OT: Let's talk scanning software

[the 'stache]

I'm at my wits' end here, and could really use some advice.

We've talked at length before about what scanners we all use to capture our collection. I have a Canoscan E8400F, and it's served me well until now. But as I've started tinkering with how I scan, it seems I'm having to do a lot more work than needed to get accurate, color-balanced scans.

The Canoscan Toolbox software, which comes with the scanner, is obviously about 9 years old. It does a fair job, but when you start messing with scan mode (color, color magazine) and resolution (I used to do about 600 dpi, as I could save the larger pictures, then just crop down to share on the forum), there are inconsistencies in the scan quality. It directly exports the scan to Photoshop (I use CS2), which I like. But when I started comparing the scans of SGC slabbed cards to those everybody else was putting up, well, a lot of the other scans just looked better. So, I decided to try scanning directly from within Photoshop. Using file-import, and selecting my Canoscan, I could do a preview. Well, after the first pass, the picture looks great. It then does a second pass as the element moves back to square one, and it makes the preview much brighter. Now, I scan with the lid up, and in a room with ambient lighting. Not too light to where it should negatively affect the color balance, and not dark enough where I'll trip over my dog, or bust a toe on the corner of my bed.

Since I scan many varieties of cards, from pre-war and vintage to modern, I wanted some more consistency.

So, I've been looking around, and it seems that there's a lot of options for scanner software. Something that is going to offer better technology than the twain that comes with Photoshop CS 2. Since I'm not a professional, I don't want to drop a bundle on a new Photoshop. This should be sufficient.

But I'd love some input on what third party scanning software you all use. And any tips on using those scanning software would be appreciated!!!

Thank you!

Bill