- #1
- 5,199
- 38
Hi,
If every point in the image plane is convolved with the PSF, why is it that this is only obvious in certain cases?
Take astronomical imaging: for images of bright point sources (e.g., the brightest stars), we see rings, spikes etc. Why do we not see these features for dimmer stars? Furthermore, what about images of extended objects? Why is it that galaxies and nebulae look fine, and don't look like some sort of blurred mess?
Also, what is it fundamentally about everyday/terrestrial imaging that makes it so that these concerns don't seem to matter at all? Why is it that I can feel confident that more pixels = a sharper image, without having to worry about the actual *optics?* One would think that the miniscule lenses included with ever smaller consumer digital electronics would offer pretty lousy angular resolution.
If every point in the image plane is convolved with the PSF, why is it that this is only obvious in certain cases?
Take astronomical imaging: for images of bright point sources (e.g., the brightest stars), we see rings, spikes etc. Why do we not see these features for dimmer stars? Furthermore, what about images of extended objects? Why is it that galaxies and nebulae look fine, and don't look like some sort of blurred mess?
Also, what is it fundamentally about everyday/terrestrial imaging that makes it so that these concerns don't seem to matter at all? Why is it that I can feel confident that more pixels = a sharper image, without having to worry about the actual *optics?* One would think that the miniscule lenses included with ever smaller consumer digital electronics would offer pretty lousy angular resolution.