Image Size

[brian_cruickshank]

I am considering moving to digital (maybe). However, I want to be

sure that the Canon 10D that I am considering can make files that are

of acceptable size for the stock agency I sometimes submit to.

Basically, the agency requires files (film or digital) that are at

least 48 MG (TIFF). Accomplishing this is no problem with my slide

scanner. Will I be able to make images that size with the Canon 10D

(and a little help from Photoshop?) Interpolating is OK.

The only advice the agency gives is that they recommend that digital

cameras be able to create files that are at least 17 MG. The Canon

10D (in raw format) can make files no larger than 8 MG. Is there a

camera on this green earth that can make 17 MG files? That seems

awfully big. Then there's the issue of file space. Shooting

exlusively in raw takes up too much space. So my solution is to shoot

in JPEG, the convert to TIFF in photoshop, then resize/interpolate so

that I have at least a 48 MG file. Will this work or am I just

fooling myself?

[the_macman]

They should be reminded that they buy photography, not potatoes by the lbs. The only

meaningful information about an image's usability is expressed in XY pixels, not in file

size as it varies according to file type. They're stupid. I can imagine they miss a whole lot

of interesting and totally useable images. Change the agency.

[mendel_leisk]

I've downloaded a few files taken by Canon's dslr's, for comparison. They are pretty easy to find.

 

Anyway, here's dims of a few:

 

Canon EOS 10d (6.3mp): 3072x2048

 

Canon EOS 1d Mk II (8.3mp?): 3504x2336

 

Canon EOS 1ds (11.1mp): 4072x2712

 

For comparison, a 2820 dpi scan of 35mm film (slightly cropped to avoid showing holder), will be around 3800x2500 BUT, then you have grain, focus problems, etcetera. In other words, equiv. dimensioned digital camera image will tend to have more useful pixels: no grain and uniform sharp corner to corner.

[doug_raddatz]

With my 10D I shoot RAW then convert either to 8bit and get an 18MB image file and over 30 with a 16bit conversion. So I'd think you'd be safe with it. Or if you can afford it go on up to the markII or 1ds then you'd definitely be safe..

[mike sisk]

You must be using alamy.

 

When an agency talks about file sizes, they typically mean the size of the image when

converted to an 8-bit TIFF file. In the case of the 10D that'll be 18-MB, which alamy says is

OK if you rez it up to the magic 48-MB size their buyers expect.

[poul]

this is stupid requirement, but if this is what they want...

saving raw file in 16 bit tiff renders 30 mb file. increasing size twice in photoshop renders 116 mb tiff file. reducing resolution to 8 bits gets you 73 mb (with no compression). so you are covered with 10D.

[chip]

Hi Brian,

 

This is a "requirement" from a company that has no clue about digital image quality. The 10D produces an 18.8MB image file when uncompressed using only 24bit depth for color. File size is no more an indicator of image quality then if they asked if the image was shot with Canon or Nikon.

 

HTH

[brian_cruickshank]

Thanks everyone. I ended up buying the 10D over the weekend and I am

looking forward to learning how to use digital. But mostly, I am looking forward

to not having to scan images or fix scratched negs or slides!

 

Brina