GILLES  Also fixed a problem that Epson Perfection 3170

had with v. 8.6.57 when scanning in "text" mode

good to see it fixed rapidly  
(Version 8.6.58)

JCRAIG  Unlike most other applications, when Vuescan is updated, the majority of users get no advantage from downloading the update. In fact, in some cases downloading a new version can break functionality for users of certain scanners. This is why Sparkle has not been implemented (that, and possibly the fact that this is a cross-platform app). The conspiracy theorists like to complain about the frequent updates to this product, but I can guarantee that if you're a user of one of the scanners that is receiving support or maintenance you're glad for that support. Users of this application know that not every update is a required download. We also know that if something does break, all it takes is an email to Ed Hamrick and within a day or so the issue is resolved. Very few developers offer this level of support. And anyone who works in photography or graphic arts knows that Vuescan, for the money, simply can't be beat.  
(Version 8.6.57)

GRYPHONENT  Yeah, I've been wishing for an updater for a long time. Why not implement Sparkle like other developers? The app can still be posted to MacUpdate once a new version is available.  
(Version 8.6.56)

DRTYRELL969  I really love this software. The only thing missing is a "Check for Updates..." autoloader. Save that, it completely blows away anything I've managed to download from scanner manufactures. Well WELL worth the money.  
(Version 8.6.53)

PCHARLES67  I've been working with this software for about a week now and feel I am just getting to the point where I am understanding some of the functions. What I am doing is a little complex because I bought a 60 year old stereo camera and have been trying to digitize the non-standard images. If you have a standard 35mm negative, the auto mode works like a charm and the multi exposure mode really gives great shadow detail compared to the stock Epson Software. However, once you start working with the manual controls, things get challenging and the manual is fairly basic, but the Ed Hamrick has replied to all my emails and made very useful suggestions that have helped a lot.

If all you want is a basic scan, and are not too bothered about getting the best out of your image, then the stock software is great, but if you want to get shadow detail, with reduced grain, then this is worth the effort. I also looked at Silverfast SE Plus, which costs many times that of Vuescan. It too is a superb piece of software, but it is really held back by their arcane Microsoftian licensing requiring the purchase of updates when you buy a new scanner. On top of that the interface of Silverfast is hideous compared to the more modern single pane approach. Vuescan can look a little overwhelming once you get outside of the guide me mode, but at least you do not need to juggle windows.

If you are anything like me, you will initially hate Vuescan just as much as you will initially hate Silverfast because stock scanner software is designed to be warm and fuzzy, but when you start to see what you can do with the extra control and the improved quality you will be willing to spend the $40.

The only thing I really think is strange, is the convoluted way this software picks frames on a negative using multicrop. I do not understand why I need to divide the negative up in to zones, then tweak every single zone, and then tweak the selection box inside a zone, when I should be able to simply select the part of each negative I want. The software should then allow me to add another selection, then another and sequentially number each one like I can do with my stock software, or even with Silverfast. For that reason alone, the over complicated multicrop, I cannot give five stars. Like I said earlier, if all you do is scan individual standard shapes, you will never have this problem, but if you want to scan anything more complex it becomes quite a challenge.   
(Version 8.6.50)

PCHARLES67  How do you like the 8800f? I have an old Epson Perfection 3200 and have been considering the 8800f, or more likely the 9000f.  
(Version 8.6.50)

MACUSER226  I am more than pleased with this software. I bought a Canon 8800f and the software constantly had problems launching, locking up, etc. This works flawlessly as advertised with images, transparencies and negatives. Highly recommended.   
(Version 8.6.49)

MONTY  I own a high quality Epson scanner but the Epson software hasn’t been the best for it. I bough a powerful scan program (Silverfast) which works very good and makes detailed scans. However, it does not launch fast and is not a fast program. Additionally it only works with one specific scanner that you select when you buy the software. So I tried VueScan to work with a multifunction Epson printer. Hands down this is the best scan program I found for general use. I can go to this program and scan from any of my scanners--high end and those on the multifunction printers).

It works great for quick scans and is much, much easier to use than other scan programs. I find I have more control over my scan using VueScan vice the Epson or HP scan software. I highly recommend VueScan if you are looking for something quick and easy to use with great output.  
(Version 8.6.49)

OCD  I find that this is not a replacement software for your new scanners... I suggest you use the software that comes with it/them - it's usually the best way to go an you will get the best compatibility and results.

However - Vuescan is an absolute godsend for many older scanners and ones with dubious and outdated software. The quality and control can't be beat at any price.  
(Version 8.6.47)

ANDY HEWITT  This is just a quick apology, and a reversal of comments I made in the past.

I have now finally worked out scanning of two strips of negatives on my Epson 4490, and have done a side by side comparison with the EpsonScan software.

For one, VueScan is not as easy to use, not by a long way, and the documentation really does need sorting out. I still haven't found anything much that covers scanning multiple negatives, and have had to kind of 'work it out'. One thing still puzzles me, is why does it switch to Manual colour setting when I select each frame.

However, it is also quite clear that the scan quality is something else (at least now it is, I think it has been improved within the many updates, it wasn't so in the past). Comparing an image scanned in both softwares (using similar settings), I found that the Vuescan version had better colour balance, better exposure, and the infrared cleaning is better than the dust removal in EpsonScan.

Speed is about the same as EpsonScan, even if you use Multi-exposure - which is another feature I suddenly discovered, and like a lot (kind of like HDR).

So, a thank you to Ed for a great bit of software, but a mark down for the user manual.  
(Version 8.6.43)