Raw Image Processing Using Raw Rapid Capture

In a nutshell, RAW Rapid Capture is Smarter, Better, Faster. The top museums, institutions and image banks in the country including the National Archives, Smithsonian Institution and the Walt Disney Company have now migrated to RAW Rapid Capture as the RAWstandard for the digitization of cultural heritage materials and image preservation. The first version of this capture system was created specifically for the NARA to replace slower digitization systems which struggled to meet the strict quality standards required for preservation imaging. RAW capture systems consistently exceed the FADGI 4-star performance levels for image quality as specified by the Federal Agencies Digitization Guidelines Initiative (FADGI). Moreover, they reach these performance levels without any reduction in capture rate.

The Digital Archive Group has always set the highest standard for advanced image digitization and conversion solutions. Therefore, we made the commitment to install next-generation reprographic capture systems for RAW rapid capture as a compliment to our flatbed and overhead planetary document and film scanner equipment. With RAW rapid capture resolution as high as 80 megapixels, these digital capture systems are the wave of the future and offer our clients the highest quality digital image with nearly unlimited flexibility.

Combining a high resolution Phase-One digital back with a DT RCam and Schneider Digitar lenses with film scanning pattern holders, this Film_small system delivers preservation grade image quality while at the same time increasing the efficiency of the workflow. Film digitization with this system is up to 200 times faster than traditional scanning.

Digitizing in RAW format preserves the highest level of information of the capture image. Combined with the highest quality RAW processing software, Capture One, this system enables our digital technicians to make precise adjustments to the created files with the ability to output as a TIFF, JPEG or any other file format without detrimental effect on the image file. In addition, the RAW files can be stored on a backup server if ever needed in the future for special image projects. RAW capture also allows multiple presentation interpretations from the same digital capture, for instance, preserving both the negative and positive interpretations of a photographic negative without the loss of quality for either interpretations.

Digital Archiving Services

Benefits of the Raw Rapid Capture System

  1. RAW digital capture provides the highest possible image preservation file format
  2. Ultimate processing and editing flexibility with workflow 200 times faster
  3. Phase One camera backs have a 12.5 stop dynamic range shooting at 80 megapixels for incredible color and tonality
  4. RAW digital captures beyond information found on the original film ensuring there is no loss of information during the conversion process
  5. Traditional film scanners can only record 24 bits of data of 16.7 million colors, whereas the Phase One solution offers 2.8 trillion
  6. Workflow requires less handling of the assets and reduces potential for dust during the digitization process
  7. RAW capture is a supported and proven technology chosen by the top institutions in the country and internationally
  8. Other methods of converting transmissive materials with digital SLR’s do not provide the quality or efficient workflow necessary for large scale digitization efforts
  9. In most cases, RAW rapid capture is the most cost-effective method for digitization of any archival asset!