Sample scans from ScanMyPhotos.com photo scanning service
Click on the thumbnails to see the full version
of 300 and 600 DPI scanned 4x6 prints:
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Why Should I Add 600 DPI Scanning?
The quick answer is that higher resolutions lead to better scans for reproducing your images. 600 DPI scans produce much larger files but help ensure every detail in your print is recorded in digital form. If you want to be sure as much detail as possible is captured during scanning, add 600 DPI scanning for an additional 17¢ per scan. If you want files that are easier to work with, 300 DPI scans would be a better choice.
600 DPI Scans Allow for Double the Enlargement
Part of the benefit of scanning your old photos, in addition to the added security of backing them up in a digital format, is the ability to create new prints, enlargements and photo products such as photo books. The quality and size of the prints you will be able to reproduce will depend upon both the quality of the original photo and the resolution the photo is scanned at. See the charts below for a guide comparing original print size, resolution and reproduction size. Scanning at a higher DPI will give you more options for reprints and copies to be passed down to future generations.
300 DPI Scans and Reproduction Size Recommendations*
| 3x5 Reprint | 4x6 Reprint | 5x7 Reprint | 8x10 Reprint | 11x14 Reprint | 16x20 Reprint | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3x3 Scan | Good | Fair | NR | NR | NR | NR |
| 3.5x5 Scan | Great | Good | Fair | NR | NR | NR |
| 4x6 Scan | Great | Great | Good | Fair | NR | NR |
| 5x7 Scan | Great | Great | Great | Fair | NR | NR |
| 8x10 Scan | Great | Great | Great | Great | Good | NR |
600 DPI Scans and Reproduction Size Recommendations*
| 3x5 Reprint | 4x6 Reprint | 5x7 Reprint | 8x10 Reprint | 11x14 Reprint | 16x20 Reprint | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3x3 Scan | Great | Fair | NR | NR | NR | NR |
| 3.5x5 Scan | Great | Great | Great/Good | Good | Fair/NR | NR |
| 4x6 Scan | Great | Great | Great | Good | Fair | Fair/NR |
| 5x7 Scan | Great | Great | Great | Great | Good | Fair |
| 8x10 Scan | Great | Great | Great | Great | Great | Great/Good |
*Our recommendations are based ONLY on resolution. Final reproduction quality is based on overall quality, clarity and exposure of the original image. Fair Rating based on 150 DPI image resolution/size. Good rating based on 225 DPI image resolution/size. Great rating based on 300+ DPI image resolution/size. NR is not recommended.