To get the best quality when printing your photos, we recommend that you set your digital camera to produce the largest JPEG file possible. If you are using a scanner to create your digital files, you should set the scanner to obtain a file that is your desired final print size when printed at 300 dpi.
Please note, digital files for print sizes, (8"X10", 8"X12", 10"X15", 11"X15", etc.) will be larger.
| Print Size and File Size | |
|---|---|
Print Size |
Recommended Minimum File Size |
Wallet (e.g. Passport Photo) |
640 x 480 pixels |
Wallet / 4"x6" |
1024 x 768 pixels |
Wallet / 4"x6" / 5"x7" |
1280 x 960 pixels |
Wallet / 4"x6" / 5"x7" / 8"x10", |
1600 x 1200 pixels |
Wallet / 4"x6" / 5"x7" / 8"x10" / 10"x15" |
2048 x 1536 pixels |
|
Size of file will determine,
not only the quality of photo editing,
but also the print and enlargement quality should you choose to print your photo(s) |
|
Taking your Picture and Saving Your Files
One of the most common file formats (recording image resolution) used with digital cameras is JPEG. When using JPEG be sure to save the files with low compression and high quality. Set your camera resolution setting to high (that's the larger number in your resolution setting (640x480, 1024x768, 1280x960, 1600x1200, 2048x 1536, 2288x1712, 2272x1704 etc.) and your compression to fine or High Quality. Most digital cameras offer multiple compression setting (SQ - Standard, HQ - High Quality, SHQ - Super High Quality)
Digital Image File Information
When e-mailing us a digital file, our preferred format is JPEG (JPG). We also accept TIF, but typically it is much larger and takes much longer to upload. We can accept other file formats
Almost all digital cameras have the option to save pictures in the JPEG (JPG) format, if you are not sure what format your digital camera uses, check your camera manual for details. JPEG files are typically smaller in size than TIF files. The smaller file size makes them more ideal for internet use. They require less time to upload or download. TIF files are usually much larger and normally used for big enlargements or professional work.
Megapixels |
Pixel Resolution* | Print Size @ 300ppi | Print size @ 200ppi | Print size @ 150ppi** |
3 |
2048 x 1536 |
6.82" x 5.12" |
10.24" x 7.68" |
13.65" x 10.24" |
4 |
2464 x 1632 |
8.21" x 5.44" |
12.32" x 8.16" |
16.42" x 10.88" |
6 |
3008 x 2000 |
10.02" x 6.67" |
15.04" x 10.00" |
20.05" x 13.34" |
8 |
3264 x 2448 |
10.88" x 8.16" |
16.32" x 12.24" |
21.76" x 16.32" |
10 |
3872 x 2592 |
12.91" x 8.64" |
19.36" x 12.96" |
25.81" x 17.28" |
12 |
4290 x 2800 |
14.30" x 9.34" |
21.45" x 14.00" |
28.60" x 18.67" |
16 |
4920 x 3264 |
16.40" x 10.88" |
24.60" x 16.32" |
32.80" x 21.76" |
| 35mm film, scanned | 5380 x 3620 |
17.93" x 12.06" |
26.90" x 18.10" |
35.87" x 24.13" |
*Typical Resolution. Actual pixel dimensions vary from camera to camera.
**At 150ppi, printed photos will have visible pixels and details will look "blurred/fuzzy".
