Image size - DPChallenge Forums

Canon 12x IS USM (S3 IS built-in Lens) -- 36-432mm (35mm EQ)

12/07/2003 01:04:19 PM · #1

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I've just brought a newMinolta F300 and I really not sure what image size to select -640x480, 1600x1200, 2048x1536 or 2560x1920, would a size like 640x480 be like a normal 6x4 print and what would A4 size be?

Do people normally print out at 300dpi or would I get away with 200?

don't think I will ever go bigger then a normal print 6x4, but would it be best to set a higher print size anyway, would I notice any quality issues?

hope someone can help
chris

GeneralE

Canon PowerShot S3 IS

12/07/2003 01:12:32 PM · #2

I ALWAYS shoot at the highest resolution -- you can always make the file smaller, but it's a painful and inaccurate process to make a photo bigger. Why pay to have the ability to capture those pixels and then throw them away without ever looking at them?

The only exception I've ever made (other than by accident) was to shoot 200 high school ID photos intended for laser printing only.

For hi-res printing, I use 300 dpi, as a holdover from habits in the graphic arts industry. For photographic prints from DPC Prints or similar providers, 150 dpi seems to be the acceptable standard. For an inkjet or laser printer, the photo's resolution should be twice the halftone screen ruling (find in the print setup) for optimum results.

pitsaman

Canon EF 50mm f/1.8 II

12/07/2003 01:13:38 PM · #3

Do you use Photo software ?

If you do you can try 3 X bicubic resample at 300 dpi and photo size will be 25X19 inches with good quality!

Message edited by author 2003-12-07 13:18:50.

Olympus 14-45mm f/3.5-5.6 Zuiko Digital ED

12/07/2003 01:43:29 PM · #4

Thanks, so if set it at the best setting, when i send it to get the pic developed would they do all the resizing etc?

can I work this out in PS. what is the size for 2560x1920 in inches would that fit A4 at 300 dpi? because I've noticed on my friends camera that it always comes in at 72, but at a big size, do just convert the dpi to 300, which will then auto resize the pic

jdw91479

Olympus E-300 EVOLT

12/07/2003 01:47:13 PM · #5

My goodness NO.. don't just set it to 300 dpi.. 5%.. 5%..

Resampling Tutorial Here on DPChallenge
//www.dpchallenge.com/tutorial.php?TUTORIAL_ID=8

Canon EF-S 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 IS

12/07/2003 02:11:05 PM · #6

what I don't really understand is my max printing size is 12.8x9.6 inches (this is a 5.0 megapixels camera) but just been looking at a 3.1 mega pixels camera and the size for that is 14.6x10.6 inches Why's this???
what are the megapixels? I thought it was to do with how many pixels.

Konador

Canon EOS-500D Rebel T1i

12/07/2003 02:20:39 PM · #7

The size in inches depends on the DPI. If your 5mp camera is less inches than a 3mp camera, it just means you're using maybe 150dpi when the 3mp camera is using 72dpi. If you make both of them the same dpi (without resampling) then your 5mp image will be larger.

cbeller

Nikon D300

Nikon AF-S DX Zoom-Nikkor 16-85 f/3.5-5.6G ED VR

12/07/2003 02:26:20 PM · #8

bluebox -

Here is an article that might help you out.

//www.webphotoschool.com/newschool/freelessons/lessons/c5050resol/index.html

Rooster

Canon EOS-400D Rebel XTi

Sigma 28-105mm f/2.8-4.0 Aspherical for Canon

12/07/2003 02:43:39 PM · #9

for 6x4 you might want to use 2560X1920. This way none of your shot will be cropped out when making prints especially if you will get them printed at a lab. On all other occasions, even if you have 5 mp camera, I would always use the highest resolution in uncompressed format (TIFF or RAW) if you have it on your camera. I would do this especailly if I wanted to play around with it on Photoshop.

Of course the higher the resolution the more space it takes. use your best judgement on space capabilities versas picture quality. You won't have to make that big of a sacrifice the more megapixels your camera is.

Message edited by author 2003-12-07 14:46:16.

12/07/2003 03:46:11 PM · #10

What do you mean about the lab cropping the image? is 2560x1920 a size that would fit on 6x4 easier then say 2048x1536

pitsaman

Canon EF 50mm f/1.8 II

12/08/2003 06:16:04 AM · #11

Originally posted by bluebox:

What do you mean about the lab cropping the image? is 2560x1920 a size that would fit on 6x4 easier then say 2048x1536

Just stick with the good old film camera,this is too complicated :-)

TechnoShroom

Canon EF 100mm f/2.8 USM Macro

12/08/2003 09:06:47 AM · #12

Originally posted by bluebox:

What do you mean about the lab cropping the image? is 2560x1920 a size that would fit on 6x4 easier then say 2048x1536

No, it's not easier. They can both be printed at 6x4 but both will need to be cropped.

A 2048x1536 image could print 6x4.5 @ 341.333 dpi

A 2560x1920 image could print 6x4.5 @ 426.667 dpi

As you can see both are a half inch over a true 6x4. To make a 6x4 print you'll just lose that amount on the short side. Just use the highest resolution your camera offers (2560x1920) and then crop the image at print time or better yet, if you plan on printing them yourself just make 6x4.5 prints and don't worry about cropping.

TechnoShroom