Unlike
SilverFast Ai which has individual versions associated with
individual scanner models HDR is designed to be used without a scanner. SilverFast HDR requires that your image have already
been pre-scanned and saved as Tiff or JPG files. With SilverFast HDR the
scanner operator can batch scan any number of images without worrying about
colour/tone editing until such times as the edited images are required. The
individual responsible for scanning might not even be concerned about final
processing since this task can be passed-off to a more skilled person.
Download the Adobe PDF Version of this Tutorial
This
tutorial will demonstrate two workflows for capturing raw high-bit scans from
SilverFast Ai. It also shows how to carry out a few basic corrections to the scanned image in SilverFast
HDR.
The screenshots
are all based on Mac OS X of SilverFast Ai and SilverFast HDR. Nevertheless the basic layout of the various dialogs, etc. should
be familiar to users of other operating systems
SilverFast Ai Scanner Set-up
Configuring
SilverFast Ai to output your scans in raw high-bit mode isn't that difficult,
but there are a few quirks that if left unattended too will cause no
end of grief. If the steps outlined below are followed all should be okay.
In the following I assume that you are using Photoshop
and are familiar with the SilverFast interface, although the screenshots should make things a bit easier to follow.
Step 1 - Getting SilverFast Ai ready for high-bit
scanning
First we
want to get SilverFast Ai set for raw 48-bit color output
(LaserSoft call this 48 Bit HDR Colour mode). This is achieved by simply
selecting the Scan Type
pop-up and then choosing 48
Bit HDR Colour, as shown below.
Setting
SilverFast Ai for High Bit Output
You
will notice
that once 48
Bit HDR Color has
been chosen ALL the colour adjustment tools are disabled, again this is normal,
remember in high-bit mode you can't make, nor do you want to make any
adjustments to the raw scan.
Next
we want to get SilverFast Ai set for our preferred gamma-gradation setting.
Anywhere between 1.8 or 2.2 seem to be the optimum values.
- Press
Option and then select the General tab.
- Insert the required
gamma-gradation value.
Important Note: If you intend to scan
negative type
films and later use NegaFix it is
again recommended that:-
for HDR output is left
unchecked and that you configure the CMS dialog as shown here
- Click logo for instructions
Step 2 Configuring colour management for HDR colour mode
Different users appear to have widely varying views on how SilverFast
Ai should be configured so that the raw HDR colour images are
suitably prepared for later processing in SilverFast HDR. I'll
describe two alternative workflows and have identified them according to two
common user groups. Choose the one that best fits your needs, but don't
try to mix the setting between them.
User Group 1 Configuration
This configuration is ideal for SilverFast Ai users who
wish to save their
48-bit HDR Colour images with NO profile embedded and who will subsequently edit the high-bit images in
a fully IT-8 calibrated version (optional extra) of SilverFast HDR. The raw scanned images resulting from
this workflow will be very dark; this is normal.
SilverFast Ai CMS Configuration 1
(48-bit HDR colour mode - don't embed a profile)
The CMS dialog should be configured as per the screenshot shown above, however, I have provided some further information
below so that the choices may be better understood.
Colour Management
- Input - > Internal - should be set to None. SilverFast Ai will not
colour manage
the image.
- Internal - > Monitor - should be set to Automatic
- Internal - > Output - should be set to RGB
Profiles for ColorSync/ICM
- Input - choose None. If a profile is selected it will be embedded in the
exported/saved image and will likely conflict with the calibration profile
associated with SilverFast HDR.
- Internal - should be set for "your" preferred
Photoshop working space, e.g. Adobe RGB (1998), ColorMatch, etc. As
with Internal ->Monitor described above this selection will
ensure that the preview image is displayed accurately on your
monitor.
- Gray - Not Important
- Output/Printer - will be greyed out and therefore cannot be
changed
- Rendering Intent - ideally you should choose Perceptual
or Relative Colorimetric
Embedded ICC Profiles
- Embed ICC Profile - Uncheck!
Using the above configuration there will be no embedded profile.
User Group 2 Configuration
This configuration is ideal for those users who don't have any
particular concerns about limiting the gamut of their original scans to
the Photoshop working space. It's ideal for those who are using the SilverFast Ai IT-8 module; a third party
calibration profile; or don't wish to leave colour management to SilverFast
HDR.
SilverFast Ai CMS Configuration 2
(48-bit HDR colour mode - embed work space profile)
The CMS dialog should be configured as per the
above screenshot, however as before, I have provided some further
information below so that the choices may be better understood. Note
that you should begin by configuring the Profiles for
ColorSync/ICM section.
Colour Management
- Input - > Internal - Choose ColorSync/ICM.
- Internal - > Monitor - should be set to Automatic
- This setting ensures that the preview display will accurately reflect the image colours,
tone and brightness.
- Internal - > Output - should be set to RGB.
Profiles for ColorSync/ICM
- Input - If Input ->
Internal was set to ColorSync/ICM select the appropriate Scanner Profile
otherwise None is acceptable.
- Internal - should be set for "your" preferred
Photoshop working space, e.g. Adobe RGB (1998), ColorMatch, etc.
Alternatively an archiving colour space such as EktaSpace or Kodak
Pro Photo RGB could be selected. The selection made here will be the profile embedded within the exported/saved image.
- Gray - Not Important
- Output/Printer - will be greyed out and therefore cannot be
changed.
- Rendering Intent - ideally you should leave it at Perceptual
or Relative Colorimetric
Embedded ICC Profiles
- Embed ICC Profile - this should be checked
The embedded profile will be "your" chosen Photoshop working space as selected in
the Profiles for ColorSync/ICM pop-up menu.
If your output is set for RGB then the remaining settings
cannot be altered. Finally, click Apply followed by OK.
Contd.
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27 September 2003
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