The detail signal-to-noise ratio model of radiographic imaging is quantitatively analyzed in terms of its accuracy in describing observer threshold perceptibility of radiographic detail. The model is found to adequately describe the effects of magnification, scatter radiation, and system resolution on observer threshold perceptibility. However, it is shown that the model does not apply in screen/film radiography for very low contrasts and high scatter conditions due to insufficient optical density contrast. The dose-to-information conversion efficiency of a radiographic imaging system is defined and the effects of magnification, scatter, resolution, image processing, detector efficiency, grids, patient table support, field size, and geometry on the dose efficiency of the imaging system are investigated.