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Hey everyone,
I've been using my 120 free 6x4 prints lately, and noticed they're cutting the top of the image off. I knew exactly why, simply because my images are higher. I changed the ratio on my camera to 3x2 so the image will be whats printed, and wondering if what I see on the LCD/through the view finder is the full image size?

I'm also wondering what other people shoot in?

Thanks, Tom.

There are printers that offer a so-called 'digital' format 3x4. This could be a solution for you, so you can still benefit from your camera's full resolution.
If you do want 6x4 prints, crop your photos to fit 2x3 ratio before sending them to the printer, then you are in control of what will be cropped...

I crop my photos to wathever ratio fits them best 2x3, 3x4, 5x7, 1x1... and have them printed with white borders if they don't fit to the paper.

The largest size on my camera, and the size I shoot in 99% of the time is 3008x2000, a ratio of (near enough) 3:2, therefore when I get pictures printed I choose 6x4, 9x6, etc.

Your largest image size is 2272 x 1704, a ratio of 4:3, so you would need to print at 5x3.75, 8x6, etc.

Hope that helps.

tuckeruk wrote:The largest size on my camera, and the size I shoot in 99% of the time is 3008x2000, a ratio of (near enough) 3:2, therefore when I get pictures printed I choose 6x4, 9x6, etc.

Your largest image size is 2272 x 1704, a ratio of 4:3, so you would need to print at 5x3.75, 8x6, etc.

Hope that helps.

My largest? I have a Panasonic Lumix FZ30, taken from dpreview it has
• 3264 x 2448 (4:3)
• 3248 x 2160 (3:2)
• 3072 x 1728 (16:9)

I think I was shooting in 4:3 before.

Sorry, I got that your were using a Coolpix 4200 from your gallery, and image size from Nikon.

I would suspect that what you see on the LCD, at least, would be correct if you are in the 3:2 mode. I have a small Canon camera that lets you choose 3:2 mode and it crops on the LCD so that you have a black bar top and bottom (like watching a wide-screen DVD on your normal TV).

If nothing else, try to keep the tops of heads away from the top of the frame, and the feet in from the bottom of the frame, just to be sure.

While it is true that in 3:2 mode, you don't get the full resolution of the native 4:3 mode sensor, they are pixels that are getting cut otherwise when you have 6x4 prints done from 4:3 images.

Given that you have a 3:2 mode, I'd be inclined to use that instead of going to the extra trouble of post-processing and cropping the images afterwards. However, if you ever plan to print 8x10's, for example, your 4:3 ratio is closer to that ratio. Just judge your shooting preferences on the target media. If it's only to display in your galleries, for example, just pick what suits you.

tuckeruk wrote:Sorry, I got that your were using a Coolpix 4200 from your gallery, and image size from Nikon.

Yeh my coolpix is just a handy cam, basically what got me into photography though.

I have found that the LCD and viewfinder both get cropped, so no issue there. What about a DSLR though? I'd just have to use the default setting and crop later for 6x4 prints. Thinking fo getting a Nikon D70s now, as they don't sell the D50 anymore.

What about a DSLR though? I'd just have to use the default setting and crop later for 6x4 prints

Most DSLR's have a 3:2 aspect ratio to start with (or at least something very close, like 3008x2000), so shooting at full native resolution automatically gives you the right shape for 6x4 prints. I think Olympus may be an exception, and perhaps some other manufacturers.

I have both a DSLR and a small Panasonic 6MP digicam. The latter has an option to shoot at 3:2, which results in a 5MP file. I usually use this option, even though I know I am throwing away pixels from the top and bottom of the sensor. For me the convenience outweighs that disadvantage - not just for printing, but also I like being able to "think" in the same aspect ratio when switching between my two cameras.

tombomb_27 wrote:Thinking fo getting a Nikon D70s now, as they don't sell the D50 anymore.

Say what?

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