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Image quality
Image quality and file compression
Digital cameras store images in a compressed format called JPEG. JPEG is the most commonly used file format. Some cameras also have uncompressed formats (TIFF and RAW).
When images are compressed their file size becomes smaller so more can be saved to a memory card. However, if compression is set too high, image quality is reduced.
For optimal image quality, select the least compression and highest resolution (highest number of megapixels). Digital cameras provide a variety of compression levels: Super Fine, Fine, Normal and Basic (terms vary among manufacturers). The Fine setting produces the least compression and best image quality.
If you intend to print and crop images, use the least compression. If you only plan to post images on the web, or send via email, using a higher compression is okay. But keep in mind that you may wish to print a photo, so using the least compression is still the best setting when taking photos.
Image size/Resolution
The size, or resolution, of an image can be changed in a digital cameras. Resolution relates to the size an image appears on a computer monitor, not the physical dimensions an image prints. For example, sizes on a four megapixel digital cameras can be: 2272x1704, 1600x 200, 1024x768 and 640x480 pixels.
You may mix compression and image sizes on memory cards.
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