Why Aren't Digital Images Accepted By Magazines

[spectr17]

I've read many photographers complain that magazines will only accept color slides for publication. Haven't the digital cameras progressed far enough in pixel count and color contrast to be acceptable?

I saw one reason given that it's because the publications in question haven't upgraded their staff, equipment, and capabilities to handle the CMYK separation process, and produce a film copy of each color needed for the offset printers they use.

I find this possible because I know the local newspapers here are only set up to receive articles in 9600 baud on the phone lines for their presses. Unbelievable.

Any other ideas.

 

[WildBird]

As you suggest, I think the mags in question are just behind the times. A friend recently shot pics for a group to be used for a calendar and other promo printing. He used the TIF format rather that JPG since that is an uncompressed file which can be edited without degrading the image. I saw the finished calendar and it was slick. I also met a pro photogtapher several years ago who was doing a modeling shoot for a magazine. I was amazed to find that he was using digital equipment. At the time I had no idea this technology even existed. He was loading files up to a laptop computer on the spot for critical review. He then would later email the files to the client. WB