|
How does it Look and Feel?
In developing DCPro LaserSoft have continued with their tried and
tested application interface. Whilst this interface may not match with
the expectations of those who believe that the Microsoft way is the only
way it does serve its purpose. It's also worth noting that because
SilverFast is fundamentally a Photoshop plug-in there are constraints
placed upon certain aspects of the interface.
SilverFast DCPro User Interface
Apart from the additional controls for adjusting image
Exposure and White Balance plus the special function buttons for: Red Eye
correction, IPTC data editing, high resolution full screen preview, and printing there is little to
differentiate DCPro from the scanner version.
The Exposure/White Balance controls (Picture Settings)
were first introduced to SilverFast HDR in the early part of 2003 and
initially I was quite happy with their operation. However, digicam
images are not the same as those from a scanner and it quickly became
apparent that the White Balance control being limited to slider
operation meant that targeting a specific area of the image as the
source for White Balance wasn't possible. LaserSoft recognised this
limitation and have completely rewritten the tool with the additional of
Tint and Eye-dropper tools. We also have menu
options for all the usual WB settings including: As Shot, Flash,
Tungsten, Daylight, etc.
The Virtual Light Table (VLT) is a File Browser
much like that found in Photoshop and many of the basic applications
supplied with digital cameras. Although LaserSoft have adapted the File
Browser concept slightly to match their perception of the photographers
post-capture
workflow. A number of Preset configurations are also available.
SilverFast Virtual Light Table
(VLT)
To open an image for further editing within the main
SilverFast application you drag the its thumbnail to the Album area and
either double-click the thumbnail or click on the little green triangle. Conversion time is
dependent upon processor speed, but I've found that on my Mac OS X system
DCPro converts Canon D30/60 and 10D images noticeably quicker than
Canons own application.
VLT still requires some work so that it truly provides
the "light table" like features required by photographers. Likewise the
IPTC data editor and search facilities still need further work
As is the case with SilverFast Ai and HDR we find that batch processing of images is easily handled using the
Job Manager Function. Actually Job Manager is probably the most
effective and flexible batch processing tool of any that I'm currently
aware of. The pity is that it isn't obvious to the new user what it is
and how it works..
Batch Processing in Job Manager
|
