Which resolution to choose for my S45

[jegaldun]

Hello, all. I'm new to the digital camera world (just purchased a Powershot S45) and have a newbie question. I have my compression set at "superfine" but I was wondering what resolution setting to use (L, M1, M2, or S). It seems clear that if I want a large print then I should use the L setting, but how large is "large"? I am mostly interested in 4x6 and 5x7 prints--will I lose any photo quality if I use M1 instead of L to make these prints? I'd appreciate any advice on when to use specific resolution settings. Thanks!

[pblevitt]

The best setting would be large (L), even if you wanted smaller sizes. This give you the option to crop, print zoom to your hearts content.

If you took at lower, you will be restricting your options. After all you have paid for 4MPixel, why not use them.

Have to get a large memory card though, and take lots of practice pic's

[jegaldun]

I understand that in order to have all options available to me, Large would be the best resolution. But there are advantages to smaller sizes, including a larger number of photos per flashcard as well as easier e-mailing of photos. When I use the Large resolution, I can't e-mail my photos via Hotmail because the size is too large. So I am curious to find out the smallest resolution size that will produce photo-quality prints in the 5x7 and 4x6 sizes. Also, I am interested in knowing how large of a photo-quality print can I make with the Large resolution.

[JohnnyE]

This link should be of interest to you: http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bh6.sph/FrameWork.class?FNC=GetPage__Aindex_html___page=Pr oduct_Resources/resolution_chart.html___SID=F42A032C720

[jegaldun]

Thanks a lot! That's what I was looking for.

[Comberboy]

The answer is in your hands. Take the same picture at all four sizes (L,M1,M2 etc) and print them out at 7 x 5 - make your choice according to your particular standards. Then repeat your choice at all three JPG compressions and compare again - you may be surprised at the small difference. Personally I take everything at L and normal compression - costs me about 0.6 meg a shot.