Hi Andy, Not sure I understand the process exactly either but when I have a 35mm negative scanned to be printed at a maximum 20x24 size, the file size created by my lab is about 80meg. In my mind, that's huge; however, the results are extremely good - no pixilation at all. However, I do not understand the math because if the printer can only go as high as 300 DPI then why is so large a file needed...are the rest of the pixels just discarded in the process, and if so then why wouldn't a smaller file work just as well? As an aside, the inks and papers are so good these days that compared to a traditionally made print of the same image I can hardly tell the difference. And the advantage to printing digitally is the repeatability factor. Plus it's really convenient for my lab to keep the file on record and for me to just call in my order whenever I need one printed. All considered, I still favor the older technology...there's an art and science to it I really want to master. For the last year or so I've been procuring darkroom equipment. As soon as I have enough to create my own lab, I'll be producing my own. Best, Paul -----Original Message----- From: owner-photoforum@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx [mailto:owner-photoforum@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx] On Behalf Of ADavidhazy Sent: Friday, August 17, 2007 8:36 AM To: List for Photo/Imaging Educators - Professionals - Students Subject: DPI and perception question Hi, I think it is customary practice for printers to "demand" image files at 300 dpi (whatever that is) at final printed size of a reproduction. I guess this is to reproduce images so they have a high quality and don't look pixelated or something. (I think I have oversimplified things). In any case, I was pondering whether one can get a fair idea of whether an image file has sufficient digital "resolution" so that when printed it will look "good" by looking at the image at a larger size than what it will be reproduced at. So if I have a 5x5 cm image file at 300 dpi but I look at it on my CRT or LCD screen at 200% or 300% or 600% or more magnification and at 300% the image on my screen looks OK ... but at 600% it starts to fall apart ... is that an indication of anything? Hope I have not been to obfuscating in this question ... drinking a Snapple only. cheers, andy
