Optimizing quality for a given file size

Hi everyone there,

My favorite printing service allows me for 2Mb per file whatever the desired print size. For large prints, this may require some fine-tuned workflow I have no clue about.

What is the best strategy to manage resizing vs JPEG compression in order to optimize the final quality of the image (that is: save the finest details). I mean: I can downsize a lot and use 100% jpg quality. I either can dowsize less and choose a lower quality. Which one is best?

I usually 1st downsize my picture to 6Mpix (3000x2000) and then watch for the higher quality JPG compression that takes me below 2Mb.

Is there a better strategy?
How do you guys manage this kind of constrainst?

Thanks for reading,
Olivier

I would change printing service. Why would you throw away 80% of your quality when printing photos?

P.

I have never heard of such a thing before.... Usually the lab just wont accept anything over 300dpi if they want to limit size. Ask them exactly what they mean, maybe your misuderstanding.

I was intended so but I realized that most French print service did! Those who dont are much more expensive.
The market here in France is not at the same level as in the USA. I feel better to cope with rather than complaining.

Another fact is that I never print larger than 8x11. 6Mpix is almost 300dpi at this size. Actually, when rezizing at 6Mpix I dont loose any quality on my 8x11 prints. And I save my bandwidth.

btw, my original question stands.

Thank-you for reading.
Olivier

Well, as you can see from my signature, I'm not in the USA either... I'm only a few hundred kilometres away from France and here, I've never heard of size limitations for digital photo files.

It would be worth the trouble to look for a photo service who does not impose silly file size limits like these.

P.