I assume you also do resampling.. what method you use for resampling?I used to get 5300x3400 pixels from 35mm scans and never worried about printing on 13x19' paper. I do not have that luxury with *istD, and miss it. To reach "35mm pixel freedom..:-)", I may have to do few upgrades.
I find that prints made from digital capture are generally about the same quality as 35mm film scans when output at 50-75% the density. 2000x3000 pixels produces about the same quality 13x19" print as your 5300x3400 scan. This is due to the lack of grain, grain aliasing, and other emulsion/analog->digital defects induced by the scanning process.
I have many inkjet generated prints made with both capture processes hanging side by side, and you simply cannot see a difference.
So far, I haven't seen much need for resampling with full-frame captures. At 175ppi output density, a full-frame DS print is about a 11.5x17.25 inch image on 13x19 inch paper. For cropped images, I resample in a series of steps to achieve 160-175 ppi minimum print density. To my eye, that produces print quality on par with 250-300ppi from scanned 35mm negatives.
The density I want depends to a great degree on what kind of paper I'm printing to. Epson's heavyweight matte surface is very smooth and sharp, I want more density on that. Somerset Velvet is a bit 'softer' finish, lower resolution works just fine.
Godfrey
