File Sizes, Resolutions and Print DimensionsUpdated 4 hours ago
File Sizes, Resolutions and Print Dimensions
This guide explains how image resolution affects print quality, what sizes you can print from our scan services, and how to get the best results from your film scans.
Understanding DPI and Print Quality
What is DPI?
DPI stands for "dots per inch" and refers to how many pixels are packed into each inch of a printed image. The more pixels per inch, the sharper and more detailed your print will appear.
What DPI should I aim for?
300 DPI is the gold standard for photographic prints and will give you the sharpest results with no visible pixelation, even when viewed up close.
240 DPI may suffice in certain situations, particularly for larger prints that will be viewed from a distance (such as wall art viewed from a few metres away). At 240 DPI, you may notice a very slight softness if you examine the print closely, but from a normal viewing distance most people will not notice a difference.
Below 200 DPI is generally not recommended as pixelation and softness become noticeable, especially on smaller prints viewed up close.
How to calculate your maximum print size
To work out the largest size you can print at a given DPI, divide your image dimensions (in pixels) by the DPI.
Example:
If your image is 2400 x 3600 pixels:
At 300 DPI: 2400 ÷ 300 = 8" and 3600 ÷ 300 = 12" → Maximum print size: 8x12"
At 240 DPI: 2400 ÷ 240 = 10" and 3600 ÷ 240 = 15" → Maximum print size: 10x15"
Our Scan Resolutions and Print Sizes
We offer two main scanning resolutions for film processing orders. Here is what you can expect from each:
Standard Resolution Scans
| Resolution: | 2400px on the short side @ 300dpi |
| File Type: | JPEG |
| File Size: | Approximately 5.2MB per image |
Maximum print sizes from Standard Resolution scans:
| Film Format | Approximate Scan Dimensions | Max Print @ 300 DPI | Max Print @ 240 DPI |
|---|---|---|---|
| 35mm (3:2) | 3600 x 2400 px | 8x12" | 10x15" |
| 6x4.5 (4:3) | 3200 x 2400 px | 8x10.6" | 10x13.3" |
| 6x6 (1:1) | 2400 x 2400 px | 8x8" | 10x10" |
| 6x7 (7:6) | 2800 x 2400 px | 8x9.3" | 10x11.6" |
| 6x9 (3:2) | 3600 x 2400 px | 8x12" | 10x15" |
Standard resolution scans are ideal for:
- Sharing online (Instagram, Facebook, websites)
- Small to medium prints up to approximately 8x12"
- Proof scans to review your images
- General everyday use
High Resolution Scans
| Resolution: | 4800px on the short side @ 300dpi |
| File Type: | TIFF (8-bit) |
| File Size: | Approximately 85MB per image |
Maximum print sizes from High Resolution scans:
| Film Format | Approximate Scan Dimensions | Max Print @ 300 DPI | Max Print @ 240 DPI |
|---|---|---|---|
| 35mm (3:2) | 7200 x 4800 px | 16x24" | 20x30" |
| 6x4.5 (4:3) | 6400 x 4800 px | 16x21.3" | 20x26.6" |
| 6x6 (1:1) | 4800 x 4800 px | 16x16" | 20x20" |
| 6x7 (7:6) | 5600 x 4800 px | 16x18.6" | 20x23.3" |
| 6x9 (3:2) | 7200 x 4800 px | 16x24" | 20x30" |
High resolution scans are ideal for:
- Large format prints up to 24x36"
- Exhibition and gallery prints
- Heavy cropping while retaining detail
- Archival purposes
- Professional and commercial use
Hasselblad Flextight X5 Scanning
For the highest quality film scanning available, we offer single frame scanning on our Hasselblad Flextight X5 scanner. This is a virtual drum scanner that produces exceptional detail and tonal range, ideal for exhibition prints and professional work.
X5 Scanner Output and Print Sizes
Output resolution varies depending on the film format, as the scanner operates at different DPI for different film sizes. Here are the approximate output dimensions and maximum print sizes:
| Film Format | Aspect Ratio | Scanner DPI | Approx. Dimensions | Max Print @ 300 DPI | Max Print @ 240 DPI |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 35mm | 3:2 | 8,000 | 11,336 x 7,560 px | 25x38" | 31x47" |
| XPAN | 65:24 | 8,000 | 20,472 x 7,560 px | 25x68" | 31x85" |
| 6x4.5 | 4:3 | 3,200 | 7,056 x 5,229 px | 17x24" | 22x29" |
| 6x6 | 1:1 | 3,200 | 7,056 x 7,056 px | 24x24" | 29x29" |
| 6x7 | 7:6 | 3,200 | 8,819 x 7,056 px | 24x29" | 29x37" |
| 6x9 | 3:2 | 3,200 | 10,582 x 7,056 px | 24x35" | 29x44" |
| 4x5 | 5:4 | 2,040 | 10,200 x 8,160 px | 27x34" | 34x43" |
X5 scanning is ideal for:
- Exhibition and gallery quality prints
- Very large format printing (up to wall-sized)
- Maximum detail extraction from your negatives
- Archival and museum quality reproduction
- Commercial and advertising use
- Images requiring heavy cropping
- Dense negatives or slides requiring maximum shadow detail (Dmax 4.9)
Film Format Aspect Ratios
Different film formats produce different shaped images. Understanding your film's aspect ratio helps you choose print sizes that match without cropping.
| Film Format | Aspect Ratio | Best Matching Print Sizes |
|---|---|---|
| 35mm / 135 | 3:2 | 4x6", 8x12", 12x18", 16x24", 20x30" |
| 6x4.5 (645) | 4:3 | 6x8", 9x12", 12x16" |
| 6x6 | 1:1 (Square) | 5x5", 6x6", 8x8", 10x10", 12x12", 16x16", 20x20" |
| 6x7 | 7:6 | Slight crop required for most standard sizes |
| 6x9 | 3:2 | 4x6", 8x12", 12x18", 16x24", 20x30" |
| 6x12 | 2:1 | Panoramic sizes, custom sizing recommended |
| 6x17 | 17:6 | Panoramic sizes, custom sizing recommended |
| 4x5 Large Format | 5:4 | 8x10", 16x20", 20x24" |
| XPAN | 65:24 | Panoramic sizes, custom sizing recommended |
| 110 | 4:3 | 6x8", 9x12", 12x16" |
| APS | 3:2 | 4x6", 8x12", 12x18" |
For more information on what happens when your image aspect ratio does not match your print size, see our guide: Understanding Aspect Ratios in Photo Printing
Quick Reference: Which Scan Do I Need?
| Your Intended Use | Recommended Scan |
|---|---|
| Social media and web sharing | Standard Resolution |
| Prints up to 8x12" | Standard Resolution |
| Prints up to 12x18" | Standard Resolution (240 DPI acceptable) |
| Prints up to 24x36" | High Resolution |
| Exhibition prints larger than 24x36" | X5 Scanner |
| Heavy cropping required | High Resolution or X5 Scanner |
| Archival and maximum quality | X5 Scanner |
| Dense slides or negatives | X5 Scanner (Dmax 4.9) |
Need Help?
If you are unsure which scanning option is right for your project, or have questions about print sizes and file preparation, please do not hesitate to contact us. We are happy to advise on the best approach for your specific needs.
Email: [email protected]
Phone: 02 8041 7049