Comparison: projection vs. transfer

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MovieStuff
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Joined: Wed May 01, 2002 1:07 am
Real name: Roger Evans
Location: Kerrville, Texas
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Post by MovieStuff »

Film-0-Matic wrote:if we go to the cinema we are watching a projection of film frames.if we had the techno to make a digi projection look as good as film then we would have had digi-cinemas by now.
But is it necessary for the results to be the same? I mean, no two film projectors offer the same quality image. So just because you are projecting an image from film doesn't mean it will always look its best or even the same but we tend to ignore those differences in favor of the storyline. Also, 8mm film projectors don't show the entire image nor do they ever consistantly focus edge to edge and corner to corner. Hot spots on film projection is a common occurance with fall off at the edges. Resolution on film projection is obviously better than from, say, an LCD projector but resolution isn't going to be the same from film projector to film projector.

So, even though the "film projection experience" is never the same we tend to ignore such differences because, as previously mentioned, we are engrossed in the storyline of the movie we are watching. As such, a more polished film that has been edited in the computer and viewed digitally projected may not be, technically, as high in resolution nor have the same color depth as film projection but we, as viewers, tend to overlook technical imperfections in the projected image if the storyline is compelling enough. Random home movie projection aside, when the storyline of a projected 8mm film suffers from amateur direction, editing, etc, then all that's left to talk about is its superior resolution and picture quality, which do necessarily make for a superior viewing experience; just a technical difference.

My two centimeters.....

Roger
David M. Leugers
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Post by David M. Leugers »

There are some deficiencies in a great many S-8mm projectors and with projecting 8mm film overall. They can be overcome with dilligence. Projecting film right requires discipline and a certain amount of technical know-how and craftsmanship. It is also why many still enjoy the great hobby of projecting films. Like any hobby, it is the joy that comes from doing something that requires your input. Roger has valid points about the importance of story and video projection does have a place. For instance, it has opened up a whole new area for S-8mm negative film origination which has maybe saved S-8mm from extinction.

I project 8mm, S-8mm and 16mm films and own many projectors in all the gauges. As far as image integrity, you can not beat a good 16mm projector. This has more to do with the pressures of the market at the time concerning price and other factors. Still, I do get a great image and sound and enjoy projecting S-8mm films. This requires some effort on my part to keep the projectors clean and in good running order, but it is well worth it to me.

Still looking forward to shooting some Ektachrone 64T this summer and projecting it on my large screen....


David M. Leugers
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