The intensity and phase reconstructed from digital in-line holograms by the convolution approach are analyzed. Distortions of particle images depending on their position in the plane transverse to the optical axis are identified. For this purpose, the object fields of numerically simulated particle holograms as well as of experimental data are reconstructed. The results of three-dimensional correlations of numerical and experimental data are superior when the numerically generated reference volumes are adapted to the transverse locations of the particle. Thus, proof is given that the characteristics of a particle image change distinctly with the transverse position of the particle and that the numerical model successfully simulates these changes. Hence, this knowledge can be integrated in future particle position detection algorithms.