DIMA Digital Printer Shoot-Out

About the DIMA Digital Printer Shoot-Out
The DIMA Digital Printer Shoot-Out tests digital output devices and the consumables used with these devices under standardized conditions and procedures. Each participating company is provided with a target file and given five business days to produce a print for entry into the shoot-out. The prints are then evaluated by a panel of expert judges on select criteria, with results on display at the PMA International Convention and Trade Show.

Shoot-Out Categories
Printers were evaluated within the following categories:

RA4 Digital Printers: Refers to any digital printer that writes digital information using either light or laser on to photographic paper.

Inkjet: Refers to any digital printer that applies ink to media. Entries are submitted based on size of output and price-point.

Dye Sublimation: Refers to any small-format digital printer that uses a dye sublimation process, using heat and pressure to transfer an image onto a substrate. (Note: does not refer to large format inkjet dye sub printers).

Media: Designed specifically for those companies manufacturing or distributing paper and other media used in the digital printing process. (Note: Media companies are able to choose any combination of printer, ink and RIP to produce the best quality print possible).

Ink: Designed specifically for those companies manufacturing or distributing ink used in the digital printing process. (Note: Ink companies are able to choose any combination of printer, media, and RIP to produce the best quality print possible).

RIP: Designed specifically for those companies manufacturing or distributing RIPs used in the digital printing process. (Note: RIP companies are able to choose any combination of printer, ink and media to produce the best quality print possible).

Creative Application: Entries for the creative application category are produced using the same target file and can use any of the above printing applications, but are judged on the creativity in doing so. Entrants can submit their prints using creative media and/or creative ways of using the target file itself.

Judging
All entries are judged in a controlled lighting environment at the GTI Graphic Technology headquarters using D50 light temperature. The target file contains a GretagMacbeth color checker with known values. These color patches are measured and scored appropriately and given a weight of 20% of the total score. The following qualitative criteria are also used in the judging of the prints:

* Neutral gray balance reproduction
* Saturation
* Shadow detail and quality
* Overall tonality and detail
* Highlights and specular highlights
* Flesh tones
* Hue shift
* Text and resolution targets