preparing photos to print - crop or resize?

Tamron SP AF 28-75mm f/2.8 XR Di for Canon

12/29/2006 03:33:43 PM · #3

How to crop and resize without losing quality?

Faye Pekas

Canon EOS-20D

12/29/2006 03:41:32 PM · #4

Never, never, never resize if you're going to print. At least it doesn't work for me. Crop to the ratio you want.

Tamron SP AF 24-135mm f/3.5-5.6 AD Aspherical IF for Canon

12/29/2006 03:47:50 PM · #5

Thanks! I didn't know that... I have been resizing :(

Jojo

nards656

Canon EOS-300D Rebel

12/29/2006 04:01:23 PM · #6

Originally posted by TCGuru:

Thanks! I didn't know that... I have been resizing :(

Jojo

Well, it's kind of a complicated thing, but resizing ALSO throws away dots.

You want as MANY dots (pixels) as you can for printing, but between 150 dpi and 250 dpi is generally acceptable. So, if you wanna print an 8 x 10, the image should be something between 1200x1500 and 2000x2500 as far as "image size". BUT! If you have more, don't throw it away by resizing.

Crop to proper aspect ratio, leaving the most pixels possible. Then print.

Make any sense??? The "DPI" listed in the resize settings really is just a reference. You're not actually changing the quality of the picture, it's just doing the math for you.

GeneralE

Canon PowerShot S3 IS

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

12/29/2006 04:24:37 PM · #7

Originally posted by nards656:

Crop to proper aspect ratio, leaving the most pixels possible. Then print.

Make any sense??? The "DPI" listed in the resize settings really is just a reference. You're not actually changing the quality of the picture, it's just doing the math for you.

My variation is to crop to whatever shape I want, then add Canvas to make it a standard print size/aspect ratio.

If you don't include a border, a tiny bit of your image around the edges will be lost in the printing process -- the image is enlarged slightly to make sure it bleeds over the edge of the paper. I'd rather trim or mat the border area if necessary.

The key to making resizing more sensible is to turn off the "Resample" option (in Photoshop) -- when you set it to a certain size (e.g. 10 inches) the resolution will change to compensate -- as long as the DPI displayed there is more than 150 DPI you should be OK, but don't worry if it is 268 or 324 or any other higher number; that will make no practical difference.

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

12/29/2006 06:33:40 PM · #8

Originally posted by nards656:

Yes, that makes perfect sense... *slapping self in forehead* I feel stupid LOL

I will remember about adding a border too... thanks General!

Jojo

GeneralE

Canon PowerShot S3 IS

12/29/2006 06:38:52 PM · #9

Check the print size table at the bottom of the page for more detailed information.