What does the 72 DPI setting in my JPEG mean, and how does it relate to print resolution?
Asked 5/13/2013
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My Canon 5D Mark III JPEGs show a horizontal/vertical resolution of 72 DPI in their file properties. I’m used to seeing 300 DPI or 600 DPI mentioned for printers and scanners, so I’m confused about what the image’s DPI value actually means. Since the camera produces a 22MP image, how does that 72 DPI metadata affect printing, if at all? What do the horizontal and vertical DPI values in a photo file really represent?
Originally by Photography Stack Exchange contributor. Source · Licensed CC BY-SA 4.0
Photography Stack Exchange contributor
13y ago
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It really doesn't make a lot of difference in today's environment. At one time the dpi embedded in a picture's metadata, combined with the resolution of the image, told the printer what size the print should be. That is not so much the case any more as the software used to control the printer usually starts with a selected print size and scales the image to fit. To optimize printing you should match the resolution of your image to the printer's optimal pitch.
The origin of the 72 dpi (more accurately described as ppi) comes from the standard for displaying images on a computer monitor adopted early on by Apple. Microsoft/Windows, on the other hand, has defaulted at 96 ppi since the 1980s.
The 5760X3840 resolution of your 5DIII at 72 ppi would result in a print 6'8" by 4'5"!
For a very in-depth look at how dpi and ppi are related and involved in the printing process, see How do I generate high quality prints with an ink jet printer?
Originally by user15871. Source · Licensed CC BY-SA 4.0
user15871
13y ago
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Generated from our catalog & community — verify before relying on it.
The 72 DPI value in your JPEG is usually just metadata, and for photos it’s more accurate to think of it as PPI (pixels per inch), not printer DPI.
Your camera mainly records pixel dimensions, not a true print size. For example, a 5D Mark III image is about 5760×3840 pixels. That pixel count is what really matters.
The embedded 72 PPI value historically told software how large to print the image by default. On its own, it does not change image quality. Modern print software often ignores that number or lets you choose the print size directly, then scales the image as needed.
Print quality depends on how many image pixels are used per inch of paper. A common target is around 300 PPI for high-quality prints, though acceptable results can vary by printer and viewing distance.
So:
- image file “72 DPI” = a default sizing tag
- printer DPI = how finely the printer places ink dots
- actual print detail = driven mainly by the image’s pixel dimensions and chosen print size
In short, don’t worry about the 72 value in the JPEG properties. Focus on the photo’s pixel dimensions and the size you want to print.
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