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<strong>Imatest</strong> <strong>Documentation</strong><br />

<strong>Imatest</strong> Instructions -- Tone, color,<br />

and spatial modules<br />

Using Stepchart<br />

Stepchart measures the tonal response, noise, dynamic range, and ISO sensitivity of digital cameras and scanners using<br />

reflection step charts such as the Kodak Q-13 and Q-14 Gray Scales, the Jessops Colour & Mono Separation Guide<br />

(UK), several from Danes-Picta (Czech republic), charts created by Test Charts (which can be printed any size), or<br />

transmission step charts from Stouffer, Applied Image, Kodak, DSC Labs, and Danes-Picta. Transmission charts are<br />

required for measuring dynamic range.<br />

Charts from Applied Image and additional ISO charts, shown below. (<strong>Imatest</strong> Master only)<br />

Stepchart can also measure veiling glare (lens flare).<br />

New in <strong>Imatest</strong> 3.5<br />

ISO sensitivity is calculated when the incident lux level is entered.<br />

New in <strong>Imatest</strong> 3.1<br />

Highly distorted images can be analyzed if automatic patch location is turned off. Several images<br />

can be combined (averaged) to facilitate fixed pattern noise measurement.<br />

New in <strong>Imatest</strong> 2.7<br />

A new Dynamic Range postprocessor allows dynamic range to be measured from several<br />

exposures of a reflective step chart, which can be much more convenient than using a transmission<br />

chart.<br />

The Kodak Q-13 Gray Scale is an 8 inch long chart consisting of 20 zones, labeled 0-19, which have optical densities from<br />

0.05 to 1.95 in steps of 0.1 (reflectances from 0.891 to 0.011). The Kodak Q-14 is identical, except that it's 14 inches long. The<br />

chart is printed on a (semigloss) surface. The Jessops chart, from the UK, is similar to the Q-13, except that it has only 18 zones.<br />

This image of the Q-13 Gray Scale was photographed<br />

slightly out of focus to minimize noise.<br />

The Q-13 has finer steps and a higher maximum density than the GretagMacbeth ColorChecker (Dmax = 1.95 vs. 1.5), mostly<br />

because of its glossier surface. It considerably less expensive. The longer Q-14 is well suited for photographing near ColorCheckers<br />

or slanted-edge SFR test targets.<br />

Iliah Borg has analyzed the Q-13 Gray Scale. He says, "I'm pretty sure it's screen-printed, most likely with<br />

automotive enamel. The spectral response is flat from 420 to 730nm, similar to titanium dioxide mixed<br />

with carbon in different proportions to achieve different reflectivities. The layer is pretty thick, to isolate<br />

from the substrate."<br />

Applied Image and ISO targets in <strong>Imatest</strong> Master<br />

Several monochrome targets, shown below, can be analyzed with <strong>Imatest</strong> Master. To run them, open the image file, then select the<br />

approximate region of interest for the key features in the target, following the instructions in Stepchart with Applied Image/ISO<br />

targets. Additional dialog boxes allow you to specify the target type and refine the crop.<br />

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