Introduction 1-5
CADJET
®
3D User Guide
1. Original Image Type
The type of original image will determine the quality of your final inkjet print. The best
image type is an original transparency (not a duplicate). They are extremely crisp with
superb edge definition. Print film photos are not as good as they are already one genera-
tion removed from the original film. Also, because of the emulsion process of photo
prints, edge definitions tend to be lost. Color prints can be used, but they have to be of
very good quality to produce acceptable scaled prints. Digital photo files are newest
image type. Many are unacceptable for large-format printing as they contain only a
small fraction of the information contained in a film transparency.
For example, most digital cameras can only create a 1 MB file. This is not enough
information for large inkjet prints. A file must be at least 10 - 12 MB for a fair print and
30 - 50 MB for a good E-size print (see scanning section). Only the best commercial
digital cameras can achieve these files sizes. Digital files from other sources such as
CD stock photography are usually created from scanned transparencies, so may be
suitable for inkjet printing. Check with the manufacturer to ensure that the images are at
least 10 - 12 MB and were created from drum-scanned transparencies.
The better CDs have images of 28MB or more stored in a TIFF format. These are
preferable for great quality prints. If you use a file stored in PhotoCD format, make sure
you use the highest resolution available. Images stored in compressed files such as
JPEG, LZW, GIF, etc. can lose valuable data during the compression process. Avoid
images stored this way if possible. If you have to use a compression file format for
whatever reason, use JPEG. It is closer to a “lossless” compression.
2. Original Image Clarity and Color
The quality of the original photograph, transparency, or digital file plays a key role in
final print quality as this is where the clarity and color of the image is created. If the
original photographer took a picture that was not in focus, or was fuzzy for any reason,
sharpening or after-effects cannot correct it and a poor inkjet print will result. Differ-
ences in film, speed, grain, or developing process can also affect quality of prints. If the
image was too dark or too light, color correction cannot correct it and a poor inkjet print
will result. The axiom of “garbage in, garbage out” applies to all printing, including
inkjet printing. Companies that utilize a lot of photography for large-format inkjet
printing should check for focus by using a loupe. If you have a good, in-focus original,
you can maintain the image quality throughout the entire process.