Myths About Slide Scanning and Negative
Scanning: Restoration of Scanned Images is perfect

Restoration during and after scanning can be wondrous. But it isn't perfect. Let's look at some examples of the primary technology used to improve scanned images: ICE.

ICE

ICE, or Image Correction and Enhancement, is the name for a technology from Applied Science Fiction, now part of Kodak, for correcting for dust and scratches in scanned film. Similar techniques are used by other software and hardware vendors.

Mildly scratched/dirty slide (click for the full-sized JPEG image 9.3MB)	Restored with ICE (click for the full-sized JPEG image 9.5MB)

In this example, there is a significant scratch across the top third of the image, above the flowers. In the restored version, the effect of the scratch is greatly reduced. You may need to look at the full-sized versions of the images to really appreciate the magnitude of the improvement (click on each image to access the full-sized versions.) These are great results, showing ICE technologies working well. This kind of result is very common. Film with less pronounced scratches and embedded dust will show even better results.

Dirty slide with fingerprint (click for the full-sized JPEG image 7.6MB)	Restored with ICE (click for the full-sized JPEG image 7.7MB)

In this example, there is a pronounced fingerprint on the slide. The restored version greatly reduces the effect of the fingerprint. The result is good, but not all of the blemish is removed. The fingerprint is still visible.