| Abstract: | The objective of this study was to compare the quality of radiographic images digitized from commercial-grade and consumer-grade
digital cameras and scanners as viewed on computer monitor. Radiographic images were digitized from hardcopy film using a
commercial-grade laser scanner, a consumer-grade desktop flatbed scanner, a commercial-grade digital camera, and a consumer-grade
digital camera. The quality of images without and with grayscale histogram adjustment was evaluated subjectively by 10 board-certified
radiologists. Optical density response was evaluated objectively using a grayscale test pattern. There was no significant
difference in subjective quality among images digitized with the commercial scanner, consumer scanner, and commercial camera.
The quality of images digitized with the consumer camera was lower than the other 3. Objective tests showed the commercial
scanner to have the most linear optical density response. For the purpose of viewing images on a computer monitor, a consumer-grade
desktop scanner can produce images of similar quality to those produced by more expensive laser commercial-grade scanners
and digital cameras and provides cost-efficient means to digitize radiographic plain films. A consumer-grade camera may not
be optimal for use in this setting. |
