On 23 May 2004 23:15:14 -0500, (Bob Monaghan)
wrote:


We have a new series of color printers able to use much larger widths, and
unlimited lengths in some cases, of paper to produce color prints. I think
as larger MP digicams come available, people will want to produce larger
prints, including panoramics and wall sized photos, if prices are right.
Today, you can get 11x14" digital prints for rather less $ than an optical
print, and even less in larger (panoramic) formats. I suggest that a
future 20x30" print could cost less than today's 11x14" print with new
printer technology, and even 40x60" might be possible - with the demand
coming from thousands of kiosks and companies wanting to be able to do
posters and large prints for banners, conferences, and all that ;-)

The key point is that 35mm sized DSLRs of 8Mp or 11MP or the max of 16MP
still can't match film's potential resolution, which future scanners can
tap, and provide much larger digital prints (just as larger optical prints
are possible today, yes?).

So MF continues to enjoy an enlargeability and quality gap in the future
;-) Moreover, as larger print making costs decline, the demand for larger
print capability may promote the use of MF with film scanners to achieve
those needs, yes? ;-)



The larger printers are great fun but not cheap.
Hard to believe that your typical "consumer" will ever
learn how to make satisfactory 16x20" prints at home,
or learn how to scan MF film or invest in the gear to do
any of that. That's just dreamin'.

Tabloid printers (13x19") are available for the
desktop starting at around $400 new, but that is
still rather expensive. A printer to do 16x20" will
cost you $1500 to $1800 - hardly a commodity item.

Quality isn't the only factor that drives markets, it's
often not even near the top of the list. For photography,
convenience and portability are *huge* factors, and
that applies nearly across the board, except maybe for
the very highest end studio gear.


rafe b.
http://www.terrapinphoto.com