Investigation into the Quality of the Kinematographic Image

Abstract

In a previous series of papers the results were published which the authors obtained in their investigation into different aspects of the problem of quality of the kinematographic image. The present paper considers this problem as a whole.

In evaluating the quality of the kinematographic image the following criteria are used: tone rendering, image sharpness, resolution in small-size details, and graininess. These criteria cannot give full evaluation of image quality. as the latter depends, to a considerable extent, on other conditions which determine its emotional effect. In other words, satisfactory values for the above listed quantitative criteria are a necessary but not a sufficient condition for obtaining high quality kinematographic images. In addition, the image should be evaluated as visually good.

The investigation is confined to the above four quality criteria, assuming that the problem, so for as kinema engineering is concerned. is that of obtaining a high quality imafe in the technial meaning of the term, i.e.. an image transmitting the maximum perceptible amount 0 information on the subject. The realization of these possibilities by the producer, cameraman, actor, etc., is not considered.

The values of quality criteria for any of the successive stages of kinematographic images fmaster negative, Intermediate positive, duplicating film. screen positive) should be based first on a precise knowledge of their contribution to the screen image, and secondly-on the lows correlating their values on the screen with those in preceding images.