S30-Best resolution setting

[Telwest]

I would like some guidence on the best setting for my S30 for resolution vs compression.

The manual provides the following options;

Large (2048 X 1536) resolution with Fine compression will result in a 893 KB file.

M1 (1600 X 1200) resolution with Superfine compression will product a 1002 KB file.

My question is: for the same size print, lets say 5 X 7, which file will produce the higher quality print?


Gerry

[kb244]

The Large obviously, the compression lossyness isnt so bad that the only usuable pixels is equal to one whole megapixel below it. Comparing L-F to M1-SF isnt really fair, gona be like L-F vs M1-F , and so on, but still the resolution is still a factor when dealing in print size.

[Telwest]

Thanks Karl,


I guess the reason I asked this question was the lack of "obviousness".

L-F produces a smaller file than M1-SF so one might think the the printable quality of M1-SF might be better, even though the pixel resolution is less, due the the lower level of JPEG compression.

Maybe the best bet is to try them both with a color resolution chart and see which produces the clearest and color acurate print.


Gerry

[Telwest]

I did some tests with a resolution chart and confirm Karl's advise. I shot the chart on a tripod with a timer to prevent the camera moving.

L-F produced a 817 KB file while M1-SF produced a 854KB file. L-F was noticably better resolution.

On color, the colr appear to be very similar for the 2 settings but the sharpness is better on L-F.


Gerry

[Jon]

The difference in compression will be most obvious if you have a largish area of gradual colour/tone variation. With the more aggressive compression, you're more likely to see colour banding in that area. Sharpness will be better with the higher resoluton images as long as a sane level of compression is used.