File size Question on C-200 Zoom

Whitesand · 12th September 2002

Hi,

I own a C200 Zoom and have a question on the file size produced by this DC:

When I talk a picture using the Super HQ mode, the size is about 1 MB, but when taken under HQ mode, the size is bout 0.5 MB. When I open the file up in photoshop, the pixel remain the same, though I see a slight improvement of picture quality in SHQ mode. (by the way, the resolution of both mode is 72 dpi)

The question is: why file size difference while the nos of pixel remain the same? Is that because of the different compression method used? or what. Is there any real advantage using SHQ when printing 4R or 5R photos?

Thanks in advance.

12th September 2002

You're right; the file size difference is due to the different compression amount. The JPEG compression algorithm is a "lossy" method that loses more image data with greater amounts of compression, so theoretically you will be able to obtain a better quality picture with lower compression settings, with the trade-off being that you'll have to sacrifice more storage space per photo.

Having said that, though, it is true that SHQ and HQ settings on Olympus digicams tend to be pretty close in terms of quality to the naked eye, at least in my own experience. As far as 4x6 and 5x7 prints are concerned, I've yet to notice any obvious quality differences between prints made from SHQ files and those from HQ files. I use SHQ just about all the time, but frankly I wouldn't mind switching to HQ if I need to store more pictures.

The choice is yours; if you really don't see any significant differences between SHQ and HQ, and you don't intend to do much post-processing on your digital photos, then it's perfectly viable to use the higher compression setting (HQ) as your default.

12th September 2002	#1
Whitesand Member Join Date: Sep 2002 Posts: 88	File size Question on C-200 Zoom Hi, I own a C200 Zoom and have a question on the file size produced by this DC: When I talk a picture using the Super HQ mode, the size is about 1 MB, but when taken under HQ mode, the size is bout 0.5 MB. When I open the file up in photoshop, the pixel remain the same, though I see a slight improvement of picture quality in SHQ mode. (by the way, the resolution of both mode is 72 dpi) The question is: why file size difference while the nos of pixel remain the same? Is that because of the different compression method used? or what. Is there any real advantage using SHQ when printing 4R or 5R photos? Thanks in advance.

12th September 2002	#2
Midnight Guests Posts: n/a	You're right; the file size difference is due to the different compression amount. The JPEG compression algorithm is a "lossy" method that loses more image data with greater amounts of compression, so theoretically you will be able to obtain a better quality picture with lower compression settings, with the trade-off being that you'll have to sacrifice more storage space per photo. Having said that, though, it is true that SHQ and HQ settings on Olympus digicams tend to be pretty close in terms of quality to the naked eye, at least in my own experience. As far as 4x6 and 5x7 prints are concerned, I've yet to notice any obvious quality differences between prints made from SHQ files and those from HQ files. I use SHQ just about all the time, but frankly I wouldn't mind switching to HQ if I need to store more pictures. The choice is yours; if you really don't see any significant differences between SHQ and HQ, and you don't intend to do much post-processing on your digital photos, then it's perfectly viable to use the higher compression setting (HQ) as your default.