The first step to getting great digital photo prints is to make sure you use a good quality digital camera. Digital photos are gaining popularity over traditional film photos because of the features and convenience associated with the newer technology. In some cases it’s even more cost effective to print your own photos at home instead of taking them to a developer or sending them in.
Here are some words of wisdom for making great digital photo prints at home.
There are really 4 key components to a great printed photo: Image, Printer, Ink, and Paper. Each is part interrelated therefore equally important for success.
The image is the starting point for a good photo. There are many different camera models out there, but in general, you will need at least 3.2 mega pixel picture taking ability. Some snazzy digital SLR cameras have 8 mega pixels or more. The camera should always be set to the highest resolution while taking the shots just in case you want to make enlargements later on.
Image transfer is crucial! Do not just throw the highest pixel image at some paper, you may not be happy with the results. Sometimes, too high of a pixel count will create unsightly jagged colour transitions in your photo and waste a lot of your ink and time. Too few pixels and the photos will turn out very “grainy”. It’s usually best to stay within the 200-300 pixels per inch range.
This chart may help you determine your appropriate photo sizes.
| Print Size | Good Results (200 ppi) | Excellent Results (300 ppi) |
| 4×6 inch | 800 by 1200 px (~1 mpx) | 1200 by 1800 px (~2 mpx) |
| 5×7 inch | 1000 by 1400 px (~1.5 mpx) | 1500 by 2100 px (~3 mpx) |
| 8×10 inch | 1600 by 2000 px (~3 mpx) | 2400 by 3000 px (~7 mpx) |
| 11×14 inch | 2200 by 2800 px (~6 mpx) | 3300 by 4200 px (~14 mpx) |
| 16×20 inch | 3200 by 4000 px (~13 mpx) | 4800 by 6000 px (~29 mpx |
Legend
- px = Pixels
- mpx = Mega pixels
- ppi = Pixels per inch
(data compiled from PCWorld.com)
For example, if you had a picture taken with a 1.5 Mega pixel digital camera, a 5×7 inch print is probably the largest size print that would work. Anything larger than a 5×7, may not look good. However, if you had a picture taken with a 14 Mega pixel camera, you should be able to print out an 11×14 inch print with excellent results (300ppi), or a “good” looking 16×20 inch print at 200 ppi.In addition to the digital camera image, there are a few other components that go into making good quality digital photos you’ll want to be aware of: Your printer, the ink cartridges you use, and the quality of the photo paper you use. Each component factors into your end result.
Bob Stephens is director of operations for ASAP Inkjets. ASAP Inkjets offers ink cartridges & toner at up to 80% below retail. Sign-up for their free newsletter for tips & discounts at: http://www.asapinkjets.com/ or email: subscribe@asapinkjets.com
New digital camera switches from regular lens to wide-angle
CHIANG RAI, Thailand  If you take a lot of photos, you’re bound to occasionally find your camera unable to capture the entire landscape or fit everyone into a close-up group shot.
For that, you’d need a wide-angle lens, but it’s mostly available for higher-end, single-lens reflex cameras, particularly if you go digital. Those are the ones with interchangeable lenses.
For compact cameras with built-in lenses, you’d probably want a regular lens because that’s what you’d use most of the time.
Enter the EasyShare V570, which its maker, Eastman Kodak Co., bills as the world’s first dual-lens digital camera.
For normal shots and close-ups, you use the regular lens, which comes with 3x optical zoom. For wider views, the camera automatically switches to the wide-angle lens.