Digital 911 pixel problem

RoninLB · 03-23-2002, 02:33 PM

I ran out of answers to figure this. The Olympus C-3020 "record" is set at SQ and 640X480 and the result is pixils between 46k and 62k. Every time I try to "record" the 911 it's over 50k. Something affects the number of pixils on the picture. The available shots is over 650. How can I detune this machine??

Jack Olsen · 03-23-2002, 02:45 PM

The best way is by using image compression after the picture's been taken. Assuming you're on a PC, get irfanview, which is free, and use it to compress your image with the jpeg compression scheme. Doing it this way will allow you to get very large (640x480) images with great detail in under the 50K barrier. Another secret: if you use the "attach multiple images" link, instead of the "Browse..." button, the file size limit increases to 100K.

Keep in mind, though, big images will frustrate modem users.

Early_S_Man · 03-23-2002, 03:20 PM

Ron,

I assume you are talking about file size and bytes, because 640 x 480 pics contain 307,200 pixels, PERIOD, never varying! The built-in compression program output file size will vary due to complexity in the scene being photographed.

BTW, 50K+ byte files aren't a problem posting pics here if you use the 'Attach Multiple' button below ... the limit is precisely 100,000 bytes.

campbellcj · 03-23-2002, 06:45 PM

Another reason to "post-process" your pics once they're out of the camera is that then you can keep the full-size, minimally compressed images for other uses (i.e. printing). You can easily crop, resize, or re-compress them as desired for web posting or emailing.

If you shoot the pic at low-res/high-compression in the camera, then that's all you've got. If you want a higher quality copy later, you're SOL. You can't "undo" JPEG compression, as it's a lossy algorithm. Once applied, the image is permanently altered.

Cheers,

RoninLB · 03-23-2002, 09:56 PM

Gentlemen, thanks for giving me more to work with....Ron

scedmonds · scedmonds's Garage

Perfect advice from the folks, here -- I'll add just my .02.

Crank up the Olympus to the highest quality image possible. On my 3040 it'll go to "SHQ" for super high quality AND a TIFF setting for scary-good quality.

Second, use a tripod anytime you're shooting an image that shows detail you might like to "blow up" later. These digital cameras are so convenient they can cause us to shoot casually -- which often results in blurry images (I'm not as steady as I used to be for this stuff).

Finally, save the original shot in full uncompressed format. You can always grab it again, crop it, save it to .gif or .jpg, etc. Don't make the mistake of just saving the cropped version . . .

Cheers!

C.