Digital BW, The Print

I just read a very interesting article that Tyler Boley has published
on his site. Using highly magnified areas of actual prints he
demonstrates the importance of multiple shades of gray inks (and
variable dot size) to produce the highest possible resolution in a B&W
print.

Specifically the comparison is between the ABW Epson driver and 2
RIPs, (the high end StudioPrint and the more affordable and ever
popular QTR). The RIPs control 2 quad tone Piezography inksets (from
Jon Cone), each of a different hue , loaded together on a 9600.
 
As a bonus we are also given the same image area scanned to the same
size from a contact print of the original neg. Despite the
shortcomings of the silver print, it still looks more "organic" than
anything from an inkjet. Scattered grains of silver form a more
pleasing structure than dithered dots. Of course, all this is at a
microscopic level and it wouldn't surprise me if many readers find the
whole thing irrelevant .

Yet, it is fascinating to see what actual prints look like under
magnification. As Tyler points out, we don't actually see this level
of detail when we look at a print but it sure influences our
perception of the image - even if we can't pinpoint the reason.

So.... draw your own conclusions!

http://tinyurl.com/47efo9


Antonis