Pixels vs compression

[technogran]

I am going to the U.K. for 18 days on June 1st. In order to store more photos on my compact flash cards, is it preferable to use a higher number of pixels (2048x1536) with a Fine compression setting, OR use a lower number of pixels (1600x1200) with the Superfine compression setting. Either of these settings will give me 60-65 photos on a 64 Mb card. My camera is a Canon S30 and I have very little experience with it. The largest size I would want to print would be 7 x 5 inches.

[warrenpass]

Get a bigger CF card, a 128MB card is about 23 GBP in UK.

[Jamie]

I'm not an expert on this, but I think higher resolution is *definitely* better than lower compression.

I'd set your photos to maximum resolution, and bring down the jpeg quality.

I'd also recommend a bigger memory card.

You can get 256mb for £40. It's well worth it.

[daveh]

There's no simple answer. One parameter controls the resolution and the other controls the color quantization/jpeg artifacts. It depends on what bothers you and what you plan to do with the images.

Lowering EITHER bothers me so...

I agree with the other posters - buy more flash and/or get a "digital wallet" type device. I have shot as many as 400 shots in an hour while on vacation. (Admittedly an unusual hour but 60 shots for 18 days is just inconceivable to me.)

[technogran]

Thanks guys for your responses. However, I do have more than just one 64 Mb card. I have 2 x 64 Mb; 1 x 48 Mb and a small 16 Mb which came with the camera. giving me 110 shots with Superfine and Large settings. However, I will be on the lookout for a bargain card with 128 Mb or 256 Mb whilst I am over there. Will do the math and see whether it would be better to get one here before I go. They are about $80 for a 128 Mb card here.

[warrenpass]

Where's here?

Where are you visiting in the UK, I'd could recommend where to get a 128MB card from if you would like?

[piper]

I just recently bought a 256M Sandisk CF memory chip for $58 at Costco. It was a better price than anything I had seen on the internet.

[Jamie]

I got my Sandisk 256mb for £40 from ebay from America.

They're not cheap here in the UK.

[AndreyD]

With this size of print you definitely do not see the difference between Super fine and fine compression leverl. Go to Fine compression and leave resolution intact. I had the same question going to vacation and did a test before it - printed 10x15 santimeters pictures which I did with Fine and Superfine compression level. No difference.

[warrenpass]

Digital Depot have 258Mb CF for £43.90, not too bad if you take into account P&P, delivery timescales etc...

[technogran]

Thanks for the replies. Warrenpass "here" is Canada, Eastern Ontario to be more specific. The places I will be visiting in the U.K. are first of all Bournemouth, Dorset for a week, then about 10 days or so in Cardiff, Wales. Any information for bargain priced cf flash cards would be appreciated. It is too late for me to try e-bay now I'm afraid, I'm leaving on Sunday.

[stevewmkan]

Costco is selling $95 a 256 M CF in Toronto.

[technogran]

Thanks Steve, I will be in Montreal on Sunday, fairly close to a Costco, perhaps I can look there if I get time.

[warrenpass]

Camera Centre, 13-15 Morgan Arcade, Cardiff,
Tel +442920394182

Have 128Mb @£24.85 & 256 @£49.90. You may be able to get them to not charge UK VAT which would save you 17.5%,

What do you think?

Have a good holiday here in the UK.

[technogran]

Thanks Warrenpass
Good information. If I don't get a chance to visit Costco in Canada, then I will keep your info in mind should I need to purchase another memory card. Hoping to take some good photos on my Canon S30 during the next 18 days or so.