Question about dpi

Many thanks
I'm getting there now.

Why can't they all just use one standard
And why do Pentax display the info as dpi in EXIF when from what everybody is saying they mean ppi

You're right on CS it was me reading it wrong it was giving me ppi

Mind you I then get even more confused with CS coversion to 300ppi - resample bicubic, bi linear etc...

Rodger,
Most packages refer to it as "dpi" - because that's how it has been historically (the context made it clear). Photoshop has now either dropped the "dpi" (as in Image Info), or changed to "pixels/inch".

The resampling options are only applicable if you actually change the image pixel dimensions (not the ppi setting).

In general, if you are downsizing then use "Bicubic Sharper", and if you are upsizing then use "Bicubic Smoother". The other options are useful, but not necessarily for photography

HTH!
Matt

Many thanks Matt
Your advice is always useful and appreciated.

BTW please could you have a look at DL2 Custom Settings in General Digi chat because I'm sure you would probably have the answer straight away.
Ta
Rodger

I am going to submit a few images to local paper and they asked for them to be 300dpi and max size 1MB

In PS Image Size :
I adjusted resolution to 300 per/inch

Now, I presume I have to adjust width and height pixels
can anyone tell me what those should be :
also read here I sd select bicubic sharper too?


not very understanding this bit of digital yet, I have tried reading up on it but getting more and more

Hi Lilly,

I assume when they say that maximum 'size' should be 1Mb, they mean the file size, ie. a jpeg of less than 1Mb. What you need to do then, is keep your image dimensions as large as possible (the number of pixels w x h) so that they can reproduce the pictures as large as possible, while still being able to maintain good image quality when compressed (as a jpeg).

So the best thing to do I think, is:

a) Have a look at the paper, and see what the largest size they print pictures is. If it's whole page, then you need to work with as large files as you can, if it's never bigger than say 6x4, then you can immediately reduce the 'Document Size' to 6" x 4" (15cm x 10cm) etc. If for some reason they then wanted it bigger, they could always let you know (make sure you offer them this option if you do resize).

b) Try saving an image as a jpeg by selecting 'Save As' from the 'file' menu, don't overwite your original. This will ask you how much you want to compress the jpeg, and if you select the 'preview' check box, it will tell you the file size - this is the bit you want to keep under 1Mb (1000Kb). Keep the compression as mild as possible, so select between 10 and 12 ideally. If you can't get a small enough file without going below 8, I would suggest going back to resize your image, and reduce it a bit. It shouldn't really be a problem if you're already down to 6"x4", but probably will be if you're trying to work with an image straight from your K10D - depends on the amount of detail in the shot.

Hope that helps, I'm sure there'll be more advice along in a minute!

Dan

Thanking you Daniel, well explained and I successfully did as you suggested - after of course saving the original.
Tho I dont seem to have a preview box of how preview file size , so had to try and see as I went along.

I was working along the right lines before I called for help, but thought they might be an easier way thru it all, apparently not!

I imagine if you have to do a bulk amount of images you wd need a special software to do that.

I wonder why Pentax imports in at 72dpi, when my lil 'ol Canon Powershot comes in at 180dpi, does my head in

Anyway, thanks again, I must say I really DO appreciate these Forums and hope to give back as much as I receive in kind

Good God ! I read all this digital stuff and am beginning to UNDERSTAND it !

Lily, you already have given back.
By posting a question.
There's alot of men out there who get lost and won't ask for directions...lol
no really, your question and the subsequent answers do help others!

ps I can't even begin to tell you how many times I've contemplated asking a question, only to find some noob beat me to it, and Mattmatic had already answered...or thought I knew something, and then found two new ways to skin that same cat.

I use Photoshop Elements, and when you 'save as' a jpeg you get the following dialogue box appear, where you select the quality (amount of compression) and can preview the result of the compression on your image (you can zoom in and out and inspect the image in the background). The file size is shown at the bottom of this box (circled). It may well be different in whatever image editor you use.




Hope that helps, glad I was useful before (a novel experience for a man, eh Don ).

Dan