What is a disadvantage of flat panel image receptors compared to traditional systems?

Flat panel image receptors offer significant advancements over traditional systems, such as improved image quality and efficiency. However, one notable disadvantage is their higher cost. The technology involved in flat panel systems, including the detector and imaging components, tends to be more expensive to manufacture and implement than traditional film-based systems or earlier generation detectors. As a result, institutions or facilities may face substantial initial investment costs when upgrading to flat panel technology. This financial barrier can be a considerable factor for many facilities when making decisions regarding imaging upgrades.

In contrast, while space considerations might factor into a facility's planning, flat panel systems are typically designed to be more compact than larger traditional systems. Additionally, these modern systems usually offer better detail resolution and faster exposure times compared to older technologies. Therefore, the increased cost is the primary disadvantage when comparing the two types of imaging systems.