Throwing Resolution Away
One of the most striking difference between digital photographs and chemical photographs is the resolution. In our studies of bitmap graphics we learned that it is the amount of pixels that determines the image carrying capacity of an image. More pixels simply equals more detail.
There is no argument that conventional photography delivers more resolution or picture elements in the form of photographic grain. There is also no argument that more image elements equals more detail and that makes for a better picture. Consider the incredibly detailed images of large format (4" x 5" or larger negatives) pictures that are printed by contact and not enlargement. Incredible detail that even magnifying glasses will not reveal.
With traditional photographic images we have so much detail, we can afford to throw some away. Thus we invented systems of using small cameras and enlarging the image onto large size photographic paper. This obviously enlarges the individual grains but even at the enlarged size we usually don't see the individual grain elements. This excess resolution found on the camera negative is intentionally thrown away in our enlargers and the result is still a convincing image. Because of this, we can capture images of about one square inch and then enlarge the processed negative to produce pleasing prints up to maybe 8" x 10".
With our conventional system the objective was to produce enough camera resolution so that after reduction in the enlarging stage we still had enough image left over to ensure convincing results. So our requirements for resolution is not based on the camera but on the final output. Slowly over time we considered that throwing resolution away was perfectly acceptable. We realized we did not need to lug around large 8" x 10" view cameras to produce convincing images, hand held 35mm would do just as well. A definite compromise situation and we collectively agreed as we bought small cameras and big enlargers. Our industry has concentrated on this as a standard and our technology revolves around it. As a result, our cameras have become smaller offering very acceptable negative detail with 35 mm film.
Digital photography has inherited the mentality of this entire concept of throwing away excess resolution with only one problem. Digital does not have the excess resolution to spare. Conventional photography has never had a resolution problem. Digital photography had it from the very beginning! One of our biggest mistakes is that we apply this excess resolution argument unfairly to digital.
We have two directions we can go. First, we can develop digital cameras that capture more resolution on a CCD by packing more and smaller sensors on the chip. More image sensors in the same size chip. Our thinking is to increase the available resolution yet still keep the same convenient 35mm camera size.
The other direction is to produce larger CCDs with sensors of about the same size. Maybe we can even mount several of them together in a matrix to form a single very high resolution array. More resolution is achieved by a larger capture area. A larger CCD will require a larger camera and we now find ourselves moving backward in time to huge inconvenient cameras on tripods (necessary when the camera is to large to be held by hand). We will obviously need some optical engineering to produce new lenses that can focus the image on a larger area. Larger cameras need larger lenses and they are going to be proportionally more expensive than smaller 35mm lenses.
Another choice is obviously "all of the above". In this direction we produce larger CCDs that contain higher densities of sensors. In this way, slightly larger cameras could produce stunning results. Quite obviously, this course will require reconceptualizing on the part of many. Photographers will have to buy new and larger equipment, carry more and probably pay more as well. Engineers will have to design newer lenses, cameras and accessories to accommodate the new sizes. But out of all of this there may be more choices of resolutions from hobby level through professional to advanced artistic photographers.
