Photo scanning - what are the optimal parameters

[SveNor]

I got a Epson V330 scanner for Christmas, I intend to scan my slides (dias positives) onto my computer, to be displayed onscreen and edited in Picasa etc.

Now, does anyone know (or suggest) what would be the optimal program parameters here? I see that a full 48-bit color, 12800 ppt scan yields an enormous 81 MB file for each and every slide! Ths is not workable. Not to mention the scan time which is around 30 minutes for a stack of four slides.

So how do I reduce file size and scanning time with the least loss of picture quality.

Specifically, to what level can I reduce the pixelation without loss of quality given that I have a 1920x1080 screen? And in order to reduce file size, should I scan with high resolution and save with high compression or vice versa?

I am an amateur in this and I would appreciate any answer and advice! Thank you

[denny206]

Hmmmm, I usually just keep everything at 300dpi it should be ok at a pretty high quality.

[Richard Cranium]

I assume you're talking about 35mm Slides & Negatives ?

Depends upon your final print size.
According to Epson, if you wish to print a 13x19" Glossy Photo go with 4800dpi


1200dpi should give you a decent quality and file size, this is what I used in the past on negatives and slides with my HP Photosmart Negative/Slide scanner.

Always save the file in "Tiff" format or other uncompressed file.
Jpeg loses quality each time you modify it and hit the "save" button.

Customer Reviews at Amazon

From what I read there, I'd start at 1200dpi and see how large you can print.
Remember that slight deviations on screen are BIG deviations on print.

Go up till you get a decent print job, 2400dpi should be plenty for a crisp 8X10" glossy.

BTW, I use Kodak Glossy exclusively, the old 110# paper was like card stock.

This is not my suggestion on users of Canon Printers with the Chroma-Color system, this needs the Canon specific paper for archival uses..

Hope this helps
Doc