P3D Re: Printer resolution (was Re: P3D Re: Lenticulars)

[Michael Kersenbrock <michaelk@xxxxxxxxxxxx>]

> >From these two pieces of information we can now figure out what the
> limits for computer output are.  Lets assume I'm going to output to a
> 600dpi laser printer.  (Color is similar, and would just be a
> complication in this example.)  The original is a 35mm full frame
> negative (36mmx24mm).  The output will be 8x10 inch on a 8-1/2x11 inch
> sheet of paper (missing the 1/4 inch dead zone at the edges).  In
> order to get nice gradations of tone I want 256 shades of gray.  Given
> 600dpi across the 8x10 inch printable area of the page that works out
> to 4800x6000 dots (8*600x10*600), or 300x375 pixels (4800/16x6000/16)
> or 37.5 pixels per inch (ppi).

This is why the alternative of printing on a dye-sub printer can give
such good results.  With a 600dpi dye-sub, instead of 37.6ppi one can end
up with 600ppi.  Some dye-subs may "cheat" and have both continuous tone
dots as well as dithering to extend the dynamic range but the result of
300 dpi or 150dpi would still be decent (don't know about  mine).

I use an ALPS 1300 in dye-sub mode (not technically a dye-sub because
it doesn't use dyes, it uses pigments....) which gives continuous tone "dots" and
very very nice results -- in an inexpensive printer who's run-time costs is
similar to ink-jets.  They just don't have the advertising and distribution channels
of the biggies.  :-)

Might have a better chance using one of these (or the newer MD 5000 with the
dye-sub option).  Reasonably priced if one hunts around.

Mike K.



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