Lets start with the number on your camera (6MP, 10MP, 12MP, 15MP) or box the camera came in when you purchased it. Or the number the lab asks you for and what size of print you want.
Get ready for dpi, print size, pixel dimensions and more.
The articles below are very good in describing in easy language what it is and how to use it to make photos and prints you want. Between them they cover why resolution is important, how it is used, where you will use it and why you should care.
Understanding Resolution by Chris Hunter
Part of Beginner Photoshop Tutorials over at UseFilm.com
Example: “Let’s take a real world look at this with a common file size, one from a 6MP digital SLR (DLSR).”
“The native resolution of a 6MP image is 3072 pixels by 2048 pixels. At 72 ppi, this photo has an output size of 42” x 28” – and while that’s large, the resolution is far too low to produce a continuous tone print. When you enter a resolution of 200 ppi, the output size changes to approx. 10” x 15” – which is the largest output size you can have using the native resolution of the file. At 300 ppi, the file has an output size of 10” x 7” – which would be about as large as the file could go for traditional offset printing on a four-color press.”
He does explain what ppi, pixel and continuous tone print means and so much more.
Understanding Resolution by Michael Reichmann at Luminous Landscape
Digital Vs. Analog
What Resolution Do I Need?
PPI & DPI
“PPI (Pixels per Inch) and DPI (Dots per Inch) are frequently used interchangeably in this industry, by pros and amateurs alike. While wrong, this isn’t a huge problem since we usually know what we’re talking about. To be absolutely correct it’s worth noting that scanners, digital cameras and screens are all measured in PPI while printers are measured in DPI. Just so you know the difference.”
He does explain what image size, print size and Resample Image means and so much more.
Image Sizes and Print Sizes at 300 dpi*
| Image Size (in pixels) |
Megapixels |
Print Size (in inches) |
| 4992 x 3328 4500 x 3000 4064 x 2704 3088 x 2056 3008 x 1960 2048 x 1536 1600 x 1200 1280 x 960 640 x 480 |
16.6 13.5 11.1 6.3 5.3 3.0 2.0 1.2 0.3 |
16.6 x 11 15 x 10 13.5 x 9 10.25 x 6.8 10 x 6.5 6.8 x 5.1 5.3 x 4** 4.25 x 3.2 2.1 x 1.6 |
* Megapixel and print size values are rounded off.
** This will allow you to print a 4×5 print, just as you get from a photo lab.
If you are new to digital photography or are having trouble getting the lingo then read the above articles. They will set you on the path needed to go farther in the world of digital photography.
PWG Theme-Category: Photography Resources
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