Re: Semi OT: Anyone do a big print yet

[Mark Cassino]

I went out shooting today and a made a 12 x 18 print of a scene shot with 
the *ist D.

I have mixed impressions, but must admit that I shot a scene that I knew 
would challenge the digital format.

Here's a small image of the shot:

If it looks familiar, that's because I shot the same location just about a 
year ago:

http://www.markcassino.com/galleries/landscapes/0308land05.htm

I don't think one can really compare images taken almost a year apart, even 
if they are of the same place. I did a lot of work on the first image and 
printed several copies, and today did a quick touch up on the digital image 
and ran off one quick 12 x 18 print.

Nonetheless, I am disappointed with the large print from the *ist-D.  The 
tree trunks have a plastic look to them - they do not have the rich detail 
that they have in the film version of this shot.  Also, there are several 
places in the digital image where the distant patchwork of leafless twigs 
just melts into a gray haze, while in the film version the branches retain 
their integrity.  Lastly, the acutance of the branches against the sky is 
exaggerated in the digital print, and looks weird when you look closely at 
the large print.

So, my first impression of a large print from the *ist-D is not so 
great.  I suspect that in the case of close up shots - where edge 
definition is more improtant that resolution - things will flip the other 
way.

FWIW - I shot several shots side by side with the *ist-D and Mz-S loaded 
with velvia today.  Hope to do a more thorough (and valid) comparison next 
week 9when I get the vevlia back from the lab.)

- MCC



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Mark Cassino Photography

Kalamazoo, MI

http://www.markcassino.com

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