This page compares portrait type images made with 35mm and medium-form film as well as an EOS-1D digital camera. In addition to comparing images produced by film and digital SLR cameras, it compares image quality on film and digital camera by several consumer zoom, a professional-level zoom and prime lenses.

To get the maximum results from the comparisons, begin by examining the image produced by the Mamiya 7II (6x7 cm film). Examine the mannequin finish detail, eyelashes, ear ring, necklace wire detail, and threads and stitching. Then look at 35mm film and digital images.

All images were shot with cameras mounted on tripod with identical lighting for exposure at f/8. Astia 6x7 film was scanned with a Nikon CoolScan 8000ED. 35mm film was scanned with a Nikon CoolScan 4000ED. The EOS-1D images were converted from RAW files to Tifs by Canon software. All images were converted to 300dpi 12x18 or 14x18 inch images in PhotoShop. Cropped images from these enlargements were converted to 72 dpi images in PhotoShop.

click on image for larger photograph

Mamiya 7II and 150mm f/4.5 lens @ f/8	Fuji Astia
Canon EF 70-200 f/2.8L @ f/8	Fuji Astia EOS-1n	EOS-1D, ISO 200
Canon EF 85 f/1.8 @ f/8	Fuji Astia EOS-1n	EOS-1D, ISO 200
Canon EF 24-85 f/3.5-4.5 @ f/8	Fuji Astia EOS-1n	EOS-1D, ISO 200
Canon EF 28-135mm f/3.5-5.6 IS @ f/8	Fuji Astia EOS-1n	EOS-1D, ISO 200

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Released 7/19/02

© 2002, William L. Castleman