The quality of the scanned image is critical to the quality of the final print. Scanning converts the image from a continuous tone, where all colors gradually fade from one to another with no visible transition, to an image made up of dots. A high quality scan depends upon the correct level of resolution, the skill of the operator and the dynamic range of the scanner.

Silicon offers in-house scanning using our extraordinary Imacon for the following:

• 35 mm negative/slide
• 2.25" positive or transparency
• 4 x 5" positive or transparency
• 5 x 7" positive or transparency
• 8 x 10" transparency or reflective art

While we can make huge images from practically any file size we generally recommend as follows:

A 35 mm negative/slide scan will easily produce a print up to 23 x 34 inches, a 4 x 5 inch positive or transparency will produce a print of 34 x 46 inches or much larger. Starting with a larger negative or positive allows us to to produce a larger scanned file, which usually leads to higher print quality.

Additionally for larger original work we offer direct scans which can go from 8x 10 (or smaller) up to 48" x 72". Prices for this vary depending on the size of your image please call for details.

Direct scans are far superior to digital photographs of original artwork, to emphasize this point here are two 1 x 1.1/2 sections of an original oil painting which was 20" x 30".

From Digital Camera	From Direct Scan

If you have your own scanner or digital camera e-mail or call to find out how to best maximize your image quality