[Tig] Is there anybody out there

[Peter Swinson]

Adrian,

I always question the term dynamic range with film vs video.
Consider this. Dynamic range is quoted as max vs min density, light level,
whatever. It could be argued that a 1 bit system has extreme dynamic range
0=the sun, 1=the deepest coal mine. Even so I believe the non linear
portion of the film range is significant, especially when manipulating
images in a grading suite.
What I regard as the advantage of dynamic range of film is the other end of
the scale. Film can distinguish very very small changes in shade. Now I
know the scream 10, 12, 14, or 16 bit will go up. BUT, the bit depth does
not take the granular stochastic resonance into acount whereas our visual
systems do. This to me is what gives film its apparent ability to preserve
and provide a greater subtlety of texture. This remains even when
transferred to digital media, as long as trhe grain is not heavily removed.

I hope in November to demonstrate this with a BKSTS Soho evening entitled
"The Film Look 2"

I will now as usual hide under the nearest mountain.

cheers

Peter Swinson