Introduction to the DMC  -   Digital Macro Camera

What is the DMC system ?

The Digital Macro Camera is a system for the direct, extremely-high-resolution, photography of large subjects, with performance as yet unmatched by any analog or digital system.

Thanks to a file containing "all the visual information" present in the original, the DMC makes it possible to have a "virtual copy" of the subject capable of replacing it in most cases.

The DMC applies the new principles - for which Metis applied for a patent in December 1998 - of free and dynamic scanning on two axes (X and Y). These principles will make a vast array of applications possible. Dynamic scanning allows for digital acquisition optimized for the subject's shape and size, yielding considerable advantages.

DMC excels in reproductions : a non interpolated 254 PPI shot of a 12 m² (128 feet²) surface is described with a 3.3 GygaByte file and with 100 pixels (24 bit color) for each square millimeter. Furthermore, even signs just two-three hundredths of a millimeter thick can be seen.

The DMC can achieve and exceed resolutions of 1000 pixels per square millimeter !

Which is the relationship between the DMC and the DRC camera ?

The DRC together with the DRS system is the last born in the Metis family and in this sense it represents a summary of all previous Metis experience and know-how. The DRC is a very productive and compact instrument that apply for many reproduction needs, but it simply cannot compete with the DMC in terms of pure resolution. The DMC can exceed the 3.3GB of image size, in standard mode, when the DRC, always in standard mode, can reach 1.2 GB. When this is normally enough for many applications, there are a few ones that requires very high resolution on extremely large originals, and in this case the DMC is the only possible choice. In fact the DMC is the only product today available on the market capable of similar performances.

Which additional elements are required in order to properly run the DMC system ?

It depends on the specific requirements you have. Generally a lighting system, a DMC camera support, a holding system for the originals to be reproduced (as vacuum tables, magnetic tables, etc.) and a computer PC. Some of this elements may be provided directly from Metis on customer request, some others (as the PC) have to be acquired separately. Additional accessories for the DMC system are also available from Metis as :  lens, filters, a special Metis support for the DMC, cables and others.