Compression - JPEG files can be compressed (technically speaking, it is known as a LOSSY format, meaning the higher the compression, the smaller the file size and the less detail that is kept.) In printing the goal is to keep as much detail as possible, so be sure to save your files with as little compression as possible. To the right (Pic 1) is an example of what happens when an image is highly compressed. (Pic 2) is an example of what the same image looks like with little or no compression. If this is confusing, you should avoid using JPEG files and simply save your files as TIFFs which are LOSSLESS (no detail will be lost.) Please note a quick way to tell if you have compressed your image too much is zoom in close and look for small groupings of pixels as in Pic. 1.
Interpolation - The best way to explain is by example: You have your original digital image scanned at 3 inches x 3 inches at 200dpi. If you enlarge that image ANY and the resolution is still stated at 200dpi, you have interpolated your file. Your original image NOT INTERPOLATED at 6 inches x 6 inches should be 100dpi, which is then UNACCEPTABLE for print. If this is done, we can’t easily spot this mistake, and your product will lose detail and be of poor quality. Pic 1 is a sample of what an image could look SLIGHTLY interpolated. The more interpolated the more detail that is lost and the overall will picture will become ‘choppier’.
- Prints (up to 8 x 10)
- Negatives
- Transparent Slides (negative or positive)
- Original Negatives
- Burco can 'lift' (scanning a previously printed piece) images, but the quality will be second generation - and thus not as good.