[jethsy]

I would like opinions about this...
When I am going to upload photos for printing, I often downsize the photos if I know I am only going to want small (4x6 or 3.5x5) prints. I do this to make the upload faster. Is this compromising the quality of my prints? I suppose I am lessening the number of pixels which I guess lessens the print quality. Any advice and answers will be most appreciated.
Thanks!

[Noyb]

Originally Posted by jethsy

Is this compromising the quality of my prints?

Probably ... Normally, The more pixels, the better the print.
You should be able to print it any size regardless of the number of pixels.
There may be times where you'll want to crop the picture to fit the size (aspect ratio) of the print ..
But Always keep the original.

a 4x6 print will take 1200x1800 pixels to print at a quality of 300 dpi (dots per inch) .. Where ...
300 dpi is usually consider the Best Print possible ..
200 dpi is Better ..
100 dpi is Good ..

Does this help ???

[lordsmurf]

200dpi is enough to resolve most detail for a 4x6 print, on most printers. Even "300 dpi" inkjet consumer printers tend to be sub-300 in actual output. It's the nature of ink. The same can be said of silver halide processing of digital images, but that varies. Laser is more accurate, as are some higher end printers (including expensive $500+ inkjets).

I'd still save as 300dpi most of the time, however.

Keep the original.

[ssreddy555]

@Noyb

DPI & PPI are not the same as number of dots of different primary colours (R,G,B or CMYK) are required to print one pixel of a particular color.

Thus, a 4x6 print at 300 DPI will contain 1200 x 1800 Dots but not necessarily the same number of pixels.

[jethsy]

I think I am in over my head! Thanks so much for the help. I believe I understand.

[Noyb]

Originally Posted by jethsy

I think I am in over my head!

Maybe Not ...
The quick/simple answer to your original Question .. Do Not resize (downsize) the Pictures.
I do NOT resize my photos ... I just print them the size I want.
The best picture you'll ever have is the original.