These terms are used to describe your photo technically.
Term | Definition | Notes |
Image formats: | ||
· Raw | Raw format preserves all the image’s data; the file is uncompressed. | Best format for advanced photo editing, but large file to store. Can slow PC. |
· Jpeg (.jpg) | Jpegs lose some data but the memory card will store more images. Jpegs are the best option if you are printing without editing. | Basic Jpegs won’t produce high quality prints, but fine jpegs will; these are used for sports photography. Most images are saved again as jpegs at the end of the editing process. |
Image size: | Available in camera for jpeg format only. | ‘Large’ is your default setting. |
DPI: dots per inch. | High quality prints need to be printed at 240-300dpi. | The video link below provides step-by-step method for setting your DPI. |
Resolution | The size of image measured by the number of pixels, (height X width). | This can be changed just before printing to fit the size of your print media. |
Compression | Reduction in data to reduce file size and save memory card space. | Excessive compression leads to poor quality output. |
Photo editing software | Used for improving the look of your photo, and getting it ready for printing. | Adobe Photoshop is a well known product, there are less expensive options. |
This table illustrates how to use your camera’s controls and editing software to get satisfactory results. Start by deciding how you want to display your photo; the options are listed along the top row of this table.
Small Print (Snapshot) A5 210x148mm | Medium Print (Display at home) A4 297x210mm | Large Print (Competition) A3 420x297mm or larger | Digital (Email, Web, iPad)
| ||
CAMERA SETTINGS · Image Format · Minimum Image Size · DPI |
· normal jpeg · medium · N/A |
· fine jpeg · large · N/A |
· raw · N/A · N/A |
· normal jpeg · medium · N/A | |
EDITING STAGE · Minimum DPI · Resolution (in Pixels) · Save as jpeg (last step)
|
· 72dpi · 640×480 · medium |
· 240dpi · 1600×1200 · large |
· 300dpi · maximum · maximum |
· N/A · 1600×1200 · small | |
This article is a basic introduction to this topic. For a more technical explanation try these resources:
http://www.rideau-info.com/photos/mythdpi.html