57
Reference: The Tool Chest
Scanner Extras
The options available in the Scanner Extras palette depend on
the device selected in the active scan window, the scanner firm-
ware version, and the film adapter in use. This section lists the
options available for the scanners and adapters supported un-
der Nikon Scan 3.
Pixel Data Size
The Scan Bit Depth menu controls the amount of color in-
formation in each pixel scanned.
Bit Depth, Color, and File Size
Scanning at a bit depth of eight bits yields 256 shades per pixel
for each color in the image (if the image is three-color RGB, the
result is 24-bit color, capable of expressing roughly 16.7 million
colors). Scanning at a bit depth of twelve bits (COOLSCAN IV ED
and LS-2000 only) yields 4,096 shades per color, while scanning
at a bit depth of fourteen bits per pixel (4000 ED only) gener-
ates 16,348 shades per color. RGB and grayscale images scanned
at twelve and fourteen bits are converted to sixteen bits before
being opened in the host application, effectively doubling file
size. CMYK images are converted to eight bits, but the extra
channel produces images one third larger than RGB images
scanned at a depth of eight bits.
Firmware
“Firmware” is software built into a hardware device. In the case
of Nikon film scanners, firmware upgrades may be available on
the web or from your nearest Nikon-authorized service center.
For details, contact your Nikon representative or see the fol-
lowing URLs:
North and South America:
http://www.nikontechusa.com
Europe:
http://www.nikon-euro.com
The latest firmware for the LS-2000 and COOLSCAN III is also
available on the Nikon Scan 3 CD.
