Digital BW, The Print

Martin writes:

> Since the conversion to B&W drops 2/3 of the
> data the implication is that to match 35mm B&W
> you would need 30 megapixal direct capture.

Agreed.  But you'll never get really good black and white from any RGB
imaging device.  The only way to get top quality black and white is with a
dedicated black and white imaging device.  A CCD could certainly do this,
but only if it were truly dedicated to the task, with no color filters, and
I don't see anyone producing that.

Similarly, you can't scan color film and convert it to B&W with results that
come anywhere near to true B&W film.