By [http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=Maurice_J._Sheinfeld]Maurice J. Sheinfeld
When making the decision to scan your photos to a digital format, there are a few things to think about. Scanners offer different options which allow for different results. To get the quality you desire, it is important to understand the scanner's different settings.
It is important to use a scanner that is dedicated to digitizing photos. Don't simply use a document scanner that you might find at an office supplies store. These types of scanners are primarily used for scanning text documents in black and white. A scanner that specializes in scanning photos will let you retain the detail and original colors of the photograph through the digitizing process.
Another key aspect of photo scanners is that you can customize the settings to match your exact needs and intended use of the digitized photo. This will be done by changing the scanning resolution.
Each type of resolution fits a certain use of the digital photo. Resolution is defined by the digitized photo's DPI, or dots per inch. An increase of the DPI will increase in the number of pixels found in the file, the overall file size and the scan quality.
The following are commonly used resolution settings. Starting at the low end of resolution and scan quality is 72 DPI. This resolution is preferred for viewing online. The output file will be very small in size which will be suitable for sharing online with friends or sending as an email attachment.
300 and 600 DPI is used when you want to print your photos. Although 300 DPI printing is possible, the photo quality may not be at the level that you want it. When printing at 600 DPI, you will get a much sharper and clearer image. This resolution is the standard for printing photos. Although some labs may charge extra for scanning at this level, the extra money is well worth it with the results you will get.
Although not the maximum resolution possible, 1,200 DPI is the highest commonly used setting. This resolution is used primary to scan pieces of art or old historical media such as an aged family document that has a lot of detail.
When planning your visit to the photo scanning lab, it is very important to think about your choices in resolution. Each DPI benefits a certain use, whether it's to print at a high quality and detail, or sending to friends over email. Finally, the most important thing to keep in mind is that the lab you choose is using a dedicated photo scanner and not a document scanner used for black and white text documents.
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Maurice Sheinfeld has been transferring photos, audio and video at a [http://playitagainvideo.com/ma-photos-to-digital//]media transfer lab in Newton, MA since 1986.
Article Source: [http://EzineArticles.com/?Photos-to-Digital---Resolution-Matters&id=7671170] Photos to Digital - Resolution Matters