Grainy pictures

[jameslightfoot]

I have been an amuture photographer for many years; however, I am new to the digital aspect. My question is why do the pictures look fine on screen but grainy/pixelated on paper? I am using an Optura 20 with a Lexmak Z65 printer. Is the problem my priter or is it something else?

Thank you

[atkinson1]

I noticed your camera is a 1.33 MP CCD digital video camera.

http://images.amazon.com/images/P/B00008RHA3.01.MZZZZZZZ.jpg

With the primary function of being a video camera, this model probably won't produce quality photo printouts, but lower resolution images that would be suitable for use on the net (emailing etc).

If you do want to print, print the 1.33MP image from the camera at a size of less than 6x4 inches, and if you're really keen, try high quality super glossy Kodak photo paper, and put your printer settings on the highest resolution and quality settings. You should get some ok results that way.

If you want really good photos, try investing in a good digital still camera, such as the 3.2MP Canon Ixus II.

[jameslightfoot]

I have actually foubd that there are two different ways to make pictures with the Optura20. One produces JPG's which actually look very nice @ 8.5x11. The other produces an avi movie clip along with a THM (thumb nail preview) file. It is the pictures that I print out unsing those THM's that look pixelated due to the low resolution. Is there any way to work with the avi/thm file set to produce a better resolution picture?

Thank you,

[Matzzzy]

I would definately work with the JPG file in the cardshooting mode to be sure of the best quality.

[stopbath]

jameslightfoot wrote:
I have actually foubd that there are two different ways to make pictures with the Optura20. One produces JPG's which actually look very nice @ 8.5x11. The other produces an avi movie clip along with a THM (thumb nail preview) file. It is the pictures that I print out unsing those THM's that look pixelated due to the low resolution. Is there any way to work with the avi/thm file set to produce a better resolution picture?

Thank you,



If you really must print out a thumbnail (not meant for printing, but as means of view on screen a preview version of the real file so that the real file need not be accessed) try increasing the resolution of a copy of it by increasing the size in some graphic editor (like PhotoShop or GIMP) Several methods of increasing the images size are available. It is best to start with the image size you can start with. I doubt very much that you can create larger thumbnail pictures on camera but check your manual.