1. A method for converting first generation images obtained from original scenes to digital images through a formed transform to an image data metric comprising the steps of: (a) photographing a first generation image onto photographic film to produce a second generation image; (b) scanning the photographic film with a scanner to form a second generation scanned image; and (c) transforming the second generation scanned image to an image data metric which is independent of the source of the second generation image.