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Re: [OM] Why bigger images are better

Subject: Re: [OM] Why bigger images are better
From: "John A. Lind" <jlind@xxxxxxxxxxxx>
Date: Mon, 21 Jan 2002 11:30:03 +0000
On 1/21/02, a number of list members wrote numerous postings . . .

This is a periodic topic on the Medium Format List (how much better). Bigger images *are* better.

Why?
The MTF (modulation transfer function) of the entire *system* of lens, recording medium (film or CCD) and printing or projection method *combined*. You cannot extract information that is not there. It must survive lens, recording media, and if you print it the printing system, or if you project it the projection system (including enlarger/projector lens MTF). Film granularity and CCD pixels are not the be-all, end-all of image acuity. It's the entire system MTF. When thinking about image enlargement for printing or projection, consider about 50 lppmm on the recording media as about the limit, then compute linear enlargement and find the dpi in the print or projection.

Don't be deceived by "interpolation" and "smoothing" algorithms that create information or reduce jaggedness of grain/pixelation. It may make the image more appealing visually, but it's not any more than was started with beforehand! Interpolation in particular relies *completely* on what *is* there and fills in holes. If something completely different was in a "hole" compared to its surrounding information, it cannot be created.

-- John


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