P3D Grain of Truth

[Jonathan Gross <jonathan.gross@xxxxxxxxxxxx>]

As was previously posted, there are some excellant digital imaging
systems that will capture images nearly the same as professional film,
however, they are verrrrrry expensive at this point in time.  For 
someone who has been working with computers since the late 60's, I would
not be too surprised to see the price of these systems drop quickly in
the near future.  As the technology to display digital images improves
for both hardcopy and electronic display, there will be increased
pressure on capturing higher quality images.

Still, not only is spatial resolution an issue when comparing film to
electronic technologies, but also dynamic range and tonal resolution are
very important.  Most common image file formats (except Kodak Photo CD)
use only 24 bits per pixel (8 bits per color).  Something closer to 36
bits per pixel (12 bits per color) is needed to compete with film, or
some other scheme that will save the subtle nuances of low tones and the
brilliant sparkle of highlights.

So for now, I have invested in a high quality film scanner (2,700DPI
with 36-bits/pixel).  This lets me digitize my library of stereo slides,
continue to use my existing photo equipment, and yet produce digital
stereoscopic images of much higher quality than could be produced by any
digital camera I can afford.

Of course, I don't get the other advantages of digital imaging such as
the nearly immediate availability of the digital images.  But I can wait
a little longer for the price to come down and the quality to go up.

Jon Gross


------------------------------