Where can I find the HDRi function?

Where can I find the HDRi function?

Question: 

Where Can I Find the HDRi Function in SilverFast?

Short Answer:

The HDRi function in SilverFast becomes available only when 'Transparency' scan mode is selected, provided your scanner is equipped with the necessary transparency unit for film scanning.

Long Answer:

If you’re venturing into the realm of high-quality digital image capturing with SilverFast, you may be intrigued by the advanced capability known as the HDRi function. This sophisticated feature is a boon for photographers and archivists who require the utmost in image quality and fidelity from their scanned film negatives or slides.

Understanding HDRi:

HDRi stands for High Dynamic Range (with an additional IR channel) and is a unique feature of SilverFast that generates 64-bit RAW data from your scans. This includes an infrared channel that captures dust and scratch information from film materials in 16-bit.

Eligibility for HDRi:

Not all scanning devices can utilize HDRi within SilverFast, as the function is contingent upon the specific hardware capabilities of the scanner. Essentially, HDRi is available only under these two circumstances:

  1. Film Scanners: Dedicated film scanners, designed expressly for scanning negatives or slides, typically come equipped with the proper sensors that support the HDRi function in SilverFast.

  2. Flatbed Scanners with Transparency Units: Some flatbed scanners come with an additional accessory known as a transparency unit (or a film adapter). This unit enables the scanning of transparent materials and is necessary to unlock the HDRi scanning capacity within SilverFast.

Locating HDRi in SilverFast:

To access the HDRi function in SilverFast:

  1. Open SilverFast
  2. Ensure that your scanner is connected and recognized by SilverFast.
  3. Select the ‘transparency’ mode indicating you are scanning film materials (negatives or slides).
  4. Select the type of material to scan.
  5. In the bitdepth-settings (by default is labelled as "48 -> 24 Bit") select either of the two HDR- scanmodes:
    • 64 Bit HDRi RAW for RGB-scans (color)
    • 32 Bit HDRi RAW for greyscale


Tips and Notes:

  • Before attempting to use HDRi, check that your scanner supports this function and that all necessary drivers and firmware updates have been installed.
  • HDRi scanning can result in larger file sizes due to the additional infrared data; ensure you have adequate storage for your imaging projects.
  • Regular updates to the SilverFast software can enhance and sometimes modify how features like HDRi are accessed; staying current with the latest version is recommended.

In Conclusion:

The HDRi function is a powerful tool in the SilverFast arsenal, delivering a new level of detail and cleanliness in scanning film-based materials. Remember that your scanner’s capabilities dictate the availability of this feature, so it’s wise to confirm this before you embark on your scanning projects.

If you have any questions about HDRi, how to access it, or whether your scanner is compatible, please reach out to our SilverFast support team, who are always ready to assist you with expert advice and guidance.

Happy Scanning!

 

P.S.: Dive into the world of high-quality scanning with our YouTube tutorial that demystifies the HDRi RAW concept in SilverFast: