However the latter pushed things a bit too far with regard to CCD noise, which was exposed rather badly as a result. The S20 suffers similarly, its improved density range appearing to have been obtained at the cost of shadow noise. This is clearer in the detail scan below. This scan is a low-compression JPEG at the S20's maximum resolution of 2,400ppi, to show optical quality. The section of negative you are viewing is approx 3.4mm x 6mm.
Optical sharpness is very good, especially considering the price.
It is more than adequate for the resolution. Here it is not obtrusive. Although the Photosmart looks better, that is cancelled by the difference in gamma. Taking that into account, the S20 manages just a bit better, but it's an improvement that is rather easier to measure than see. CCD noise is pretty noticeable in the darkest tones, although obscured some by the black point used.