[X4U] Re: Recording Pixels on a digital camera

[Robert MacLeay]

To actually answer your question:

If you take your digital files to Wolf Camera (or Walmart or whomever) they
will print the files on photoprinters with a resolution of (roughly) 300
pixels per inch. From this you can do the math:

A 5x7 inch print will look fuzzy if you use a file size of less than
(5x300) by (7x300), or 1500 x 2100 pixels.

So your Middle size would be adequate assuming, of course, that you will
never want to crop anything out of any photo you ever take.

There is, however, another factor to consider.

You should be aware that zoom lenses on non-professional grade cameras are
generally more light-sensitive at the wide angle position than at the
longest telephoto position.  What this means for you is that when you shoot
at "Large" and then crop down to size, your photos will be less sensitive,
by a factor of as much as 2, to blur induced by not holding the camera
steady: Your photos will be sharper. This is because the shutter will be
open for a shorter time.

I agree with the advice offered by others here: It is always best to use the
highest resolution setting.

On Wed, 09 Aug 2006 16:18:44 -0400, Dorothy Hennings <hennings at verizon.net>
wrote:

> I have a new A540 Canon Camera. I have a choice of how many recording
> pixels I use when taking a picture.
> Can you help with this choice?
> 
> I realize using fewer pixels means the memory card lasts longer for
> more pictures.
> 
> Choices are Large (2816 x 2122 pixels), Middle (2272 x 1704 p.),
> Middle 2 (1600 x 1200 p.), Small (640 x 480 p).
> 
> I expect I will make most prints a size of 3" x 5", maybe very few at
> 5" x 7", or   for small  pictures sent by email.
> 
> Which will give me good definition but not for professional use
> pictures?
> 
> Thanks