Does scanning at 1200 DPI produce a better digital image? You might be surprised to learn that resolution is just one piece of the puzzle when it comes to image quality. In this post, we’ll uncover what really makes a great digital image—and why after a certain point, scanning at a higher resolution is just a waste of disk space.
The Original Camera and Photographer
The clarity and detail of a photo start with the camera and the person behind it. High-quality cameras, like early glass-plate studio models, captured remarkable sharpness and tonal range, while simpler devices, such as the Kodak Box Brownie, made photography accessible but often at the cost of precision. Similarly, a skilled photographer’s choice of lighting, focus, and composition greatly influences the outcome. These factors set the foundation for the quality of the image and what can be achieved during digitisation and restoration.
Darkroom Technique and Photo Condition
The way a photo was developed and its current state play a major role in its overall quality. Darkroom technique involves precise focus, exposure, and chemical processing. Skilled technicians could create rich tones, sharp details, and well-balanced contrasts, while mistakes in exposure or development could leave photos looking flat or overexposed.
The photo’s condition today also impacts results. Faded colors, scratches, stains, or tears reduce clarity and detail, but proper digitisation and restoration can address many of these issues. The better the original state, the more detail and vibrancy can be preserved in the digital copy.
Scanner and Resolution – The Tools Matter, But Bigger Isn’t Always Better
The quality of your scanner plays a crucial role in capturing the detail in your photos. High-quality scanners with excellent optics can pick up subtle nuances in tone and texture, while cheaper models may lose detail or add distortion. Resolution—measured in DPI (dots per inch)—is only one piece of the puzzle.
The Diminishing Returns of Higher Resolution
It’s a common misconception that scanning at the highest resolution available (like 1200 DPI) will always produce a crisper, better-quality image. In reality, most printed photos contain around 300 DPI worth of detail. Scanning above this threshold often results in larger file sizes without significant improvement in clarity.
To illustrate this, I scanned the same photo at several resolutions ranging from 72 DPI to 1200 DPI. The images were enlarged 200% for comparison:
• 72 DPI: Noticeable pixelation and loss of detail.
• 300 DPI: Ideal balance of sharpness and file size for most printed photos.
• 1200 DPI: Minimal difference in detail compared to 300 DPI but results in significantly larger files.
The Takeaway
For most printed photos, scanning at 300 DPI is sufficient to capture all the detail available. Higher resolutions are only necessary for very small originals (like wallet-sized prints) or if extreme enlargements are planned. Choosing the right resolution not only saves storage space but also ensures a smoother workflow for editing and sharing. Always scan in TIFF format for archiving, then save JPEG copies for sharing.
And another thing…
Scanning at 300 DPI isn’t just practical for file size—it’s also much faster. Higher resolutions like 600 DPI result in files that are four times larger, significantly increasing the time it takes to scan and save each image. When dealing with thousands of family photos, this difference can add up to hours or even days of extra work. For most prints, 300 DPI strikes the perfect balance between quality and efficiency.
How We Can Help: Bringing Out the Best in Every Photo
No matter the limitations of the original photo—whether it was taken with a simple camera, developed with poor darkroom technique, or has suffered damage over the years—our digital restoration services can breathe new life into your memories.
What We Do
• Fixing Camera and Exposure Issues: We adjust tones, contrast, and lighting to compensate for underexposed or overexposed photos, ensuring they look as vibrant and balanced as possible.
• Repairing Damage: Scratches, tears, fading, and stains can be digitally removed, restoring your photo to its original glory.
• Improving Low-Resolution Scans: Using advanced AI enlargement and sharpening tools, we can recover clarity and detail in even the blurriest images.
The Human Touch
While we use cutting-edge AI technology, the key to authentic restoration lies in the skilled hands of our artists. Every photo is carefully reviewed, with adjustments made to enhance details while preserving its unique character. This combination of precision tools and expert craftsmanship ensures results that are true to life.
Let Us Preserve Your Memories
Whether your photos need minor touch-ups or extensive reconstruction, we’re here to help. Contact us today to learn more about how we can transform your cherished photos into lasting digital keepsakes.
