Digital imaging in clinical photography, Part 1.

It has been possible to digitize analogue images for a number of years--either by the use of a still frame from a video camera, or by scanning a continuous-tone photograph--and to produce output in either print or transparency form, or with the captured image as part of, say, a computer-generated teaching slide. The quality has until now been less than adequate in terms of overall resolution and colour fidelity. It is only recently that true digital imaging has allowed the medical photographer to examine the mechanics of the production of high-quality clinical images and to see if this technology can provide a viable alternative to conventional silver imaging in terms of resolution, colour accuracy, speed, economy and overall usability. This article describes the short-term use of the Kodak Digital Camera System (the DCS) in the clinical studio and assesses the factors stated above.