How to capture hi-res images

A high res (or high resolution) image is a loose term usually used to describe the best quality photo that a digital camera is able to produce. If, for instance, a camera has a maximum resolution of 18 million pixels, the highest res image that it will produce is one that is set to use all those pixels. If the option for RAW unprocessed data is available, this will have the effect of creating the largest file size and therefore, the highest resolution that the camera can produce. This article provides a guide to capturing Hi-res images.

Camera settings

Largest images If you want to capture the highest resolution images possible, you need to ensure that, firstly, your camera is set to take large images. Most cameras, particularly DSLRs, require you to select the menu option and to choose the size of your image. This varies from small to medium, then large. It should also give you the option to select whether the image is to taken as a JPEG or in RAW format. RAW data If you want the highest resolution, choose RAW as it contains more detail than a JPEG. It also doesn't lose information owing to compression. The most important difference between RAW and JPEG is that with the latter, you dictate at the time of taking the photo what the settings will be such as white balance and colour saturation since these can't be changed later. However, with RAW, you can make the decisions during post-processing and this is clearly a preferable option if you're trying to get the best quality photo files.

Post-processing

Post-processing Once an image is captured in the highest resolution format possible, it's important to safeguard it during post-processing in order to maintain the quality. If you plan to print the image, be sure not to save it more than once or twice. Each time that an image is saved, it loses detail and therefore quality. Stock sites The best way in which to preserve an image is to keep a copy of the original. This will ensure that you're able to make and change as many copies as you like. A high-res image can be uploaded for potential sale to a stock picture site such as Dreamstime or iStock images where low resolution images are usually rejected.