Richard Jacobs (8600F) - ... Silverfast is fast, very fast. It's now the only scanning software I use. I wish I had discovered it sooner! (more ...)

Richard Jacobs (8600F) - I started a project recently, scanning several hundred 25-year old slides of our treking trip to Africa. The old Kodachromes and Ecktachromes show their age. I was not satisfied with the results I was getting on my Canon Scanner, a CanoScan 8600F, and was introduced to SilverFast at George DeWolfe's "Digital Photography Fine Print Workshop." Silverfast provides a vast range of controls that were not previously available to me, allowing solid control over every element of the scanning workflow. The results are dramatically improved. Color cast removal, color balance, sharpness, dust and scratches, batch scans, and similar issues are now easily under my control. And Silverfast is fast, very fast. It's now the only scanning software I use. I wish I had discovered it sooner! (less ...)

Roy Sprague (8600F) - ... To get the best results with Canon (or any other mid-range) scanners, I would recommend use of SilverFast software. (more ...)

Roy Sprague (8600F) - As a newcomer to color negative scanning, I was surprised to find that a technically sophisticated product like SilverFast AI has made digitizing my archive of landscape/nature film images much easier than the basic Windows XP software included with my CanoScan 8600F scanner. The time and effort spent in Photoshop editing and adjusting images produced by the Canon software far exceeds that required to produce superior results with the tools available in SilverFast. Automatic functions like auto-adjust, Color Cast Removal, and Adaptive Color Restoration have greatly simplified processing, and I have found that scans are significantly faster with SilverFast, even when comparing 48-bit SilverFast scans with 24-bit Canon scans. Since I have several hundred images to scan, I am looking forward to automating the process as much as possible with JobManager, which offers professional levels of flexibility and control not available in the Canon software.
SilverFast QuickTime movies and documentation have really helped me to get my project underway with minimum delay. The documentation supplied with the Canon software is very basic as well as brief, and the user can spend a great deal of time experimenting with the package attempting to determine the exact effect of each function and control. This activity is very counterproductive, and it really highlights another strength of SilverFast products: solid support provided by extensive documentation. To get the best results with Canon (or any other mid-range) scanners, I would recommend use of SilverFast software. (less ...)

Anthony Faust (8600F) - It was the first time I used SilverFast software when I purchased a ConoScan 8600F scanner, I'm using WinXP. I was suitable impressed with SilverFast that it didn't take me long to upgrade from the free bundled software to the new version 6.5. The multiple image scanning feature is extremely useful. I'm transferring a combination of old negatives and old prints. Laying all the prints on the scanner platen and scanning everything in one go is a real time saver. I would certainly recommend the new V6.5 Silverfast version.

Steinar Sørensen (8600F) - I have now been using the software NEW SilverFast V6.5 Multi Exposure for a while. I use it most of the time for scanning slides and 35mm negatives.
This software is very timesaving and lets me easily change the settings for each scan. I am very satisfied with this program and uses it every time I use the scanner.

Thomas Nestinger (8600F) - ... the new multi exposure feature delivers a substantial increase in image quality.
... thanks to the excellent quality of my CanonScan 8600 F and the new SilverFast V 6.5 Multi Exposure, I believe I will be happy for a long time® (more ...)

Thomas Nestinger (8600F) - I am not a professional, but also I can clearly see a definitive increase in scan quality when using SilverFast as compared to the normal scan software. I often scan images and even with a brief glimpse, the image scanned with SilverFast catches my eye. In my opinion the de-screening function is great, and the new multi exposure feature delivers a substantial increase in image quality. I was already using SilverFast with a different scanner before buying the Canon; because I switched to Windows Vista 64Bit the compatibility to SilverFast was an important criteria for me when deciding on the model. In my eyes, a scanner and SilverFast are a combination which should go together.

Even my next scanner will be one that operates with SilverFast. That said, thanks to the excellent quality of my CanonScan 8600 F and the new SilverFast V 6.5 Multi Exposure, I believe I will be happy for a long time® (less ...)

Ralf Frick (8600F) - ... Due to the excellent initial results of SilverFast, I quickly upgraded to SilverFastSEPlus. This version contains a function called "Multi Exposure". By making several scans of a negative with different exposure times, the scan quality is dramatically enhanced and the quality of the scan result is amazing. The "Multi-Exposure Feature" effectively removes noise allowing even large size printouts of the scans.

All my expectations were exceed. The "CanoScan 8600F is a great scanner - but only the combination with the SilverFast software does it deliver truly excellent results!!! (more ...)

Ralf Frick (8600F) - I own a large collection of old B&W and color photos (including negatives) which I want to digitize. For this reason I purchased a CanoScan 8600F. One of the main reasons for buying this scanner was that this reasonably priced model is bundled with SilverFastSE. I read that this combination of hard- and software was great for scanning such images. Since I do not have the time to post-process my scans, my images have to be scanned "right". SilverFast delivers stunning results! The "highlight/shadow tool" and the "sharpening filter" usually make any post-processing obsolete, though the operation of SilverFast is very simple. The Scanpilot basically guides one through the entire workflow. You do not need to be a professional in order to obtain great results with SilverFast.

Due to the excellent initial results of SilverFast, I quickly upgraded to SilverFastSEPlus. This version contains a function called "Multi Exposure". By making several scans of a negative with different exposure times, the scan quality is dramatically enhanced and the quality of the scan result is amazing. The "Multi-Exposure Feature" effectively removes noise allowing even large size printouts of the scans.

All my expectations were exceed. The "CanoScan 8600F is a great scanner - but only the combination with the SilverFast software does it deliver truly excellent results!!! (less ...)

Andreas Krämer (8600F) - ... SilverFast is a definitive MUST for the CanoScan 8600F. MultiExposure sets the high standards for this. The scanning speed is also greatly increased by SilverFast... (more ...)

Andreas Krämer (8600F) - I have owned the CanoScan 8600F for a while now, I would like to make a statement about its quality.
I purchased the CanoScan 8600F in order to scan my film positives and color negatives.

After the first trials it was clear that the quality of the CanoScan 8600F was superb!

I am using LaserSoft Imaging's scan software "SilverFast SEPlus ME V. 6.5"; under Windows Vista (32-bit).

It is noticeable that the removal of scratches and defects immediately produces great results without the need to refer to the manual or by trial and error.

If desired, all parameters can be set and saved to one's own preferences. Even the most professional demands are met.

"ME" stands for Multiple Exposure which reduces the amount of noise and graining in any scan.
Though the scanner does produce decent results with the basic software by Canon, but its true potential is unlocked only when SilverFast is used. SilverFast is a definitive MUST for the CanoScan 8600F. MultiExposure sets the high standards for this. The scanning speed is also greatly increased by SilverFast.

Facit:

In combination with SilverFastSEPlusME the CanoScan 8600F produces excellent quality and increased scanning speed when compared to Canon's ScanGear. The entire scanning process is professionally controllable and does not require any post processing of the scanned images.

Scan quality slides and negatives with SilverFast SE® •••••
Scan quality of documents with SilverFast SE® •••••
Scan quality slides and negatives ScanGear •••
Scan quality of documents with Canon ScanGear ••••
Scanning speed with Canon ScanGear •••
Scanning speed with SilverFast SE® •••••
Scangeschwindigkeit mit SilverFast SE® •••••
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Hans Schwarzkopf (8600F) - First, I had a HP ScanJet-SCSI-Scanner. For that scanner I invested in SilverFast Ai 5.0. When the HP-Scanner stopped operating I discovered by chance that CanoScan 8600F is bundled with SilverFast. This made me buy the CanoScan 8600F. After the purchase I quickly upgraded to SilverFast 6.5. Together with SilverFast the CanoScan 8600F provides me great universal use at a high quality level.

Serge Eymann (8600F) - I have only used SilverFast SE+ 6.5 Multi-exposure for a few weeks, but I am already conquered. Indeed, compared with the software offer delivered with the scanner there is nothing to hesitate, SilverFast replaces the latter without any regret. The scanner used is CanonScan 8600F under Windows XP Pro 32bits and the principal use is the scan of magazines or booklets. It is for that that I particularly appreciate the possibilities of decreening with SilverFast, which I didn't find anywhere else. The possibilities with SilverFast are multiple.

John McNeil (9950F) - ... In sum, SilverFast Ai IT8 is a great piece of software. Excellent scans and productivity enhancing features coupled with great technical and customer support make it the standard for CanoScan 9950F scanning software. ... (more ...)

John McNeil (9950F) - As an enthusiast photographer and a history buff with an interest in genealogy, I have scanned thousands of images over the past few years. My scanned images have included Civil War era daguerreotypes, family photos and scrap books from 1880 to present, negatives from the 1950s; and 35mm slides from the Vietnam War. I currently use the Canon CanoScan 9950F scanner on Windows XP and XP Pro systems.
Despite many favorably reviews of the CanoScan 9950F, my original scans, using the included ScanGear software, can best be described as average, with mixed results - loss of detail in highlights and shadows, blown out tones, and dull images. Based on the unremarkable results of the original scans, I decided to switch scanning software.
My choice for scanning software was SilverFast Ai IT8; and the results are extraordinary. Highlights and shadows exhibit more subtle details; and the accurate profiles from IT8 calibration result in crisp images with accurate color. In addition, batch mode and automatic frame detection are great time savers.
In sum, SilverFast Ai IT8 is a great piece of software. Excellent scans and productivity enhancing features coupled with great technical and customer support make it the standard for CanoScan 9950F scanning software. It has enabled the potential of my CanoScan 9950F and has turned a mediocre scanner into a great scanner. (less ...)

Larry Welliver (9950F) - The SilverFast software is a must have for all Canon owners. It is easy to use, is loaded with features that significantly improve the quality of your scanned images and you can get the scan right the first time which can save a significant amount of time. ... (more ...)

Larry Welliver (9950F) - The SilverFast software is a must have for all Canon owners. It is easy to use, is loaded with features that significantly improve the quality of your scanned images and you can get the scan right the first time which can save a significant amount of time. The SilverFast software allows you to select eleven different image types and has eight filters, which produce results that the Canon software cannot match.
I purchased the SilverFast software in April, 2006 for a Canon 9950F scanner that is hooked up to a MacBook Pro running OSX 10.4. The software was easy to install, bug free and I have been using it ever since. I scan photos of all types from travel, events and family. These photos are used for brochures, albums, scrapbooks, presentations and videos. I am an extremely satisfied customer. (less ...)

Gregory Knipp (9950F) - ... SilverFast really allows the scanner to make the most of it's capabilities. ... (more ...)

Gregory Knipp (9950F) - I've been an amateur photographer most of my life, but in January decided it was time to go digital. I bought my first flatbed scanner, a Canon CanoScan 9950F, to begin digitalizing a large family collection of old black & white prints, black & white 4x5 negatives, 35MM color slides, and 35MM color film. I began using the included scanning software, ScanGear, and initially thought it worked pretty well.
Then I heard about SilverFast. There was a lot of positive dialogue about the product across the internet, so I downloaded a trial copy of SilverFast SE Plus and began testing it. I had already done a number of scans of 35mm slides and some black & white 4x5 negatives with the ScanGear, so I rescanned some of those images and in side-by-side comparisons quickly discovered that the SilverFast was definitely the best product. I also tried out a copy of VueScan, but I thought it was a bit lacking. I ended up purchasing SilverFast Ai which has full color management and can handle 48-bit color, including RAW, amidst it's growing list of features. Currently SilverFast doesn't support FARE (dust and scratch correction tool, Canon's version of ICE), but SilverFast technical support folks tell me that they will be able to adapt their own dust and scratch removal function (SRD) to the infrared channel of this scanner in the very near future.
For me, one of the more notable advantages of SilverFast over ScanGear is that that SilverFast does a better job of pulling out details in shadowy areas when scanning 35MM color slides and my 4x5 B&W negs. You absolutely do have greater control over your scans, as advertised.
The Canon 9950F is an awesome scanner, and SilverFast really allows the scanner to make the most of it's capabilities. I think it would be a bit of real brilliance for Canon to start bundling SilverFast with it's scanners. Until that time, I feel it is definitely worth spending the money to replace the provided ScanGear software with SilverFast. (less ...)

Anthony Peperone (9950F) - ... SilverFast is easily superior to any other software on the market today in its ability to bring out the details in reflective and transparent media that others literally leave behind. ... (more ...)

Anthony Peperone (9950F) - I recently purchased SilverFast Ai Studio and used it to scan a 28-year-old Tri-X 400 negative with a Canon 9950F scanner using Windows XP on my PC. The result exceeded anything I thought possible. After using other software, I was disappointed and never thought I could match my original darkroom print (lost in Katrina) of the Natchez on the Mississippi River in New Orleans. Then I tried SilverFast. It was like magic. It actually exceeded the quality of my original print. SilverFast is easily superior to any other software on the market today in its ability to bring out the details in reflective and transparent media that others literally leave behind. It's there, but only SilverFast can capture the subtle details. I didn't know what I was actually missing until I started using SilverFast. I am very impressed by the subtle shades in black and white that SilverFast is able to capture and reproduce. After using other software, I didn't think it was possible with my Canon 9950F scanner. If you want the best quality possible from your Canon scanner, then SilverFast is an absolute MUST. I am using it on B/W and color transparencies and prints, and getting the superior image quality couldn't be easier. It has all of the advanced professional features that you would want, but the program is designed to "fly" on autopilot. Just go through the prearranged simple steps one by one, and a superior result is guarantied. The prearranged steps also allow for individual preferences, and you can deviate at any time to suit your individual needs. It can be as easy or advanced to suit your needs; but either way, the results achieved with SilverFast will be superior to any other software. Having to spend less time scanning by getting it right the first time while using simple, quicker steps enables you to be much more productive in your work while maintaining the highest quality possible. Thanks, SilverFast! (less ...)