Looking for tips on scanning old photos.?

Question

I am currently scanning in my old photo collection to save on a DVD and pass around to my family for their memories.

I am currently using 600 DPI to scan because 300-600 was recommended and I prefer the amount of detail each photograph has in case for some reason in the future, someone wants to zoom in on a particular part.

ATM I am using PNG and the files are large, which is fine because space isn't a problem on my computer.

My question is this: What is best format for scanning in pictures? JPG, PNG or some other? Please explain why and the positives of each and negatives of each.

Any other tips would be appreciated as I don't really have much knowledge on this particular topic. Even a website explaining the basics and advanced techniques would be appreciated.

Answer 1

Select Jpeg scan at 600 dpi but, when you save the file, don't use any compression more than 10% if you want to retain the quality of the scan.

Jpeg creates smaller files because it doesn't repeat duplicate the codes 010101010011 and uses one set only. Thus, the file is smaller in size but not in quality.



The TIFF format is the best and highest resolution and is a Tag international file format which is why it is called TIFF. The file is much much larger but there is no loss of quality.



Png is good but forget it as it is not widely recognized and doesn't compare to Jpeg or TIFF.



Note:

If you want good scans . Put a blank white sheet behind the originals so the light doesnt pass through the original and you will get an even crispier scan. :-)

Answer 2

I use .jpg it would be the most standard format, and all computers, and Photosuites will be able to open them.



And using a high pixel count, will create clearer photos, on enlargements.



Some scanners, scan at 22" X 17" size. (I use my Photosuite to bring the size down to about 4X6.)

( for reasons that if I send photos, on the internet, depending on the recipients computer, it can take hours, for them to download, if they are larger)



For my family photos, I scanned them at their original size, and was able to place all photos on 1 cd.



Everyone was just happy to have copies of all photos, that they could print out.

Answer 3

T- has good tips.

When all these are on your hard drive; copy the entire folder to a CD/DVD so you can always get back to them if necessary.

For editing, short of buying the Industry Standard 'Photoshop' (excellent, robust, and pricey), have a look at Picasa 3.

The latest version has a 'retouch' button which can help fix those scratches and tears, and can lighten dark pictures, crop, rotate, and so on. A very nice, fairly lightweight application.