SilverFast HDR Studio

SilverFast HDR Studio is an advanced software application specialized in scanning images into 64- or 48-bit HDR(I) RAW data format, edit photos, and work with an automatic color calibrating mode of the scanner.

The GUI looks a bit overwhelming at a first glance as it shows a comprehensive package of features dedicated to the editing process. The layout is customizable and you may disconnect the tool dialog from the main window and place it anywhere on the desktop.

If the interface looks two crowded, you should know that every dialog that integrates an editing parameter can be folded or unfolded separately, or closed. Each individual tool dialog may be detached and placed on the desktop.

You may disable the editing functions that are not used at the current moment, reset the editing parameters to standard values, and activate the expert mode for fine-tuning.

The WorkflowPilot embeds all the parameters that you need for scanning and processing pictures. You can set up the image acquisition process by providing details about the source (print or image), task (e.g. archive, color restoration, editing actions, quick fix for automatic enhancements, highlight protection and shadow details), as well as color mode.

Depending on the final result that you want to acquire, the utility puts at your disposal different features. They differ according to the prior setup configuration of the image acquisition process.

The best part about SilverFast HDR Studio is that you are guided gradually throughout the optimization mode with the aid of a wizard.

Let’s say, you opt for an editing task. You may pick the target photo, specify the scan area and set the output resolution, apply an automatic image correction mode, check out a histogram, adjust gradation (midtone and contrast), correct very dark image areas using the Auto Adaptive Contrast Optimization feature, eliminate grain and noise, remove dust and scratch, as well as pick the output format (TIFF, PSD, JPEG, PDF, JP2) and enter metadata.

There’s also support for batch processing so you can apply the editing mode to multiple items at the same time and a job manager that keeps track of all your actions.

In conclusion, SilverFast HDR Studio provides an impressive suite of features designed for processing images, offers excellent output results, and is suitable especially for advanced users. You should expect from power apps like this one to eat up CPU and memory, so the overall performance of the system may be burdened.