How should I save my images?

[Ted]

Hello all!

I'm hoping that somebody can explain in baby-talk how I should save my images... because I am just not getting it. :(

Here's what I'm doing:

1. I upload an image from my SD card to my computer using the Organizer. It's some huge file because it's 6.1 Megapixels... I get that part.

2. I do "Image>Resize" and bring it down to 4x6 with 300 DPI.

3. I then click "File>SaveAs" and save it as filename-4x6.jpg...

4. Then I have to choose the "Quality"... I am choosing 12 -> Maximum. It shows down below 1426 kb or something similar...

5. HOWEVER... when I go to upload it or look at it later, it says the file is about 2.5 MB!

What is the use of looking at the 1426 kb down below the "Quality" when it is not accurate?

I'm just not understanding all this resolution, image size, etc. :(

I've looked at tutorials and still no help.

:( Any help would be greatly appreciated! Thanks very much!

[kompressor]

Hi ted
yes it is confusing.
for the answer to the first part.....the reason the file goes back to 2.5mb is because photoshop, when opening a file, keeps the origanal .jpg uncompressed.
If you were to upload that file to the web, etc.... it will be 1420kb. I am not sure of the technical reason for this, but no, you are not loosing your marbles LOL.
when you upload that file directly from you hard drive and not from photoshop, the file will be 1426kb. when you open that 1426kb file back up in photoshop, it will be 2.5mb

hope you are not too confused?

here is a rule of thumb that I use........if you are saving a pic to be printed at a local printer (lets say you burned it on a disk) then keep the pic as a .tiff with no compression.
If you are saving it to be manupulated later, then save as .psd.
If you are saving for the web or are uploading to a online printer, then choose .jpg.
in the preferences in the organizer, I choose save as .tiff.
It is the highest quality, and if you have the hard drive space the best way to go.
It is always best to have the best quality original and keep it as your "digital negative"
It is much better to start with the best quality and then reduce the quality (like for the web) then to start with a less then best origanal and try to make it better.

If you have any questions, feel free to ask

randy

[Ted]

Hi Randy!

Thanks so much for your help! In fact, I'm going to print out your post and hole-punch it for my Photoshop binder (a work in constant progress! LOL) :)

Much appreciated!

[Hattitudes]

your welcome ted, any question anytime!

oops, I logged in as my better half :)