A place to discuss image resolution and its effects on photos and also the uses for various image resolutions, etc.
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Image Resolution
I don't know how far we should go with this regarding our photo lab processing results without calling it advertising. I've had excellent results with Walgreens. I have all of my standard size prints (up to 8x10) processed there. At my local store the self service machine (same brand name) is actually a step above the one at Wolf Camera in Ch. Hill, so they told me. Here, I can print photos in tiff format (for lossless compression)- I use this format for 8x10s. Also, whether I am uploading photos or having prints made I change the resolution to 300 ppi. If you have photo editing software you can change the resolution of the image. Now, as far as the blurriness of Kimmie's photos I am assuming she is talking about 4x6s. Does the camera have manual settings? If so, were they set correctly for the desired outcome of the subject. If you're too close to the subject the image will be blurred. Many times after I have finished shooting a subject (like close-ups) I will magnify the images, if they look blurred on the monitor I will delete them instead of waiting until they are downloaded. I was told by the instructor in Photography 101 that the memory card would not last as long with this manner of deleting images. I have used the same card for 11/2 years in my Canon PowerShot.
Going back to the original question of blurriness and photos too dark. Photos that are too dark or light can be caused by the fine tuning of your (computer) monitor. Occasionally, I have uploaded photos here on Share and photos that looked great on my monitor but were just a bit darker when printed. I can lighten them in my photo editing software for better looking pictures.
Just so people dont get lost... 
Meanwhile on a footnote concerning the topic of photo lab processing results, I believe it was sometime during the summer of 2004(?) when the N&O did an excellent write-up with example photos made at a number of various photo labs throughout the triangle area. This was what clued me in as to where to go to get my prints made ever since then. As for how much things have changed since then I have no clue... maybe its time for the N&O to revisit this topic again for a follow-up?
I recently sent about 80 pictures to my sister, who is not currently on line. I used Shutterfly, and sent a second batch to myself to see how they came out. I was not happy with the results, but I wasn't sure why. The lights were light and the darks were dark, but the pictures seems really blah compared to what I saw on the computer monitor. I decided that the mid-tones were too dark.
I reprinted some on my home printer using matte photo paper, and I was much happier with the results, as was my sister. My only concern is that I don't know how much each print is costing me.
What kind of internet browser are you using? It seems your browser is displaying differently that your image software for some reason. You might want to do a simple check to see if its your browser or the internet in general.
Step 1: Make a folder on your desktop
Step 2: Select an image and give it a simple file name such as 1.jpg and save it to this folder
Step 3: Open notepad (if you have PC and not a Mac) and type the following:
<IMG SRC=1.jpg>
Step 4: Save this file into the same folder as your previously saved image and name this file Test.html
Step 4: Click on the Test.html file you just created and you should see your image upon your internet browser and not your usual image software.
If the shades of your image look different than the original then the problem lies with your internet browser.
Hope this helps...
A quick chart for print sizes
These are from personal experiences with getting prints made at Wolf Camera from lower megapixel cameras but if others have any info to add, please do feel free to do so. Thanks.
Below is a quick reference guide I made which some may find useful.
Megapixels - Images Size (pixels) - Print Size (max)
1 megapixel - 1024 x 768* - 4" x 6"
1 megapixel - 1152 x 864 - 5" x 7"
2 megapixels - 1600 x 1200** - 8" x 10"
3+ megapixels - 1920 x 1600 - 8x10" (cropped)
3+ megapixels - 1600 x 1200*** - 16" x 20"
5 megapixel - 1800 x 1200*** - 20" x 30"
* pushing the limit
** some pixellation
*** pushing limit and with some pixellation