importing sharp images

D
Posted By
DNT
Jul 12, 2006
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285
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3
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I am scanning 35mm and 120 negs to print using TWAIN. On the one hand I have to scan at a high resolution to get a sharp vivid image, but on the other hand that makes the file size very large and it takes next to forever to open or make changes to the image in photoshop. Does anyone have a list of optimum dpi’s for given sizes? The best print that doesn’t take more than a minute or two to open. What is the best way to get sharp images using photoshop cs, an epson scanner, and an epson printer?
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MR
Mike Russell
Jul 12, 2006
"DNT" wrote in message
I am scanning 35mm and 120 negs to print using TWAIN. On the one hand I have to scan at a high resolution to get a sharp vivid image, but on the other hand that makes the file size very large and it takes next to forever to open or make changes to the image in photoshop. Does anyone have a list of optimum dpi’s for given sizes? The best print that doesn’t take more than a minute or two to open. What is the best way to get sharp images using photoshop cs, an epson scanner, and an epson printer?

Scan for a final uncompressed image size of 25 megabytes, 8 bits per channel. In general an 8 megapixel, or 24 megabyte image is more than adequate for an 8×10 inch print and will do well for a somewhat larger print. Direct scans are not the best quality, so sharpen your images, and color correct them for an even better final result.

If your intended print size is larger, and you find there is more detail in the image, scan for a final print resolution of 320 pixels per inch. —

Mike Russell
www.curvemeister.com/forum/
RG
Roy G
Jul 12, 2006
"DNT" wrote in message
I am scanning 35mm and 120 negs to print using TWAIN. On the one hand I have to scan at a high resolution to get a sharp vivid image, but on the other hand that makes the file size very large and it takes next to forever to open or make changes to the image in photoshop. Does anyone have a list of optimum dpi’s for given sizes? The best print that doesn’t take more than a minute or two to open. What is the best way to get sharp images using photoshop cs, an epson scanner, and an epson printer?

Hi.

The length of time taken by PS to perform an edit is dependant on the Processor Speed, the amount of Ram, and the Read/Write Speed of your HDD, and Scratch Disc HDDs if you have any. It also depends on how many edits you have already done, and the number of history states the program is remembering.

So the answer about time taken has to be, "it depends".

Scanning a 35mm frame at 2800Ppi should give a file large enough to make a 15 x 12 print, if it does not need much cropping.

That assumes you will be printing at 300Ppi, but depending on the content of the image, you might be able to get away with printing at 240Ppi or perhaps even as low as 200Ppi, so heavier cropping becomes possible. BUT you would have to make that judgement on each Print.

You should also be aware that the Ppi figures given for Flat Bed Scanners can be rather optimistic, when they are being used for Film.

Roy G
B
bmoag
Jul 16, 2006
If you are scanning film then you should ideally scan at the highest resolution your scanner and cpu/ram can handle and archive this as your digital negative.
You can then reduce the files size in CS to anything you want depending on the use you will make of the image.
My personal recommendation is not to scan below 2400 dpi but higher is better in the long run. I do not believe there is a real world benefit to scanning at higher than 8 bit color depth but that is a matter of personal choice as well as the limits of your system to handle the even larger files sizes generated by scanning at higher color bit depths.
You may need to add more RAM to your system (1gb minimum) and have a second hard drive to use for a swap/scratch drive for Photoshop to speed things up. Also shut down any running background programs that are not needed as these divert system resources.
The larger file sizes you bemoan actually make it much easier to retouch scanned film with Photoshop without leaving obvious "Photoshopping" traces in the image.

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