Can someone help and explain compression to me?...

[KaitlinsMom]

I just got a new camera - I know about f stops, shutter speeds and all that - I know tiff, jpeg etc -

With my new camera, I can set resolution (understand that) AND compression seperately -

Just wondering is someone could help me with compression -

Thanks!

Karen

 

[Kelly Grannell]

Resolution: the number of pixels used to take a pic (such as 2 MP, 3MP, 4MP; just multiply the resolution, say 800 x 600, then you'll get the number of pixes/resolution of the pic)

Compression. After the pic is taken, then it needs to be stored. Sometimes a camera will allow no compression whatsoever (.RAW). Most cameras will save them as .JPG which is a compression. The higher the compression, the smaller the file size is going to be. Also the 'crappier' the pics are going to look like, especially when printed.

So my rule of thumb:

1. Take with the highest resolution possible.
2. Save as RAW (if it is a-day session) or lowest compression JPEG (sometimes called "Large, Superfine". (note: a RAW file can be like 80 Mb each whereas the best JPG version of the same picture is only about 6 Mb, so you save a LOT of space).

PS: although people tend to associate .TIF file as uncompressed, it isn't true. There is also compressed .TIF although it's very seldom I see people using it.

 

[KaitlinsMom]

That's great - Thank you very much - That really helped me out -

Karen