Jostein wrote:
You guys know a lot more about these things than I do, but I can't help but thinking that since the *istD is softer than other 6 Mpx cameras, and even softer than other cameras using the same chip, there must be some differences around. Do we know fer sure that there's _one_ optimal degree of softening for a given CCD, and that all the camera makers adhere? Or could it be that Pentax simply put on a slightly too soft filter? My understanding (and I have no site to confirm this) is that all chips are inherently soft. Pentax chose to be very conservative with its in-camera sharpening. While this gives a softer image, there is less chance of sharpening artifacts. As sharpening should be applied according to output size this is a good approach. The problem is as more digital camera users opt to take their card to the local 1 hour lab their output will look softer then the same image taken with a Canon or Nikon DSLR of the same approximate chip size. Maybe, on Pentax's next DSLR they'll offer more sharpening options (5 instead of 3) and default a slightly higher sharpening level. Then the drop off at the lab crowd won't be at a disadvantage. Butch Each man had only one genuine vocation - to find the way to himself. Hermann Hesse (Demian)
