• "iMovie 3 Solutions: Tips, Tricks and Special Effects" Sybex Books, June 2003.
  "Digital Video Essentials" Sybex Books, January 2003
  
• "Digital Photography Essentials" Sybex Books, September 2002
  

Rec.Photo.Digital Welcome FAQ

Rec.Video.Desktop Welcome FAQ

Digital Photo Finishing FAQ

Video Stream FAQlet

Recordable DVD FAQ

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Don't forget to visit the RPD FAQ at http://rpdfaq.50megs.com

5 Sep Update: Removed all individual site listings

-- Erica
p.s This FAQ is archived at http://www.ericasadun.com

* * * BASIC FAQ STUFF***************************************************

Q: Can I make 'real photos' from my digital prints?
A: Yes.  You can upload your photos to an online photo finishing
   site or drop them off at a brick & mortar store and they can 
   print your images on photo paper. (Most use basic silver halide 
   photo paper).
   
Q: Will they last as long as "real photos"?
A: Yes.  They are "real photos" in that they are printed on
   real photo paper.  The difference is that the image is
   produced by a digital projector rather than a negative.
   (Some sites use CRT transfer technology. Others use lasers.
   Most people agree that the more expensive laser technology
   produces better prints. Some day I'll delve into this futher.)
   
Q: Where can I find an digital photo finisher?  How much does it cost?
A: A list of finishers follows.  Prices for a 4x6 seem to range 
   between twenty five and fifty cents per print plus shipping.  
   Many finishers offer deals for new customers.
   
Q: What is an aspect ratio?  Why should I care?
A: The aspect ratio is defined by the ratio between the image's
   width and height.  The reason you should care is because
   sometimes a digital image's aspect ratio does not exactly
   match a print size's aspect ratio.  (Please note that
   vertical and horizontal alignment are not considered
   in the following) [Thanks to Paul O'Mara for corrections]

   Print Size      Aspect Ratio        Image Size      Aspect Ratio
   3.5 x 5         1 : 1.43            320 x 240       1 : 1.33
   4 x 6           1 : 1.5             640 x 480       1 : 1.33   
   5 x 7           1 : 1.4             768 x 512       1 : 1.5
   8 x 10          1 : 1.25            1024 x 768      1 : 1.33
   11 x 14         1 : 1.27            1600 x 1200     1 : 1.33

   When you print an image on a photo which has a different
   aspect ratio, one of two things will happen.  The finisher will
   print the original with padding on either side of it or will
   slightly crop the top and bottom (or, occasionally, sides) to
   fit the print to the page.  The practice varies by photo finisher
   and many finishers now allow you to choose which method you
   wish to adopt.
   
   +-.......-+
   | .xxxxx. |
   | .xxxxx. |
   | .xxxxx. |      Image is smaller and complete on print
   | .xxxxx. |      but extra "white space" borders the
   | .xxxxx. |      image on each side.
   | .xxxxx. |
   | .xxxxx. |
   +-.......-+

   ...........
   .xxxxxxxxx.  <- cropped
   +---------+
   |xxxxxxxxx|
   |xxxxxxxxx|
   |xxxxxxxxx|
   |xxxxxxxxx|      Image is larger, completely fills the print
   |xxxxxxxxx|      but a small amount is cropped from the top
   |xxxxxxxxx|      and bottom.
   |xxxxxxxxx|
   +---------+
   .xxxxxxxxx. <- cropped
   ...........

Q: Will my photos be printed in glossy or matte finish?
A: It depends on the finisher.  Glossy is more prevalent, but some
   finishers allow you to choose.
   
Q: What happens if my photos are rotated?
A: Most finishers are smart enough these days to deal with either a 
   vertical or horizontal print orientation.  If they aren't send e-mail
   or call up their customer service department.
   
Q: Can I work on the photos in Photo Shop or another image program before
   submitting them to a photo site?
A: Yes.

Q: Can I add text or captions to my images before printing them?
A: Yes.  Use Photoshop (or similar) to add your text.

Q: Can I crop my photos before sending them?
A: Yes, just watch out for minimum resolutions and aspect ratios.

Q: What are the minimum resolutions recommended?
A: It varies, but here's some suggestions

 3.5x 5 - at least 640x480 and preferably 800x600
   4x 6 - at least 800x600 and preferably 1024x768
   5x 7 - at least 1024x768 and preferably 1280x960
   8x10 - at least 1280x960 and preferably 1600x1200
  11x14	- at least 1600x1200 and preferably 1712x1368
  12x18 - from 1200x1800
  16x24 - from 1600x2400
  24x36 - from 2400x3600
  
  ERICA'S RULE OF 100's: at a minimum, print at 100 pixels per 
  linear inch.  For good prints, print from 150 pixels per linear
  inch.  For better prints, print from 200 pixels per linear inch.
  The higher the resolution, the better the print quality. 300
  dpi is considered "best" for many sites.
  
  CAVEAT TO THE RULE OF 100's: This rule applies primarily to
  digital photography rather than scanned images. Always use
  much higher resolutions for scanned sources because of 
  lower signal, higher noise and degredation introduced by the
  scanning process.
  
Q: Can I get my photos printed onto T-Shirts or other gift items?
A: Yes.  Check by site.

Q: Can I convert my digital images to slides? 
A: Yes. Expect to pay $1.50 to $3.00 (and up). Vendors include
   colorslide.com, printslide.com, usaslides.com, exslides.com,
   photoslide.com and 35mmslides.com. Some vendors require a
   minimum purchase. Others impose file size limits. 
   [Thanks J. Navas]

Q: Which finishing site is best?
A: Each site offers different services and features.  Please feel
   free to send your site ratings to erica@mindspring.com
   
This FAQ is archived at http://www.ericasadun.com