Question about image size

I have a Nikon D90 with an 18-200mm lens. I usually shoot with the camera set to take the largest fine image possible. I upload to the computer using Nikon transfer. The image size is 2848x4288 and around 4MB. If I do any editing at all (even a simple cloning out of an object) in Corel PaintShop Photo Pro X3 the dimensions stay the same but the MB is cut by 1/2 to 1/3 the size. This is with no cropping done. When I go to order prints (11x14 or 12x18) I get a notice that the resolution is low and the image quality may be distorted. Any way to avoid this or how do I resize without affecting the image quality. Same thing if I shoot in raw. Any suggestions very much appreciated. Thanks, Debbie

Tags: editing, image, quality, size

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Permalink Reply by Glenn P on August 4, 2010 at 9:52pm

In Photoshop you can select the resolution or quality of the save images from low to maximun. I am sure Corel have similar option as to how your images are save. I have a D90 as well and never have this problem.

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Permalink Reply by Fred on August 4, 2010 at 10:49pm

You have to set the print size to get the best quality and size. Page 120 of your manual will help you out as the problem is with the software. To get the best quality print you need 300 dpi and RGB but most printers will want the colour space sRGB, these I never use.

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Permalink Reply by Matt Needham on August 5, 2010 at 6:05am

If the resolution is being changed without your knowledge then it's most likely a setting in the export of the image. Make sure the program isn't resizing your files on it's own when you save.

There could be all sorts of reasons why file size is smaller. Without reducing resolution just going from raw to jpeg usually cuts file down quite a bit. Going from a quality 12 jpeg to a quality 10 jpeg can cut it in half again. I can reduce a 30mb raw file to a few megabyte jpeg without changing image resolution/size or apparent image quality.

I don't know how to resize in Paintshop, but I'd recommend delivering the full resolution file to the lab, and leaving resizing up to the lab. If you must resize then ask the lab's advice. It can be important to take into consideration the machines and software they are using. Many state of the art RA-4 (standard color print process) machines do not print at 300 ppi.

The professional labs I work with require sRGB color space for C prints. The RA-4 printing machines operate in a color space most similar to sRGB. If you deliver files in AdobeRGB or ProPhotoRGB they will return the files without printing. They don't even want to mess around with folks who don't understand color space. Sometimes labs use different color spaces with their ink jet printing, but it would be best to ask them what they want. I edit in the AdobeRGB colorspace, but always convert to sRGB when saving as a finished jpeg. That's what labs, pro and econo, want.

Talk to your lab. If they can't help you find a new lab. I think your problems can be solved simply.

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Permalink Reply by Deborah Wagner on August 5, 2010 at 7:48pm

Thanks guys!! Problem....Corel was automatically compressing the saved image by 20%. I changed this and now have no trouble with the saved image. Now that I got this figured out.....I really have some work to do!!