Re: [APML] Film vs Digital - Not Just Astrophotographers

[<cschur@cybertrails.com>]

Bill,  your certainly right on schmidt cameras.  For small field work,
such as the 1/2 degree sizes and smaller of prime focus work the CCD is a
far better choice for deep sky detail, but for larger fields, the extreme
costs of 35mm format CCD is not yet practical for insertion into a schmidt
optical system. To me, the unique look of a schmidt image compared to CCD
is more to me of what photography is all about. The extreme detail over
such a wide field in a 50 Mpixel scan of a schmidt image will not be
surpassed in a very long time as far as amateur affordablility with any
digital means.

My 2 cents worth.

Chris Schur

>> Tony Hallas wrote:
>>   I would like to add my comments to Joe's about digital vs. film...
>> at the moment, there is nothing like a low ASA 6 X 7 chrome for
>> shooting on location... maybe a digital back exists somewhere that can
>> produce a 250 - 500 MB 8 bit file that can blow up to 40 X 50, but if
>> it does, only Superman can afford it and then it will necessitate
>> having a laptop computer and all kinds of add-ons and gizmos to go
>> with it. With my experiences with digital, both astro CCD and
>> terrestrial, I find that within certain defined parameters the digital
>> works better than film, but those parameters are still so narrow that
>> if I had to pick one or the other, CCD would be out on its butt in no
>> time!
>
> Tony,
>
> Thanks for putting this into perspective. The CCD folk are preaching
> "doom and gloom" for film ... again :^) and I find your view insightful.
> And I would like to add that even given the requirements of 35mm there
> is no reasonable substitute for film in a Schmidt Camera. And even if
> there were .... Only Bill Gates could afford one. CCD certainly has its
> place and is a valuable tool in the right hands but there is something
> to be said for putting a film negative onto a light table and viewing
> the unadulterated content of your work. Film to me is more pure .... And
> its much more personal that way. As I was growing up in the 60's I can
> remember reading about the exploits of the professional astronomers of
> the day and their heroic 8 hour manually guided photographs. Perhaps I
> am showing my age here and being a bit of a retro-grouch but I still
> enjoy watching Black and White movies too. The new technologies have
> their place certainly but film is still a viable option and in certain
> circumstances the only option.
>
>
> Regards
>
> Bill
>
> --
> William R. Mattil	| Fred Astaire wasn't so great.
> wrmattil@ix.netcom.com	| Ginger had to do it all backwards
> (972) 399-4106		| and... in high heels.
>
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