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About Resolution

Resolution determines image quality and maximum print size.  It is a major factor in the cost of a digital camera.  For example, a 1MP digital camera will cost less than a 5MP model. 

Resolution ultimately refers to the number of elements per inch used for input or output.

The way that a digital image will be used (computer viewing vs. enlarged prints) will determine the resolution required for good results.  The following chart provides some guidance.

 

CAMERA

USE:

1MP

2MP

3MP

4MP

5MP

E-Mail

x

x

x

x

x

4 x 6

x

x

x

x

x

5 x 7

 

x

x

x

x

8 x 10

 

 

x

x

x

11 x 14+

 

 

 

x

x

The number of images that can be saved on a memory card is determined by the digital camera’s resolution (image quality) setting. Lower resolution settings do not have large file sizes, so more images can be saved.  The trade off is that small files don't print as well.

Below is a chart that will allow you to compare resolution and file size.

Resolution

Pixels

Camera

24-bit File Size

Maximum Image Size

320 x 240

230,400

**

690KB

E-Mail

640 x 480

307,200

**

921KB

E-Mail

800 x 600

480,000

**

1.4MB

E-Mail

1024 x 768

786,432

**

2.3MB

E-Mail

1280 x 1024

1,228,800

1.3MP

3.7MB

4 x 6

1600 x 1200

1,920,000

2.1MP

5.7MB

5 x 7

2048 x 1536

3,145,728

3MP

9.5MB

8 x 10

2272 x 1704

3,871,488

4MP

11.7MB

11 x 14

2560 x 1920

4,915,200

5MP

15MB

12 x 18

** Indicates low-resolution devices such as web cams, cell camera phones… normally not suitable for printed images.

 

 

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