Steve Bellayr
Veteran
I am having my film scanned when I process it at a professional lab. They offer three types of scans and different prices. What should I consider or ask about the different scans that they have available?
DNG
Film Friendly
Ask for the dimensions...That way you can determine the MP size...
In general, a 2400x3600 (8.6mp) scan will afford up to 8x10 or maybe 11x14. But, ask that the Dust software be turned off, it destroys fine detail IMO.
In general, a 2400x3600 (8.6mp) scan will afford up to 8x10 or maybe 11x14. But, ask that the Dust software be turned off, it destroys fine detail IMO.
percepts
Established
tell us what they offer such as the file size or pixel dimensions and we can be more specific.
Steve Bellayr
Veteran
As I remember they stated that I could receive either of three scans to make: 1. 4x6 prints; 2. up to 8x10 prints; and 3. to make larger prints. The scans are on a disc.
percepts
Established
The maximum print size you want to make is the determing factor.
Assume 300 pixels per inch output to print. Some labs only use 200 and some use 254 and some use 300. It depends on their equipment and setup but 300 pixels per inch will give you high quality prints.
So if you want to make 12x8 inch prints then 12 x 300 = 3600 and 8 x 300 = 2400 so you need a file which is 3600 x 2400 pixelss which is 8.64 megapixels.
Each pixel uses 3 bytes (when using 8 bit colour) so your uncompressed file size should be 25.92MB. But if its a jpeg which uses compression it may be a lot smaller than that until it is loaded in your image editing software.
You can do the maths for your chosen print size. Best thing is that you tell them you want a file of a certain pixel dimensions, e.g. 3600 x 2400 and let them worry about how they can produce it.
Assume 300 pixels per inch output to print. Some labs only use 200 and some use 254 and some use 300. It depends on their equipment and setup but 300 pixels per inch will give you high quality prints.
So if you want to make 12x8 inch prints then 12 x 300 = 3600 and 8 x 300 = 2400 so you need a file which is 3600 x 2400 pixelss which is 8.64 megapixels.
Each pixel uses 3 bytes (when using 8 bit colour) so your uncompressed file size should be 25.92MB. But if its a jpeg which uses compression it may be a lot smaller than that until it is loaded in your image editing software.
You can do the maths for your chosen print size. Best thing is that you tell them you want a file of a certain pixel dimensions, e.g. 3600 x 2400 and let them worry about how they can produce it.
payasam
a.k.a. Mukul Dube
One thing you might need to specify is 8-bit colour or 16-bit. I'd say that a scanner resolution (not imprecise things like print size) of 2400 should be all right unless large prints are to be made. I agree with DNG about the damgers of dust removal software. I'll add that perhaps you should specify no unsharp masking.