Luminous Landscape Forum

Equipment & Techniques => Medium Format / Film / Digital Backs – and Large Sensor Photography => Topic started by: Henry Goh on September 30, 2007, 08:27:30 pm

Title: Does this have that "3D" look you guys talk about?
Post by: Henry Goh on September 30, 2007, 08:27:30 pm
Does it?

(http://www.rodex.com/images/d2x/pano-85mm-pc.jpg)
Title: Does this have that "3D" look you guys talk about?
Post by: Graham Mitchell on September 30, 2007, 08:43:30 pm
Not really, imo.
Title: Does this have that "3D" look you guys talk about?
Post by: Henry Goh on September 30, 2007, 08:46:17 pm
Quote
Not really, imo.
[a href=\"index.php?act=findpost&pid=143029\"][{POST_SNAPBACK}][/a]

Graham,

Would you have a landscape image shot with you back that you feel show the "3D" look that you can share?

Thanks.
Title: Does this have that "3D" look you guys talk about?
Post by: pixjohn on September 30, 2007, 08:51:19 pm
It looks like a bad stitch job with a line in the image.

Quote
Not really, imo.
[a href=\"index.php?act=findpost&pid=143029\"][{POST_SNAPBACK}][/a]
Title: Does this have that "3D" look you guys talk about?
Post by: Graham Mitchell on September 30, 2007, 08:57:12 pm
Sorry, I don't really do landscapes. I don't find that they generally have that 3D feel to them in any case. I also don't feel that the look is unique to medium format.

Here's a sample I saw recently on FM, courtesy of John Black:

(http://www.pebbleplacephotography.com/FM/XV9V0252.jpg)
Title: Does this have that "3D" look you guys talk about?
Post by: jpjespersen on September 30, 2007, 09:07:24 pm
I don't get the term 3D effect.  I call it depth of field.  Not a bad image, not anything special.  IMO it looks better like this.
Title: Does this have that "3D" look you guys talk about?
Post by: jpjespersen on September 30, 2007, 09:10:49 pm
I don't get the term 3D effect.  I call it depth of field.  Not a bad image, not anything special.  IMO it looks better like this.
Title: Does this have that "3D" look you guys talk about?
Post by: jpjespersen on September 30, 2007, 09:13:24 pm
Sorry guys.  I'm having technical issues.
Title: Does this have that "3D" look you guys talk about?
Post by: ronno on September 30, 2007, 09:20:40 pm
This landscape photo appears to have a great sense of depth to me, even if it is stitched or whatnot. Nice job.

-ron
Title: Does this have that "3D" look you guys talk about?
Post by: jpjespersen on September 30, 2007, 10:26:35 pm
My version
[attachment=3438:attachment]
Title: Does this have that "3D" look you guys talk about?
Post by: marcmccalmont on September 30, 2007, 10:33:05 pm
I had the AA filter removed from my 5D by MAXMAX. When it came back the first thing I noticed was how three dimensional things looked, not depth of field but more shape to the object, palpable might be a good word to discribe it.
Marc
Title: Does this have that "3D" look you guys talk about?
Post by: Henry Goh on September 30, 2007, 10:38:43 pm
Quote
I had the AA filter removed from my 5D by MAXMAX. When it came back the first thing I noticed was how three dimensional things looked, not depth of field but more shape to the object, palpable might be a good word to discribe it.
Marc
[a href=\"index.php?act=findpost&pid=143051\"][{POST_SNAPBACK}][/a]

Marc,

I think that is possibly the key...

DOF blur to me is NOT "3D".

BTW how much did it cost you to have the filter removed and how long did it take?

Thanks.

Henry
Title: Does this have that "3D" look you guys talk about?
Post by: ronno on September 30, 2007, 11:57:24 pm
So Henry, how did you create the photo?
Title: Does this have that "3D" look you guys talk about?
Post by: RobertJ on October 01, 2007, 12:26:29 am
Hi Marc,
Are you happy with the AA filter removal of your 5D?  Any excessive moire or stair stepping problems?  

I don't think the samples they have on their website show the potential of what you can really get from a 5D with no AA filter.  I'm thinking about doing the same thing, maybe with future DSLRs, or a used 5D.
Title: Does this have that "3D" look you guys talk about?
Post by: Henry Goh on October 01, 2007, 01:54:31 am
Quote
So Henry, how did you create the photo?
[a href=\"index.php?act=findpost&pid=143064\"][{POST_SNAPBACK}][/a]

Hello Ron,

The image was made using a D2X and a Nikon 85mm PC lens.  Camera was mounted in portrait position and the shift on PC lens swung to lateral direction.  3 captures were made and then assembled in PS CS3.  It was a quick job to see how good the already very sharp 85mm PC lens coupled with 12Mp can perform as a high-resolution capture.  File was around 100Mb in 8-bit and native print size @300ppi is around 14.5" x 27".

Print on Epson Pro 4000 at native size came out stunning.

Hope the info is useful.

Henry
Title: Does this have that "3D" look you guys talk about?
Post by: Ray on October 01, 2007, 01:57:31 am
Is the 1Ds3 going to have an AA filter? Why should high pixel density cameras like the Canon 40D and 400D need AA filters? The 14mp Kodak 14n managed without an AA filter. Why should a camera with almost double the pixel density of the 14n require an AA filter? Does the P45 with similar pixel density to the 1Ds3 have an AA filter?

Just curious! If there's an acceptable software solution to aliasing, wouldn't that be the better option? In any case, I would think that aliasing would never be a problem at apertures smaller than f8, such as f11 and f16 which are used quite often for landscapes.
Title: Does this have that "3D" look you guys talk about?
Post by: jonstewart on October 01, 2007, 03:06:06 am
Quote
In any case, I would think that aliasing would never be a problem at apertures smaller than f8, such as f11 and f16 which are used quite often for landscapes.
[a href=\"index.php?act=findpost&pid=143077\"][{POST_SNAPBACK}][/a]

What about diffraction effect when there's no AA filter?

 (I ask 'cos I don't know  )
Title: Does this have that "3D" look you guys talk about?
Post by: Wayne Fox on October 01, 2007, 12:43:19 pm
Quote
Is the 1Ds3 going to have an AA filter? Why should high pixel density cameras like the Canon 40D and 400D need AA filters? The 14mp Kodak 14n managed without an AA filter. Why should a camera with almost double the pixel density of the 14n require an AA filter? Does the P45 with similar pixel density to the 1Ds3 have an AA filter?

Just curious! If there's an acceptable software solution to aliasing, wouldn't that be the better option? In any case, I would think that aliasing would never be a problem at apertures smaller than f8, such as f11 and f16 which are used quite often for landscapes.
[a href=\"index.php?act=findpost&pid=143077\"][{POST_SNAPBACK}][/a]

Yes the kodak didn't have it.  We deployed 60 of them through our studio chain, and despite Kodaks claim,moire was frequently an issue.  They tried to fix it with sofware, which was somewhat effective, but still an issue with some fabrics.

I believe landscape work would be less prone to moire,since it seems to occur in tight repeating textures such as fabric.  It would be interesting to see how the 1dsMK3 would perform without one.
Title: Does this have that "3D" look you guys talk about?
Post by: Bernd B. on October 01, 2007, 01:17:12 pm
Quote
Sorry, I don't really do landscapes. I don't find that they generally have that 3D feel to them in any case. I also don't feel that the look is unique to medium format.

Here's a sample I saw recently on FM, courtesy of John Black:

(http://www.pebbleplacephotography.com/FM/XV9V0252.jpg)
[a href=\"index.php?act=findpost&pid=143032\"][{POST_SNAPBACK}][/a]

Nice picture. Shot digitally ? What is "FM" ?
Title: Does this have that "3D" look you guys talk about?
Post by: Snook on October 01, 2007, 01:21:54 pm
Quote
Nice picture. Shot digitally ? What is "FM" ?
[a href=\"index.php?act=findpost&pid=143186\"][{POST_SNAPBACK}][/a]
FM is Fred Miranda.com
Snook
Title: Does this have that "3D" look you guys talk about?
Post by: russell a on October 01, 2007, 01:37:45 pm
The photo from FM's site, of the woman on the rocks appears to me as if the figure had been cut out of another shot and placed in a blurry shot at the seashore.  Even the lighting angles appear different to my eye.  In any case, I would not term this pasted-in look, however achieved, as "3-D".  My red/green glasses or antique stereo viewer must be around here somewhere.
Title: Does this have that "3D" look you guys talk about?
Post by: Frank Doorhof on October 01, 2007, 02:00:15 pm
When you look at the focusplane you can see she's in the focus plane.
don't know if it's pasted but I think not, would be a very good job if it was.
Title: Does this have that "3D" look you guys talk about?
Post by: marcmccalmont on October 02, 2007, 03:49:49 am
Quote
Marc,

I think that is possibly the key...

DOF blur to me is NOT "3D".

BTW how much did it cost you to have the filter removed and how long did it take?

Thanks.

Henry
[a href=\"index.php?act=findpost&pid=143052\"][{POST_SNAPBACK}][/a]


About $450 and 2 weeks, seems like a lot but it is a noticeable improvement. Much less software sharpening and more micro detail. I did not have the foresight to take an identical before and after shot but this one was taken a day or so after I got the camera back and there is a noticeable improvement to the shape of objects. When I look through a pair of binoculars, in focus things are sharp but paper thin. removing the AA filter had the opposite effect, Objects now have more shape to them.
Marc
[attachment=3453:attachment]
Title: Does this have that "3D" look you guys talk about?
Post by: Ray on October 02, 2007, 04:07:10 am
Quote
What about diffraction effect when there's no AA filter?

 (I ask 'cos I don't know  )
[a href=\"index.php?act=findpost&pid=143084\"][{POST_SNAPBACK}][/a]

Owners of the Kodak 14n should be able to answer that. I would guess that at apertures where diffraction begins to be noticeable (f11 onwards) an AA filter serves no purpose.
Title: Does this have that "3D" look you guys talk about?
Post by: Ray on October 02, 2007, 04:09:45 am
Quote
When I look through a pair of binoculars, in focus things are sharp but paper thin. removing the AA filter had the opposite effect, Objects now have more shape to them.
Marc
[attachment=3453:attachment]
[a href=\"index.php?act=findpost&pid=143334\"][{POST_SNAPBACK}][/a]

I guess you are now going to have the same moire problems that all owners of the Kodak14n had to contend with.
Title: Does this have that "3D" look you guys talk about?
Post by: marcmccalmont on October 02, 2007, 04:24:24 am
Quote
I guess you are now going to have the same moire problems that all owners of the Kodak14n had to contend with.
[a href=\"index.php?act=findpost&pid=143340\"][{POST_SNAPBACK}][/a]

Yes but I estimate that it is in less than 1% of my images and a small amount of Gaussian blur fixes it nicely. For landscapes and nature I rarely see it. If I were doing portrait work I would not recommend the mod. But it gets a DSLR closer to the look of medium format.
Marc
Title: Does this have that "3D" look you guys talk about?
Post by: pixjohn on October 02, 2007, 05:15:17 am
Just out of curiosity why is this in the  Medium Format Digital Backs forum?
Title: Does this have that "3D" look you guys talk about?
Post by: marcmccalmont on October 02, 2007, 05:59:37 pm
Quote
Hi Marc,
Are you happy with the AA filter removal of your 5D?  Any excessive moire or stair stepping problems? 

I don't think the samples they have on their website show the potential of what you can really get from a 5D with no AA filter.  I'm thinking about doing the same thing, maybe with future DSLRs, or a used 5D.
[a href=\"index.php?act=findpost&pid=143069\"][{POST_SNAPBACK}][/a]

I'm very happy with the results the pictures are better can't quantify the amount but if my notices without being asked it is an improvement. I think the lack of AA filter is part of what people like about the MFDB look.
Marc
Title: Does this have that "3D" look you guys talk about?
Post by: rainer_v on October 02, 2007, 07:37:03 pm
Quote
I'm very happy with the results the pictures are better can't quantify the amount but if my notices without being asked it is an improvement. I think the lack of AA filter is part of what people like about the MFDB look.
Marc
[a href=\"index.php?act=findpost&pid=143459\"][{POST_SNAPBACK}][/a]
with the 1ds3 this AA remove thing certainly gets very interesting. how much it cost you?
Title: Does this have that "3D" look you guys talk about?
Post by: RobertJ on October 02, 2007, 08:05:22 pm
At the moment, I don't think the company will remove the AA filter from any 1 series cameras.  The only full-frame camera they will work on is the 5D, from what I can see from their website.
Title: Does this have that "3D" look you guys talk about?
Post by: John_Black on October 03, 2007, 04:00:41 am
Quote
Nice picture. Shot digitally ? What is "FM" ?
[a href=\"index.php?act=findpost&pid=143186\"][{POST_SNAPBACK}][/a]

The picture was taken with a Canon 1Ds2 and Contax C/Y 100 F2.  Probably shot at F4 (don't know for sure since aperture data is lost with with manual lenses).  BTW, that had about a 1/3 of the image cropped, so it's even less than full-frame.

I use the 100/2 because it does an excellent job with subject isolation; its DOF is about 33-50% less than a Canon lens at the same aperture.  Sometimes the narrow DOF happens to result in a 3D feel - which depends heavily on light & subsequent contrast and graduations.
Title: Does this have that "3D" look you guys talk about?
Post by: marcmccalmont on October 03, 2007, 09:46:15 am
Quote
At the moment, I don't think the company will remove the AA filter from any 1 series cameras.  The only full-frame camera they will work on is the 5D, from what I can see from their website.
[a href=\"index.php?act=findpost&pid=143471\"][{POST_SNAPBACK}][/a]

I think they will mod any camera
Marc
Title: Does this have that "3D" look you guys talk about?
Post by: NikosR on October 03, 2007, 10:12:14 am
Quote
The picture was taken with a Canon 1Ds2 and Contax C/Y 100 F2.  Probably shot at F4 (don't know for sure since aperture data is lost with with manual lenses).  BTW, that had about a 1/3 of the image cropped, so it's even less than full-frame.

I use the 100/2 because it does an excellent job with subject isolation; its DOF is about 33-50% less than a Canon lens at the same aperture.  Sometimes the narrow DOF happens to result in a 3D feel - which depends heavily on light & subsequent contrast and graduations.
[a href=\"index.php?act=findpost&pid=143531\"][{POST_SNAPBACK}][/a]

I think what's working for this picture, apart from the very good contrast, tonal gradations and microcontrast is the fact that you have two isolated planes. Near, being in focus and far being uniformly out of focus but still clearly recognisable, with the middle part that would normally get gradually out of focus missing due to subject matter and shooting angle
Title: Does this have that "3D" look you guys talk about?
Post by: John_Black on October 03, 2007, 11:27:43 am
Quote
I think what's working for this picture, apart from the very good contrast, tonal gradations and microcontrast is the fact that you have two isolated planes. Near, being in focus and far being uniformly out of focus but still clearly recognisable, with the middle part that would normally get gradually out of focus missing due to subject matter and shooting angle
[a href=\"index.php?act=findpost&pid=143581\"][{POST_SNAPBACK}][/a]

Yep.

Many threads lately on the 3D look and many theories.  There has to be (IMO) a couple planes of in focus and out of focus to provide a reference mark.  This gives the eye something to lock onto and then can figure out better what's behind and ahead of the subject with some type of distance scale.  From there light, contrast, etc., enhance (or degrade) the 3D qualities.  

I do think the 3D works better with some compression - for example, 16mm can be difficult, 100mm is pretty easy.  I think medium format reproduces a 3D look more consistently because of usually thinner DOF (relative to the frame & overall FOV) and the use of longer lenses (more compression).  The 3D look is probably possible on any camera, but I do feel medium format gets the look more often.
Title: Does this have that "3D" look you guys talk about?
Post by: Morgan_Moore on October 03, 2007, 11:44:42 am
Quote
use of longer lenses (more compression)
[a href=\"index.php?act=findpost&pid=143601\"][{POST_SNAPBACK}][/a]

Longer lenses dont have more compression

Stand at point A with a 24mm and a 100

shoot two images of subject at point B

crop the 24 to the FOV of the 100 and the 'image' is exactly the same

(likely not enough pixels due to the crop though)

Distant subject are compressed

 and to fill the frame with a distant subject you need a long lens

----

In term of 'the 3d look' I think it is really visible with a certain set of parameters

reasonable apperture, say 4 or 5.6 (enough to get sharpness across the subject)

and reasonable ditance say shooting a full length maybe 3 meters

and a reasonably close background say 3m behind the subject

A TYPICAL INDOOR FASHION MAGAZINE IMAGE IN OTHER WORDS

at super close say a cropped headshot shot wide, or near infinity stopped down, say a landscape, the DOF or lack of it is apparent in all formats

hence why MF Dig and also 67 etc is loved by fashion shooters in the main

IMO

SMM
Title: Does this have that "3D" look you guys talk about?
Post by: jing q on October 03, 2007, 12:07:15 pm
Quote
Longer lenses dont have more compression

Stand at point A with a 24mm and a 100

shoot two images of subject at point B

crop the 24 to the FOV of the 100 and the 'image' is exactly the same

(likely not enough pixels due to the crop though)

Distant subject are compressed

 and to fill the frame with a distant subject you need a long lens

----

In term of 'the 3d look' I think it is really visible with a certain set of parameters

reasonable apperture, say 4 or 5.6 (enough to get sharpness across the subject)

and reasonable ditance say shooting a full length maybe 3 meters

and a reasonably close background say 3m behind the subject

A TYPICAL INDOOR FASHION MAGAZINE IMAGE IN OTHER WORDS

at super close say a cropped headshot shot wide, or near infinity stopped down, say a landscape, the DOF or lack of it is apparent in all formats

hence why MF Dig and also 67 etc is loved by fashion shooters in the main

IMO

SMM
[a href=\"index.php?act=findpost&pid=143605\"][{POST_SNAPBACK}][/a]


what's with all this depth of field stuff...
I shoot at f11 minimum and I can still tell the difference between a
it's partly a certain gradiation between tones also that give more "roundness" or volume to an object
Shooting two similar shots of groups of people with my 1dsmkII and an aptus 75s I get seemingly more sharpness overall from the 1dsMkII but when printed out the difference in tonalities add more "body" to the MF images.

As much as depth of field is one of the defining points of MF, I think there's more to the so called 3d look than depth of field.
Title: Does this have that "3D" look you guys talk about?
Post by: jing q on October 03, 2007, 12:11:04 pm
and looking at Henry Goh's image, there's no denying that's some incredible quality going on there.
Look at the detail and separation between elements like the foilage


more sensor surface area  = better, period.
Title: Does this have that "3D" look you guys talk about?
Post by: Ray on October 04, 2007, 01:19:03 am
Quote
Yes but I estimate that it is in less than 1% of my images and a small amount of Gaussian blur fixes it nicely. For landscapes and nature I rarely see it. If I were doing portrait work I would not recommend the mod. But it gets a DSLR closer to the look of medium format.
Marc
[a href=\"index.php?act=findpost&pid=143343\"][{POST_SNAPBACK}][/a]

To reinforce your point about 3-dimensionality, I think you should now take a close-up of a model's face with sharp 85mm or 100mm lens at f8, focussing on an eye and lashes so the surrounding skin is slightly out of focus but the veins in the whites of the eye clearly delineated.

Also try capturing your own reflection in the iris for greater effect   .
Title: Does this have that "3D" look you guys talk about?
Post by: Eric Myrvaagnes on October 04, 2007, 10:46:29 am
Quote
Also try capturing your own reflection in the iris for greater effect   .
[a href=\"index.php?act=findpost&pid=143743\"][{POST_SNAPBACK}][/a]
And, of course, capturing the reflection of your model in the reflection of your camera lens, which will be part of your own reflection . . .  
Title: Does this have that "3D" look you guys talk about?
Post by: Dinarius on October 05, 2007, 11:12:51 am
Seems like people have a problem agreeing on what is meant by "3D".

Anyone who has a copy of Irving Penn's book of still lives will see immediately what is meant by the term, as I understand it.

Equally, in any high quality glossy, ads featuring shoes (for example, or jewellery) regularly display that "reach in an touch it" quality.

What I'd like to know is this: how much of this is down to pixels, and how much of it is down to bit depth?

In the UK edition of the Sunday Times newspaper last week there was an interview with Ralph Lauren. This was accompanied by a full-bleed, double page spread shot of Lauren standing next to a vintage motor car. The article is here>

http://women.timesonline.co.uk/tol/life_an...icle2538098.ece (http://women.timesonline.co.uk/tol/life_and_style/women/fashion/article2538098.ece)

but, I can't find the pic. The photo typified that 3D quality, in my view. Rich and rounded and the kind of shot that could only be achieved, I think (though open to correction) either through MFDB or scanned large format tranny.

Since top SLRs have more than enough pixels (@ 300ppi), and yet still lack that fully rounded look, is some of the look and feel due to greater bit depth of scans and MFDB?

What do others think?

D.
Title: Does this have that "3D" look you guys talk about?
Post by: TechTalk on October 05, 2007, 09:57:43 pm
I guess I'm an old guy. I don't get excited about "bokeh" or selective focus technique.

What always drew me into an image and made me think about great craftsmanship and artistic representation of our 3-D world in a 2-D art form is the use of light and shadow.

Whether a photographer created it or searched for it and captured it at the perfect moment, light and shadow is what makes me stop and admire a great photographic rendering of 3 dimensions.

The image can be sharp or soft–shallow or great depth of field–and it's the lighting that gives shape and contour and dimension that talks to me.

Gotta go rest now.
Title: Does this have that "3D" look you guys talk about?
Post by: thsinar on October 05, 2007, 10:02:10 pm
I fully agree with this, absolutely right.

Thierry


Quote
I guess I'm an old guy. I don't get excited about "bokeh" or selective focus technique.

What always drew me into an image and made me think about great craftsmanship and artistic representation of our 3-D world in a 2-D art form is the use of light and shadow.

Whether a photographer created it or searched for it and captured it at the perfect moment, light and shadow is what makes me stop and admire a great photographic rendering of 3 dimensions.

The image can be sharp or soft–shallow or great depth of field–and it's the lighting that gives shape and contour and dimension that talks to me.

Gotta go rest now.
[a href=\"index.php?act=findpost&pid=144132\"][{POST_SNAPBACK}][/a]
Title: Does this have that "3D" look you guys talk about?
Post by: TechTalk on October 05, 2007, 11:00:25 pm
Quote
TechTalk, this thread is about the visible difference in 3D-rendering between format sizes.[a href=\"index.php?act=findpost&pid=144138\"][{POST_SNAPBACK}][/a]
I'm not convinced there is any. But then, we all have different perception.
Title: Does this have that "3D" look you guys talk about?
Post by: psp on October 05, 2007, 11:05:18 pm
Quote
TechTalk, this thread is about the visible difference in 3D-rendering between format sizes.
[a href=\"index.php?act=findpost&pid=144138\"][{POST_SNAPBACK}][/a]

Not really - this thread is about a 3D look - the title of this posts mentions nothing about a specific format size or limitations to what makes an image looks 3 dimensional.

Tech Talk makes a very good point... there are other ways to create an image with a '3D look'... specifically, one can still achieve a 3D look without a half mile of background.

In fact, I would argue if your example shot had more shadow/highlights on the model, the overall look would be far more 3D looking. To my eye, the background looks 3D, but the model looks 2 dimensional... my opinion of course, and no offence meant at all.


P.
Title: Does this have that "3D" look you guys talk about?
Post by: thsinar on October 05, 2007, 11:14:47 pm
I guess that TechTalk simply mentions the possibilities (unlimited, IMO) for light to create (much better than DOF in a given format) a 3-D feeling, in which I fully agree. There is no mention of format at the begining of this tread, simply a discussion about 3-D.

Thierry

Quote
TechTalk, this thread is about the visible difference in 3D-rendering between format sizes. Not about how 3D-effects can be rendered artistically most pleasing. That is a totally different discussion. You are talking about a taste matter here. Lighting is format-independent, as is perspective and the use of color or B&W. I'm sure any format can be used to create visually attractive images (with a strong sense of depth), but for technical reasons they will look different. Maybe you should start a thread called: "Photographs that make you stop and admire".
[a href=\"index.php?act=findpost&pid=144138\"][{POST_SNAPBACK}][/a]
Title: Does this have that "3D" look you guys talk about?
Post by: Morgan_Moore on October 06, 2007, 12:18:16 am
Quote
The OP was asking if his sample looked like the 3D-look that "you guys" were talking about. I thought this question was asked in the vein of that huge DSLR vs MFDB war-thread, where the debate ran hot about the supposed inherent 3D look of the MFDBs. Then he showed a stitch that attempted to mimic a high resolution sensor from a MFDB. So for me this was essentially a discussion of that technical aspect of 3D in relation to format.

[a href=\"index.php?act=findpost&pid=144151\"][{POST_SNAPBACK}][/a]

IMO you are right about intention of this thread.

I didnt see the stitcher but the look should be creatable stittchng which (in terms of lenseleng FOV/DOF geomatry) is not different from having a large sensor

S
Title: Does this have that "3D" look you guys talk about?
Post by: Ray on October 06, 2007, 03:13:32 am
I also got the impression that the thread is focussed on the characteristics of MF which might appear to contibute to a sense of 3-dimensionality in addition to, or irrespective of, the other tricks of the trade which photographers in general will use to create a particular effect.

I would say the following factors are contributing to this 3-D effect with MF cameras.

(1) Greater clarity and sharpness at the plane of focus, which surely must be the main reason why anyone would buy such an expensive camera.

(2) Shallower DoF in general when using an MF lens within the range of f stops where the lens is sharpest, say f4 to f10.

(3) Enhanced shallowness of DoF compared to 35mm as a result of that additional sharpness at the plane of focus. This is something which the DoF calculators cannot address since there is no numerical input for system resolution.

We all know that a lens is precisely in focus only at one point, or at best one plane. If that precise point is not as sharp as it could be due to inadequate lens performance and/or inadequate sensor resolution, DoF will appear less shallow than it otherwise could be.

There is clearly going to be a difference between (1) an image which has great clarity and sharpness in the area of precise focus, set against a slightly OoF background and (2) an image which is simply not tack sharp at the plane of focus but which has a slightly greater OoF background in order to create the same shallow DoF as in example (1).

The creation of an image that is so real, sharp and tangible that you feel you could almost reach out and grab the target is surely one of the goals of photography and the reason why many of us want 40mp+ cameras with adequate lenses to match.
Title: Does this have that "3D" look you guys talk about?
Post by: psp on October 06, 2007, 10:18:45 am
While these are all valid points, if you look beyond the equipment you use and instead use light to create shape  it will dramatically enhance the 3D look we're discussing.

DOF is one way (and I would argue not the best way) to give some dimension to an image, but the creative use of light is far more effective. Besides, the definition of photography is the capture of light, not the capture DOF.


Cheers!
Title: Does this have that "3D" look you guys talk about?
Post by: russell a on October 06, 2007, 11:19:09 am
Quote
The creation of an image that is so real, sharp and tangible that you feel you could almost reach out and grab the target is surely one of the goals of photography and the reason why many of us want 40mp+ cameras with adequate lenses to match.
[a href=\"index.php?act=findpost&pid=144165\"][{POST_SNAPBACK}][/a]

One of whose goals?  Not mine, thank you.
Title: Does this have that "3D" look you guys talk about?
Post by: psp on October 06, 2007, 12:41:15 pm
Quote
Now, does anybody have a sample that has "that "3D" look you guys talk about" to show here or what?
[a href=\"index.php?act=findpost&pid=144235\"][{POST_SNAPBACK}][/a]

Define "3D look".
Title: Does this have that "3D" look you guys talk about?
Post by: psp on October 06, 2007, 02:05:39 pm
The explanation provided is rather technical and suggests that a camera can create dimension. Like I said earlier, I believe selective DOF adds only a very little to the dimensionally.

IMO, the camera is only a part of it. If you study Trompe L'Oeil, you'll see that 3D look is achieved by creating an optical illusion by using perspective, shadow, light and scale to deceive the viewer into thinking that they are seeing a real three dimensional space or object, instead of paint on a two dimensional surface.

So while I agree that there are ways to use a camera to add dimension to a photo, the issue of MF, LF, SF or even a Holga has less to do with it than the device used to capture the image. An object shot at f32 versus f2.8 do not necessarily have more or less dimension.... and flat lighting is one way to guarantee poor dimension

I'm not disagreeing with anything anyone is saying - what I am saying is that there is far FAR more than what camera one uses if the objective is to add dimension to images. If dimension is the objective, one should look at the lighting rather than the camera to achieve this.


P.
Title: Does this have that "3D" look you guys talk about?
Post by: TechTalk on October 06, 2007, 02:33:00 pm
The appearance of 3-D in a 2-D image is by nature an impression based on our individual perception. I'm trying to think of something that impacts my own personal impression and perception of 3-dimensionality less than depth of field, format or sharpness. I haven't thought of anything.

Everyone perceives what they see differently... thank goodness! It makes the world so much more interesting!

My perception is mine and no more valid than yours. I may be entirely wrong and just don't understand what this thread is about, due to something lacking in my perceptual abilities. I can live with that.

From this point, I'll just watch this thread and read. Maybe I'll learn something!

Thanks. Sorry if I disrupted the thread because I didn't get it.
Title: Does this have that "3D" look you guys talk about?
Post by: Morgan_Moore on October 06, 2007, 03:20:57 pm
Quote
I.. don't understand what this thread is about

You need to read the Canon V MF thread where there is debate about whther if the III is good for DR and MP it will match a MFDB or whether MFDB will always look 'more 3d' because of the larger chip and less DOF

(an argument I would agree with)

S
Title: Does this have that "3D" look you guys talk about?
Post by: witz on October 06, 2007, 04:04:02 pm
here's what a 50mm wide open MFB can do.....

I was going for a classical look that lighting is what creates the shape.....

just as a teaser.... here's a tiff shot monday ( using "film look 70's" in capture one )

hassy 2000fcw with 50mm at f2.8 1/60th sec, kinoflo daylight continous.

no retouching or photoshop work at all.... straight from capture one.

http://www.witzke-studio.com/capture-013183.tif (http://www.witzke-studio.com/capture-013183.tif)

(big file... wait for it )

you have to admit that for $8k this is a hell of a system!

and yes... this set up is for sale right now.....
Title: Does this have that "3D" look you guys talk about?
Post by: Dinarius on October 07, 2007, 06:29:32 am
Just about every pic in this book personifies what I understand by 3D.......

http://www.amazon.com/gp/reader/0821227025...141#reader-link (http://www.amazon.com/gp/reader/0821227025/ref=sib_dp_pt/102-7161632-4784141#reader-link)


Click through the pages to the shot of the salmon and fig. Incredible.

Should be on every photographers' bookshelf.

D.
Title: Does this have that "3D" look you guys talk about?
Post by: MichaelEzra on October 09, 2007, 10:34:51 am
Does this image have "3D" look?
This was shot with tiny Canon G3, on-camera flash,  raw, developed in SilkyPix.
Title: Does this have that "3D" look you guys talk about?
Post by: samuel_js on October 09, 2007, 03:08:10 pm
Quote
Does this image have "3D" look?
This was shot with tiny Canon G3, on-camera flash,  raw, developed in SilkyPix.
[a href=\"index.php?act=findpost&pid=144817\"][{POST_SNAPBACK}][/a]

100% 2D. Just my opinion.
Title: Does this have that "3D" look you guys talk about?
Post by: Ray on October 10, 2007, 01:34:43 am
Quote
The appearance of 3-D in a 2-D image is by nature an impression based on our individual perception. I'm trying to think of something that impacts my own personal impression and perception of 3-dimensionality less than depth of field, format or sharpness. I haven't thought of anything.

Everyone perceives what they see differently... thank goodness! It makes the world so much more interesting!

My perception is mine and no more valid than yours. I may be entirely wrong and just don't understand what this thread is about, due to something lacking in my perceptual abilities. I can live with that.

From this point, I'll just watch this thread and read. Maybe I'll learn something!

Thanks. Sorry if I disrupted the thread because I didn't get it.
[a href=\"index.php?act=findpost&pid=144258\"][{POST_SNAPBACK}][/a]

Perhaps 3-dimensionality is not the right word for this subtle phenomenon which appears to be an attribute of high quality MFDBs.

The normal process by which an appearance of a 3-dimensional effect is created on a 2-dimensional plane (in every photograph whatever the quality of the camera) is the characteristic of distant objects being smaller than near objects and also the characteristic that near objects can partially obscure far objects.

These are characteristics which every normal person has learned and is aware of, whether or not he/she is consciously thinking about them whilst viewing a 2-dimensional representation. It is a learned interpretation and relies to a large extent on the viewer being able to recognise the objects in a picture, the fact that a car is smaller than a house, for example.

The heightened or enhanced 3-D effect that some owners of MFDBs are talking about seems to be largely related to shallow DoF in tandem with ultra sharp and palpably real objects in perfect focus. If this is not the case, then show me any scene which has great DoF, where everything is equally sharp, yet which demonstrates this heightened 3-D effect associated with MFDBs.
Title: Does this have that "3D" look you guys talk about?
Post by: vgogolak on October 13, 2007, 06:05:54 pm
3-D?
its very difficult with the restricyions on size; I would be happy to send anyone the C1 processed 250MB tiff!

:-)

But I consider the MFDB detail to really create the 'reach in' aspect

This shot is unbelievable on my 30' HP monitor, calibrated. NOT at 100%- that stretches the edge, but when the pixel distance has NO smear from the foreground to background is where you get this look.

It comes NOT from OOF FG to BG which is what a lot of 3D claims propose. Here is a full, in focus (mostly :-)) shot...
Ile sur la Sorge, Provence, 2007 summer Contax 645, 35mm P45+

See if a hint of i3-D hits you here.

I added crop where the figures even in the distance have very sharp delineation. Something difficult with a Bayer sensor except with pixels to spare (that is, FOUR pixels on each side of an edge to keep the interpolation clean without sharpening.

regards
Victor
Title: Does this have that "3D" look you guys talk about?
Post by: AndreNapier on October 13, 2007, 06:25:34 pm
Quote
100% 2D. Just my opinion.
[a href=\"index.php?act=findpost&pid=144876\"][{POST_SNAPBACK}][/a]


All I see is one "D" as for unsatisfactory
Andre