To "Res" or not to "Res" -- Photoshop vs RIP

At Mighty Imaging we use a LightJet 5000 for our printing. The output is incredible and the sharpness, color and contrast simply is unmatched. Our equipment has internal software that has the ability to enlarge the images that our clients give us to the super-sizes they need.

Some of our photographers prefer to 'res up' their images in Photoshop or Fractals. This results in a huge file, and that is certainly OK with us, but there may be another, simpler way. By using our RIP processor Mighty Imaging can take your image from the capture size to mural size with very little difference in the final image from the 'res'd up' file. This saves file size, allows for faster electronic transfer and saves the photographer lots of time. In addition, the photographer has to only keep one file at the original capture size.

The images below are provided courtesy Rick D'Elia. They are a tiny portion of an image that was printed by Mighty Imaging. In the side-by-side comparison in Photoshop, you can see litte to no difference in the rendition of the image. Prints are totally indistinguishable. Print size is 24x36, and this portion is a tiny area from the middle of the print.

We are showing the images on the web which will not provide as faithful a rendition as we would like, so do keep that in mind. Clicking on the small image will launch a larger image that is saved as best JPEG (therefor it is a larger file) and you only need to close the window after viewing.

Side by side at 50% resolution on screen:(Genuine Fractals on the left, original capture on the right)

Side by side at 100% resolution on screen: (Genuine Fractals on the left, original capture on the right)

Keeping in mind that this area is a 2" x 2" portion of the image at 24x36, the difference may not be worth the time, file size and effort. Prints side by side are identical.

For more information on the RIP and how it will save you time and file size, contact Stephanie.