For d-max (how black is black), are you using a standard tif file that has pure black (0,0,0) set as the background with swatches of 2, 4, 6, 8, 10, etc., with the 2, 4, being 0 - 255 values? I have found this useful to see where I can see a difference in "perceived black" for a paper and use that to set the black point for the image. I have found that different papers have different values where I notice a difference between 0 and the other values.
Yes we are going to use photos (color and BW) that have pure black areas but the intent is to use photos that have very fine degrees of shadow separation in context when comparing. I've found I am better able to evaluate pictures with difficult black on black detail when evaluating DMAX and shadow contrast than with step wedges or things like that. Also apparent DMAX under controlled lighting can be more informative than a measured value out of context.
Here's a question for you while conducting your evaluations? What will your light source be? Is it calibrated in some way? I ask not only to get a sense of the environment you are in, but because I'm in the process of looking for a light to use when viewing my prints. I preferably need a desk lamp of sorts that can view a print from a Canon Pro-1000.
For d-max (how black is black), are you using a standard tif file that has pure black (0,0,0) set as the background with swatches of 2, 4, 6, 8, 10, etc., with the 2, 4, being 0 - 255 values? I have found this useful to see where I can see a difference in "perceived black" for a paper and use that to set the black point for the image. I have found that different papers have different values where I notice a difference between 0 and the other values.
Yes and no...
Yes we are going to use photos (color and BW) that have pure black areas but the intent is to use photos that have very fine degrees of shadow separation in context when comparing. I've found I am better able to evaluate pictures with difficult black on black detail when evaluating DMAX and shadow contrast than with step wedges or things like that. Also apparent DMAX under controlled lighting can be more informative than a measured value out of context.
For my Canon 200, this is the best paper I can use by any criteria. For me, it is prohibitaly expensive
Here's a question for you while conducting your evaluations? What will your light source be? Is it calibrated in some way? I ask not only to get a sense of the environment you are in, but because I'm in the process of looking for a light to use when viewing my prints. I preferably need a desk lamp of sorts that can view a print from a Canon Pro-1000.
I think I linked that in the article...
GTI viewing. booth, take a look if you're interested in the details.
Will your evaluation be done 'blind'. In that you won't know which paper you are evaluating?
Nope, we plan on actually looking at the pictures.
Only kidding, yes.