Image size 1600x1200 vs. 4\"x6\"

[fab4272]

hi all,

My images are stored at a resolution of 1600x1200 (IXUS V 2.1MP camera). I belive this a correct ratio to use for 4"x6" photo prints.

Ok, now when converting the units over in my photo editor (ULEAD Photoimpact), the image size IS NOT eaxactly 4"x6", but like eg. 3.96"x6"?

Why would this be so? Also, my images from the photo lab come out reddish, so I have calibrated my monitor by using the monitor calibration that comes with ULEAD. Is this correct as well?

thanks

Fab

[SoCal69]

Actually, the ratios do not match:

1200x1600=6x8 or 3x4 which is not the same as
4x6 which translates to 1200x1800

[Guillermo Freige]

Traditionally, 35mm pictures have an aspect ratio of 3:2 (24x36mm negative, 4x6 prints, etc).
Digicams don't use this AR, but the more "computer like" or "monitor like" 4:3 ratio (as 640x480, 800x600, 1024x768, 1600x1200, etc) so the picture can be displayed in the monitor without black bars top and bottom.
So, if you want to print in a "35mm like" format (as 4x6) you need to crop the picture to the 3:2 AR, so be careful when you shoot, and always let extra room in the top and bottom margin, because those parts of the image will be cropped.

[Biff]

If you are resampling, make sure that you preserve the original aspect ratio. Most software has a check box for this. If you distort the aspect ratio, you can add 100 lbs to a girl in a picture, and that's not a pretty sight!