scanner - with Digital ICE Technologies
8" x 10" Transparency Unit (built into lid)
Fluid mount accessory (scanning fluid and supplies not included)
Four film holder: 35mm negatives, 35mm slides, medium format and 4" x 5"
8" x 10" Film Area Guide
CD-ROM with Epson Scan software and productivity applications
DVD-ROM with Adobe® Photoshop® Elements
CD-ROM with LaserSoft Imaging™ SilverFast® Ai 6
MonacoEZcolor™
Hi-Speed USB 2.0 cable
Epson Setup Sheet
AC adapter and power cable