>From: Dion Mikkelsen <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>
>What processing capabilities? Don't they either store them in a raw
>format, or they use JPEG (which is a standard anyway). I can't see >how a
>more expensive camera will yield better quality from that >point. The old
>adages still hold true - a better image sensor ("film") and optics
>(lenses)will give you the shots you want.
>All the software and firmware does is coordinate it all.
Dion,
I believe he is talking about the firmware algorithms which convert the
electonic signals produced by the CCD into the actual image. At the CCD an
image is nothing more than 1s and 0s. The "processing" algorithm for that
specific camera turns all those pixel 1s and 0s into something intelligible.
Each camera converts this information slightly differently, based on the
firmware program. You'll see that they can produce distinct image
properties of color balance, etc. For instance, look at reviews of consumer
digicams with the same lens, but from different companys. You'll see that
their color balance can be very disparate. Add onto that group of
information (its not yet a file in the vernacular sense) any later
information concerning white balance, in-camera sharpening, tonal control,
color control, etc, etc. In the case of JPEGs only then do you compress the
information into a file which is written on the mem card.
As you can see, there is a LOT of room between shutter release and
writing the file to the memory card. Thats a lot of 1s and 0s floating
around to either get it right OR get it wrong. This is where you find the
difference between consumer and pro level units with regard to firmware.
Wouldn't you spend a little more time and capital (relative to the
time/capital investment in consumer level gear) to make sure your pro level
gear met the high standards of the target audience? Right. That's only
good business sense. Its also part of why you pay $2000-5000 for that kind
of equipment. Incidently, you won't find a lot of people who think Canon
got it wrong in the EOS 1D or D30/60!
Brian Fancher
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