Final answer:
To improve recorded detail, a slower screen/film combination or a smaller focal-spot size can be used. A slower screen/film combination provides finer grain and a smaller focal-spot size increases image sharpness by reducing blur. Various shutter speeds and apertures also affect an image's depth of field and exposure.
Step-by-step explanation:
To improve recorded detail in photography or radiography, two factors can be adjusted: the screen/film combination speed and the focal-spot size of the lens. Using a slower screen/film combination means that the film or sensor is less sensitive to light, which typically results in finer grain and higher resolution, thus improving recorded detail. On the other hand, utilizing a smaller focal-spot size increases the sharpness of the image by reducing the blur that can occur due to the larger area of light transmission; this too improves the recorded detail. However, while a smaller focal-spot size can increase detail, it can also reduce the light intensity and increase exposure time.
When photographing with a camera, different shutter speeds and apertures affect the image result as well. A slower shutter speed is typically used in low light conditions or to capture motion blur, whereas a faster shutter speed is used to freeze motion. The aperture of the lens affects the depth of field (DoF): a wide-open aperture (large aperture) results in a shallow DoF, while a small aperture (smaller opening) results in a greater DoF, bringing more of the scene into focus.