Digital BW, The Print

> This 8-bit vs 16-bit discussion keeps coming up ...

>... number of gray inks has one of the biggest effects.

I've been comparing the 2200 output with LLK being the lightest ink v. when
I put in what I'm calling "LLLK" -- a 1:2 dilution of LLK.  I also compared
a 16 bit file with an 8 bit version of the same.  I only have a 1600 dpi
flatbed scanner to compare outputs.  So, I may not be able to see the
differences that a good drum scanner would see.  On the other hand, when I
have to qualify the observations this way it tells you that we're talking
about very small differences.

With the LLLK added -- making the system a 5K+cm instead of a 4K+cm -- I
don't see more smoothness.  What I see is very slightly better detail or
sharpness in the highlights. 

When I switch the file to 8 bit, the results are about like dropping the
LLLK, but probably less so.  Again, the appearance is not of a smoother
image, but rather one where there *may* have been some image information
that didn't get put onto the paper.  But, again, the limiting factor may be
the ability of my 1600 dpi scanner to see the differences.

I guess my conclusion is that for relatively modern printers like the 2200,
going from 4K+cm to 5K+cm or going from an 8 bit file to a 16 bit file (at
printing, 16 bits for curves and manipulations is a different issue) makes
such a small difference -- if any -- that it's more a matter of principle
than any visible impact on the image. 

Paul
www.PaulRoark.com