Pixels, dpi and resolution -
How is this related?

You want to have your photos scanned. While researching the best way to do so, you keep reading the terms image resolution, pixel, dpi and megapixel, but what does that mean? MEDIAFIX would love to help you understand the different terms. We will also explain which MEDIAFIX resolutions are best suited for your order!

Pixels

Pixel is an artificial word that unifies the colloquial term for “picture” (pix) and “element”. Pixel is often abbreviated as px. A digital photo (whether from a digital camera, a smartphone or a digitised old photo) consists of many small pixels. Each pixel carries colour information and, together with many other (differently coloured) pixels, forms the photographed motif.

The size of the pixel is not fixed. Meaning if a digital image contains more pixels, the motif is displayed more detailed.

dpi – dots per inch

The term dpi stands for “dots per inch”. It defines how many pixels there are in one inch (= 25.4mm). The more pixels there are in an inch, the better, because that way the picture is more detailed. If there are only 100 pixels in one inch, the quality is of course much worse than if there are 3,000 pixels in one inch.

Image resolution and megapixels

The image resolution for scanned pictures and digital images is expressed in megapixels. One megapixel is equal to one million pixels. The image resolution therefore tells you how many pixels an image consists of.  If you want to figure out the megapixels count of an image, you have to multiply the resolution of the image, then divide by 1 million. For example, if the image size of a digital picture is given as 2268 x 3402 pixels, the total number of pixels is approx. 7,715,736. Divided by 1 million, that leaves you with 7.72 megapixels.

You can also calculate the dpi from the pixels and the length and width of a slide. This is calculated as follows: Pixels in length/inches in length or pixels in width/inches in width. If the measurements are given in mm, you must first convert them to inches by dividing the mm by 25.4.

For a 35mm slide with 24mmx36mm and 2268 x 3402 pixels, this results in two calculation variants for determining the dpi:

2268/(24/25.4)=2400.3

3402/(36/25.4)=2400.3

This results would mean a resolution of 2,400 dpi.

It seems very complicated at first, but once you understand the meaning behind the different terms used in image digitisation, it is very logical and understandable.

Which is the right image resolution?

You want to have your slides, photos or negatives digitised and are wondering which resolution is the right one for you? That depends on what you plan to use your images for.

The best resolution for my photos

When scanning photos, the best resolution depends on what you intend to do with the digitised images. We recommend the following:

• Standard+ quality – 600 dpi: With a resolution of 600 dpi for paper prints, details are displayed more sharply. You can enlarge and print your prints by up to 200% (assuming a certain minimum quality of the analogue photos). At the same time, the additional costs for scanning in 600 dpi are low. From as little as 17p / scan.
• Premium quality – 900 dpi: Scans with MEDIAFIX Premium quality in 900 dpi fulfil higher demands. Thanks to our highly developed scanning technology, the results impress with a high level of detail, improved colour reproduction and better contrasts. They enable prints up to DIN A3 without any problems as well as a very good display on 4K monitors. From 27p / scan.
• Highend quality – 1,200 dpi: With 1,200 dpi and a density range of 4.5, MEDIAFIX highend quality sets new standards for outstanding image quality with the best colours, contrasts and maximum resolution. The high colour fidelity and very high dynamic range leave nothing to be desired, even with demanding subjects such as snow or night shots. The impressive resolution delivers very sharp images and allows sufficient scope for subsequent cropping and prints as wall pictures in DIN A2 format. From just 37p / scan.

Click here for more information on the best resolutions for scanning your photos.

The best resolution for scanning your slides

Again, we make our recommendations based on what you intend to do with your digitised slides.

• Standard+ quality – 4,250 dpi: With 4,250 dpi your slides have an above-average resolution. Prints up to A3 format are possible without any problems. Tiny inscriptions and details become visible when zooming into the image. From as little as 17p / slide.
• Premium quality – 5,000 dpi: Even sharper motifs and improved colour reproduction – This option also meets the demands of professional photographers. From just 27p / slide
• Highend quality – 6,200 dpi: With the high-end scanner paired with multiple scans, we take your digitised slides to the next level. This combination allows us to capture the very high dynamic range of a slide. The difference becomes especially clear in landscape photographs or pictures with strong light/dark contrast. Starting at 37p / slide.

The best resolution for scanning your negatives

We digitise negatives in resolutions of 4,250, 5,000 and 6,200 dpi from 17p per scan. Here too, small details make all the difference.

• Standard+ quality – 4,250 dpi: The MEDIAFIX Standard+ quality already has an outstanding resolution of 4,250 dpi. When zooming into the image, you can often recognise tiny details such as lettering or the individual branches of a tree in the background. Prints up to A3 format and displays on 4K monitors are possible without any problems. From 17p / scan.
• Premium quality – 5,000 dpi: With its 5,000 dpi or around 32 megapixels, the premium quality fulfils the high demands of professional photographers. The results impress with sharper images and improved colour reproduction. They enable prints up to DIN A2 as well as a very good display on 4K monitors. From just 27p / scan.
• Highend quality – 6,200 dpi: With 6,200 dpi and a density range of 4.5, MEDIAFIX highend quality offers outstanding image quality. High colour fidelity and a very high dynamic range leave nothing to be desired, even with high-contrast subjects such as snow or night shots. The enormous resolution delivers extremely detailed images and also leaves enough buffer for subsequent cropping. From just 37p / scan.

Save memories with MEDIAFIX
Inexpensive + high quality

You wan’t to hire a professional to scan your slides, negatives or photos? That’s a very good idea, this way you will save  yourself  a lot of money, time and stress!

Questions? Call us and get free and detailed advice from our customer service on 020 3904438-0.

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Mon-Fri 10.00 a.m. - 3.00 p.m.