Scanner settings

Can anyone suggest a good setting to use when scanning 5x7 inch prints for archiving purposes? My scanner has dpi settings from 50-12800. I know the higher the better but may no be practicle size wise. .... Thanks

I don't know what others do, but I set my scanner to its maximum optical resolution (not the interpolated value). That way I know I'm getting the maximum physical resolution I can from the scanner. This normally results in a large file, but since this is an archive, I burn them to DVD anyway.

If you want to keep the photos on your computer, you can always save the large file to a DVD or CD and keep a lower resolution file on your hard drive.

Mark

My scanner is an Epson 2400 Photo. The manual shows optical res = 2400 x 4800. I guess I'll use 2400 dpi and save as TIFF.

Thanks for your helpful advice.

Wow, 2400 DPI!

If I have done my math properly, then I guess you will run into problems trying to store many like that on a CD-R.

I've scanned stuff at that resolution if they are tiny like a postage stamp or a coin. For something the size of a business card, I have scanned at 1200. But for an original at 5x7, I'm guessing that you will have more than you need from 600 DPI.

Color depth is the other consideration. Normally I scan with 24-bit (total) TIF.

---Bob Gross---

The approximate "resolution" of a standard photo is approximately 200 - 300 dpi, so scanning at a much higher resolution is generally pointless and only results in larger files. The one exception is if you are trying to enlarge a photo, then having the extra "redundant" data can be helpful.

http://www.scantips.co​m/basics08.html


Its a great general scanner info website, I've been referencing it for quite awhile.

Ya, I couldn't get to 2400 and even at 1600dpi my file size was 745 Mb! Looks like 300dpi will work fine and at way less files size.

I'm guessing that your 12800 is an "interopolated" resolution and not optical. Basically like the horrible "digital zoom" in dP&S cameras. You should stay within your optical resolution range.

You'd probably want to try printing a scan attempt that you think you're happy with, providing you have a photo printer.