Digital BW, The Print

Hello Andre,

>"...I would appreciate any thoughts on the use of a digital camera
>and feasability of using one to get respectable prints up to 13x19."

Some thoughts and observations:

1) I am using an 8mp digicam (Canon Pro-1) and find the images can
make excellent 11x14 prints (actual image size on 13x19 paper).  I
have also made 11x14 from sample 6mp images downloaded from dpreview.
 However, I favor 8 mp because it leaves room for cropping, while 6mp
seems borderline.  I recently cropped an 8mp image about 15% and still
was able to make an excellent 11x14.  I would recommend 8mp as a
minimum for making this size print on a regular basis.  

2) My 8mp images print 11x14 at about 230 ppi.  However, my Pro-1 has
a 3:4 aspect ratio.  An 8mp DSLR image with 2:3 ratio may produce
different ppi depending on cropping differences.  

3) Bottom line, though, is the bigger the sensor the better the
results.  My Pro-1 11x14s look sort of like what I'd expect from a 645
neg.  If you want better quality then you better get at least a bigger
sensor, if not more pixels.  Canon makes 3 8mp cams, all with
different size sensors, plus the "big guy" 16mp 1Ds, so choose your
weapon:

Camera   Mp     Sensor            List Price 
------------------------------------------------------
Pro-1     8     8.8 x  6.6 mm    $ 1,000 with lens
20d       8    22.5 x 15.0       $ 1,500  + lenses
1D        8    28.7 x 19.1       $ 4,500  + lenses
1Ds      16    36.0 x 24.0       $ 8,000  + lenses


3) Because there is no film grain, the enlargement constraints we are
used to with film no longer apply.  There are constraints, just that
they are different.  Assuming enough resolution to avoid pixellation,
I find I can enlarge digicam images to a greater degree than I could
film images.  The sensor in my Pro-1 is about the size of a
fingernail.  That it can produce sharp grainless 11x14's is a miracle
to me (it should be noted that the Pro-1 has a superb "L" class
lens).  

4) We lose the ability to use different films for different effects. 
 We must try to achieve the desired results with software after the
fact.  I was a dedicated Tri-X user, and found I could not get the
Tri-X "look" no matter how hard I tried.  I could emulate the spectral
sensitivity, but could not imitate what the Tri-X grain gives an
image.  BUT, I also found I could "get over it" and learn to like what
I do get.  So basically you have to let go of the past. 

5) An exhilarating sense of freedom comes over you as the realization
sinks in that you can shoot as much as you want without concern for
film/processing costs.

6) I'm finding that a digicam + printing with a 2200 and Eboni based
inks gives very satisfying results.

Regards,
Clayton


Info on black and white digital printing at    
http://www.cjcom.net/digiprnarts.htm