I am working on a study about architectural photography at a German University and in a part I have to compare different analog and digital systems.
Its nearly impossible, if you have a look around the web you can find a lot of answers what digital equipment you can compare with a 4/5 inch dia.
From 8Mp to 250Mp !! The Problem of nearly all comparison methods is that they try to compare a "hammer with a srewdriver".
So I tried to find a way, and I would like to know what the experts on this forum think about it.
The Factor Q = 1 means that a photographic system has a sufficient image Quality for a print in the size DIN A 4 (European Standard 1/16 m2).
I compare prints, because in my case its the result of each processs.
But you can "translate" it.
For a print in a magazin in the size of 8x10 inch you also need a factor Q=1, in a good printed book factor 2 and so on.
On a 19 inch monitor you need Q=0,8 and so on....
An Example: A slr camera (XD-7) with a normal lens(Rokkor 1.7/50), a BW Film 400Asa( Tri X9, developped in fine grain developper(Emofin), enlarged on normal paper(Ilford Multigrade FB) gives you a good picture on DIN A 3 (16/12 inch), at the double size (DIN A 2)most of the viewers saw problems. So this only system has the factor Q= 2
The first results(only examples)
All the combinations are with a special lens/film, etc, to make it easier only some examples:
Film 135 from a point and shoot system/ plastic lens factor 0,3
to film 135 to High end factor 3,5
MF Systems Film:
simple MF System factor 2
LF with RF factor 4
hasselblad SWC/M factor 5
Plaubel proshift factor 6
LF systems:
4/5 old symmar factor 4
4/5 super symmar Velvia factor 9
138 apo sironar factor 15
810 Grandagon 22
Digital
casio 2MP factor 0,3
lumix 6MP factor 0,9
Canon 20D 8 MP factor 1,2
Canon 5D 12MP factor 2,4
Canon 5D 12MP 3 p. stitched factor 5
Eyelike 17MP Back on Alpa factor 4
22Mp Back factor 6
22Mp 2 pict. stitched factor 11
39Mp used as point and shoot factor 3
39Mp Back factor 11
39 MP Back Multishot factor 14
Different raw conversion and tuning are producing differnet factors.
Different persons have differnent opinions on quality, but I think the factor is the best way to compare.
So each person can try to improve his own way.
My favorite is a 13/18 technika with a super symmar 110, Kodak Film and a Ciba Print. I mada a print on 50x70 inch (factor 32) and it was great.
Annother picture made with the same camera, but a WA Lens, but problems of a long exposure, a Drumscan and a print on paper wasn`t`more than a 15...
I hope for responses
Michael