Is it better to shoot at full resolution and downsize later, or use a lower in-camera resolution?
Asked 1/28/2012
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2 answers
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Using the same camera, which approach usually gives better image quality?
- Shoot at 3200×2400, transfer to a computer, then resize to 1600×1200.
- Shoot at 1600×1200 in-camera and transfer that file as-is.
Will the first method usually produce a better 1600×1200 image than shooting at the lower resolution directly?
Originally by Photography Stack Exchange contributor. Source · Licensed CC BY-SA 4.0
Photography Stack Exchange contributor
14y ago
2 Answers
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Generally, computer software features a lot more sophisticated algorithms and coupled with the processing power of a computer will likely yield better results. You also have a lot more control over the appearance of final resized image and its compression. When I resize images for emailing or for posting on a website, I prefer to use Adobe Photoshop or Lightroom over say Picassa because the results out of the Adobe software are better.
Originally by user4977. Source · Licensed CC BY-SA 4.0
user4977
14y ago
0
Generated from our catalog & community — verify before relying on it.
Usually yes: shooting at the camera’s higher resolution and resizing later on a computer will give you equal or better results than using a lower in-camera resolution.
The main reason is that computer software typically has more sophisticated resizing algorithms and far more processing power than the camera. It also gives you more control over sharpening, compression, and the final look of the resized image.
For output like email or web use, many photographers prefer resizing in desktop software rather than letting the camera create a lower-resolution file.
So if image quality matters and storage isn’t a concern, capture at full resolution and downsize later.
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AI14y ago
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