Digital Prints

62
Mastering Digital Printing
The Océ LightJet 430 has a maximum output size of 50 × 120 inches, and the newer 500XL
model can go up to 76 inches wide (the older 5000 model prints to a maximum of 49 × 97
inches). The spatial/addressable resolution is either 200 dpi or 300 dpi with an apparent resolution
of 4000 dpi. As with the Lambda, the input is 24-bit, interpolated to 36-bit output
color space (12-bit per RGB color). The LightJet uses three RGB lasers for exposure, and a
unique 270-degree internal drum platen for media handling (the media is held stationary
within the drum while a spinning mirror directs laser light to the photographic material).
Another high-end, large-format printer is the ZBE Chromira, which uses LED lights instead
of lasers. The print is processed in normal RA-4 chemistry through a separate processor.
There are two models and two sizes, 30 or 50 inches wide, with no limit on length. Yielding
300 ppi resolution (425 ppi “visual resolution” with ZBE’s proprietary Resolution
Enhancement Technology), this is another expensive piece of hardware (but less costly than
a LightJet or Lambda), so you’ll find one only at a photo lab or service bureau.
Digital Photo Process (Digital Minilab)
Digital photo printing isn’t limited to high-end, large-format devices. In fact, you may not
realize it, but most photo labs and photo minilabs today use the same technology to print
everything from Grandma’s snapshots to professional prints. These are the ubiquitous “digital
minilabs” found at many photo retailers, drugstores, and big-box merchandisers like
Wal-Mart and Costco.
How Does It Work?
Digital minilabs made by Agfa, Noritsu, and Fuji are the standard at many photofinishing
labs and the new online processors described in Chapter 10. The Fuji Frontier (see Figure
2.18) was the first digital minilab used for the mass retail market. It’s a complete system that
takes input from conventional film, digital camera, digital media, or prints (with onboard
flatbed scanner) and outputs to digital media or prints via wet-chemistry processing. There
are several different models of the Fuji Frontier, and the largest output is 10 × 15-inch prints.
The Océ LightJet 500XL (top) and 430
photo laser printers.
Courtesy of Océ Display Graphics Systems