[photo-3d] Sharpness vs. magnification (was: 3-Digital)

["Dr. George A. Themelis" <drt-3d@xxxxxxx>]

Dr. Monte Ramstad writes:

>If you value field-of-view more than sharpness,
>you should use a viewer with a short focal length (which will
>also magnify).

I think you should change "field-of-view" to magnification.

So, you are asking, what is more important, sharpness
or magnification?  Some people obviously value both,
that's why they are not drawn to computer 3d but
stick with stereo slides viewed in a good viewer.

Have in mind that magnification affects two things:
1) The ability to see details. 2) The amount of stretch
or squash in viewing.  Ideally, the viewing distance
should match the "recording distance".  So one can
"go off" both ways but practically it only happens
one way.

When you view an image from far away and you lose the
ability to see details, the stereo effect overpowers
other qualities in the image.  Stereo is in, photography
is out.  I think a lot of beginners are attracted to
this situation because the stereo effect is something
new to them.  After many years of viewing stereo images
I think most people tend to appreciate good photography
more and more and be less impressed by the stereo effect.
This only my personal opinion. 

>People's opinions are
>bound to differ, but for me sharpness is more important.
>Without a sharp view, it seems to me that the stereo effect
>is greatly diminished.  This is one of the issues which lead
>me to design the PokeScope viewer.  I figured that
>people should at least have an option to choose sharpness
>when viewing stereo images on a computer.

I agree with your choice.

Best regards,

George Themelis

 

Your use of Yahoo! Groups is subject to http://docs.yahoo.com/info/terms/