Hendrik
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 p.1 #2 · FM Resize Pro vs. Photozoom Pro? | |
A few years ago, I did some tests with FM Stair Interpolation Pro, Photozoom Pro (S-Spline Pro) and Genuine Fractals. In print, it was very difficult to see any difference and probably with some tweaking almost non existing.
Below are my final words from that post.
I know it’s not a recent review, but don’t expect dramatic better performing tools this day compared to some years ago. Especially on an inkjet, you won’t see any big differences unless you are pixel measurebating every detail. I think for 95% of the users, FM Resize Pro is more then enough.
- Evaluating the prints (Jul 21, 2002)
The images were printed on an Epson Stylus Photo 2100 inkjet printer on Ilford Smooth Gloss paper @ 2880dpi. The pictures had a resolution of 300dpi. Both I and my girlfriend judged the prints. Therefore this is a highly accurate test method.
200% interpolation: I could not see any difference.
300% interpolation: Viewing at a normal difference (arm-length) and judging from a first impression, I could not see any difference. After close and careful examination some differences were noticeable.
1. S-Spline Pro looks sharper and had slightly more contrast. There seems a bit more separation (difference between the details with his surrounding). This is very subtle. On some places (but less often) Genuine Fractals had more separation. Overall the interpolation with GF looks a bit softer (more natural) and benefits this subject (soft kitten).
2. Fred’s SI-Pro also has more contrast compared with GF, but it seems a bit less-sharp (out off focus effect. On close examination there are some places that seems to contain less detail, but is very hard to find and sometimes even subjective. Again GF looks a bit more pleasant to the eye, compared to SI-Pro.
For my own curiosity I interpolated to 600%. On screen (I did not print them) the differences I encountered in print become a bit more apparent (see picture below).
1. It looks like GF has some, eeh … ‘artifacts’. There is a feathering effect (clearly visible at the bright nostrils). Maybe this is the cause of the softer look in print at 300%. I cannot tell if this is better or worse, because there is a lot of pixel inventing here. [edit](considering that a hair is smooth, this is worse)[/edit]
2. It looks like Fred’s SI-Pro has some lesser detail.
Conclusions:
1. S-Spline Pro and GF PrintPro 3.0 are equally detailed. I could not discover differences.
2. Fred’s SI-Pro contains less detail, if you take the time to find them.
3. One of the complaints about GF is the painted effect. I could not see this at 300%. The softer look may be caused by the interpolation method of GF; some feathering is visible on screen at 600% interpolation.
4. I could not see any difference with 200% interpolation. You can use any tool you like.
5. The prints looked very good and natural; I did not expect it, therefore…
6. … why do I need a 10MP+ camera?
Recommendations:
Use Fred’s SI-Pro for the best price for value, there is no comparison here. If you really want the best and you are a pixel measurebator or want to make billboard size prints then buy either GF PrintPro or S-Spline Pro, they are equally detailed in my tests. GF looked the most natural with the kitten, but may be caused by the feathering effect (artifact?).
The winner is…S-Spline Pro, because of the price, more tweaking possible and…hey…I’m Dutch!
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