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D i g i t a l I m a g e S i z e a n d R e s o l u t i o n

“Re-Sizing” digital images can be one of the most confusing topics in digital
imaging. There are some analogies to traditional photographic film technology
that might be helpful to photographers in understanding how to calculate digital
file sizes. The first key to understanding this topic is to understand that there are
two different meanings to the term “image size”.

The two “image sizes” are Grid image size and Output image size.

Grid “Image Size”

The first meaning of “image size”, or file size, of a digital image refers to the
actual digital grid of pixels. A digital image may, for example, have a grid “image
size” of 2048x1300 pixels. Smaller thumbnail digital images could contain only a
100x100 pixel grid. Larger images may have a 4096x4096 pixel grid. The more
pixels, the more information the image contains.

Pixels can be considered the digital equivalent to silver halide crystals in film
emulsion. Photographers know that the more silver halide crystals in an image,
the better the resolution. That’s why 4x5 film is considered to have more visual
information than 35mm film formats. Therefore, consider the pixel grid “image
size” as the digital equivalent to photographic format size (35, 21/4, 4x5,
8x10).

Pixel grid size <-> photographic film format size. More pixels =
more detail.

Output “Image Size”

The second meaning to “image size” of a digital image refers to the size of the
image when output. When you see the digital “image size” measured in inches,
centimeter, points, or picas, it is referring to the image size when the file is
printed via an output device. Output image size can be considered equivalent
to traditional enlargement size.

Enlargement size is unrestricted by the actual format size. A 35mm negative can
be printed to 2x3 inches or 16x10 inches. You can print a 35mm to 4 feet by 5
feet if you want. Most likely you will get visible grain if you do this.

The same is true for digital output image size. For example, an 80x80 pixel
image could have the “image size” of 8 inches x 8 inches. When printed on a
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laser printer at its defined size, the output print would be 8 inches by 8 inches. It
would therefore have an “image resolution” of 10 pixels per inch when printed
out.

The same image, 80 pixels by 80 pixels could have a different output “image
size”, say 4 inches by 4 inches. Even though the same number of pixels exist in
the image, the “image size” (meaning output size) is smaller than the earlier 8
inch x 8 inch output image. This image, when printed out, would have a
“resolution” of 20 pixels per inch. You can see how “output image size” is simply
the digital version of enlargement size.

To review:

The grid image size is like the format of a photographic negative. A 2 Kilobyte
image has about the same resolution as a 35mm piece of film. A 4 Kilobyte
image has as much as a 4X5 piece of film. A 6-8Kilobyte image is roughly
equivalent to an 8X10 piece of film.

The output image size determines the size of the print made from a negative.
Photographers know that when you increase the size of a print from a negative,
you lose resolution and grain becomes visible. The bigger the print, the more
you’ll see the grain of the film. Digitally it works in the same way. If you increase
the output “image size” of a digital image, you lose resolution and pixels
become visible.

Changing Image Size in Photoshop

When you choose “Image -> Image Size” in Photoshop you get a dialog box that
allows you to change either the pixel grid or the output size. Within this dialog
box you can change the measurements of Width, Height, and Resolution.

If you want to change the output size only (change the “enlargement” of the
image), the “Resample Image” box MUST be unchecked. This forces the grid to
remain the same, and only the output size will be affected. For instance, if you
change the width of the image, Photoshop will automatically calculate the change
in height and resolution.

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You will notice that the Pixel Dimensions, shown at the top of the dialog box do
not change. Think of this as equivalent to determining the size of a print using an
enlarger. As you raise your enlarger head, the print size gets bigger and the
resolution worsens. You see more grain. The same will be true with your digital
image, as you enlarge the same pixel information you lose resolution.

If you want to change the pixel grid, you must make sure the “Resample Image”
box is CHECKED. This will allow Photoshop to add or subtract pixels. It is like
making a copy of the image with more or less pixels. Think of this as similar to
“duping” a negative to a larger or smaller format.

Interpolation is when Photoshop analyzes an image and constructs new image

data based on the original image. The more Photoshop has to “fill in the blanks”
the more room for error.

Interpolation schemes.

Nearest neighbor: good for hard edges

Bilinear: averages, less halos
Bicubic: better detail, more halos
Bicubic smoother: for enlargements, less halos
Bicubic sharper: for reductions, more halos

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