Image
Formation for Different Imaging Systems
Images presented in different mediums depend upon content and quality of image.
A single motion picture image is quite grainy, but shown in a rapid sequence,
we don't perceive the grain. Still photos are usually very high quality unless
the content is exceptional. We usually scan a still photo for content. Video
presented on a NTSC TV set has the limitation of screen resolution and there
are limits to image quality. Hi Definition is a whole new issue I am not considering
here, but I feel that considering the differences of these systems valuable
to understanding the making of good images.
| Feature (Manual) |
Still Camera B&W |
Movie Camera Color Negative |
Camcorder | Eye/Brain |
| Image Quality | Very High
|
High | Low | Variable |
| Image
Capture Rate |
Slow | 24-25/second | 30/second | 5 per sec |
| Image Capture Percent of Time |
One at a Time |
50% of the Time | 99% of the Time | Full Time |
| Permanence
of Image |
Best | Good | Fair/good | Dependent on Memory |
| Exposure Control | Shutter Speed and Iris | Shutter Opening and Iris FPS | Iris | Iris (Pupil) |
| Sensitivity Control | Depends on ASA/Development | Depends on ASA/Development | Gain Setting | Adaptation |
| Latitude | 7-10 Stops | 7-8 Stops | 5-6 Stops | 11+ Stops |
| Focus | Manual | Manual | Auto/Manual | Auto |
| Scan Method | None/All at Once | None/All at Once | Like Reading | Directed by Brain |
| See Results | After Processing | After Processing | Instant | Continuous |
| Neg. or Pos | Either | Negative | Positive Mostly | Don't Know |
| Format of Frame | Photographer Selects | Fixed | Fixed | Variable |
| Size of Image | Variable | 3/4"x1" or Smaller | 1/3", 1/2", or 2/3" | In Brain? |
| Cost | Variable | High | Lower | Priceless Equipment |
| Cost of Record Medium | Low | High | Lower | None |
| Cost of Edit | Low | High | High | None |
| Sound | None | Separate | Combined | ???? |
| View Condition | Anywhere | Theater | TV | Anywhere |
| Duplication Cost | Low | High | Low | Impossible |