Scanning at maximum resolution with Minolta 5400

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colin_ackerman

I get the impression that when I scan an image at maximum resolution
(5400dpi) which was taken with my SLR using Fuji Velvia 50, I can see
the grain in the film when I view it on my calibrated monitor. My first
question is:-

1. Am I seeing grain or just the effect of viewing the resultant image
extremely enlarged on my monitor?

2. If I am seeing grain then what resolution should I scan at in order
to get the best quality printed image? I accept the fact that I may
have to limit the size of the print.

3. Am I talking a load of c**p and am just missing the point?

Any clarification will be greatly received
 
I get the impression that when I scan an image at maximum resolution
(5400dpi) which was taken with my SLR using Fuji Velvia 50, I can see
the grain in the film when I view it on my calibrated monitor. My first
question is:-

1. Am I seeing grain or just the effect of viewing the resultant image
extremely enlarged on my monitor?

2. If I am seeing grain then what resolution should I scan at in order
to get the best quality printed image? I accept the fact that I may
have to limit the size of the print.

3. Am I talking a load of c**p and am just missing the point?

Any clarification will be greatly received
Click to expand...

Although it is difficult to answer your questions with 'yes' or 'no',
this page may clarify some points to you:

http://www.photoscientia.co.uk/Grain.htm
 
I get the impression that when I scan an image at maximum resolution
(5400dpi) which was taken with my SLR using Fuji Velvia 50, I can
see
the grain in the film when I view it on my calibrated monitor. My
first
question is:-

1. Am I seeing grain or just the effect of viewing the resultant
image extremely enlarged on my monitor?
Click to expand...

The finest detail that the DSE-5400 can sample measures 1/5400 inch or
4.7 micron. Film grain, or rather dye clouds if you use color film,
has varying sizes in the micron range in each image. So what you see
when looking at the shadow image of 3D overlapping semi-translucent
structures (some smaller and some larger) is the aggregate of multiple
grains/dye clouds. Added to that is a certain abount of electronic
noise, and that is what you can display on your monitor.
2. If I am seeing grain then what resolution should I scan at in
order to get the best quality printed image? I accept the fact
that I may have to limit the size of the print.
Click to expand...

If you want to reduce the visibility of "graininess", you should scan
at the maximum native (non-interpolated) resolution that your scanner
offers. Scanning at lower resolutions will increase the visibility of
a grainy structure. The link that Wilfred gave, explains it in more
detail.

If the graininess is distracting, or you want to reduce the file size
for output, you can first use a program that removes grain and noise
without doing much harm to real detail. NeatImage and NoiseNinja are
two very good programs for that.

Bart
 
Bart said:
If the graininess is distracting, or you want to reduce the file size
for output, you can first use a program that removes grain and noise
without doing much harm to real detail. NeatImage and NoiseNinja are two
very good programs for that.
Click to expand...

Hi Bart,

I'm surprised not seeing you advocate the use of the 'grain dissolver'
here. I seem to remember you recommending it in the past. Any reason for
not bringing it up here?
 
SNIP
I'm surprised not seeing you advocate the use of the 'grain
dissolver' here. I seem to remember you recommending it in the past.
Any reason for not bringing it up here?
Click to expand...

Good catch! I was *assuming* the use of the grain dissolver (I always
use it because it by itself also/already suppresses shallow scratches
and dust), but I should have specified it. In addition I use
NeatImage.

Bart
 
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