Why does k-x images open at 72dpi in Photoshop?

hockmasm · 05-01-2010, 11:27 PM

new to DSLR. k-x when opening files from card in Photoshop they are 72dpi. Any idea why its not 300 or 350??

**EsBee** · 05-02-2010, 04:46 AM

Photoshop is reading it from the EXIF data created by the camera, and the 72dpi has no significance.

Dots Per Inch only applies to print. Not that it means when you print these images they will print at 72dpi, either. The actual dpi when printing depends on the size of the image, measurements of the print and printer's capability.

Wheatfield · 05-02-2010, 06:19 AM

The camera manufactuters doesn't know what the final image resolution will be, so it defaults the EXIF to the only (more or lesss) accepted default in the industry, which is the 72 dpi screen resolution.
As esbee said, it is a relatively meaningless number, though it is handy when resizing an image for print to use it and let the computer do the math.

khardur · 05-02-2010, 10:20 AM

Here's another thing you can do to ease your concern. Open the image in PS. Ctrl-Alt-I (image resize) - make sure "resample image" is unchecked... and change the resolution from 72 to 300.

Take note of the "document size" numbers at 72ppi and then when you change to 300ppi. This will show you what size you can print and still achieve 300ppi.

Ira · 05-02-2010, 10:35 AM

72 is monitor resolution, so it defaults to that.

05-01-2010, 11:27 PM	#1
hockmasm Veteran Member Join Date: Apr 2010 Photos: Albums Posts: 353	Why does k-x images open at 72dpi in Photoshop? new to DSLR. k-x when opening files from card in Photoshop they are 72dpi. Any idea why its not 300 or 350??

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05-02-2010, 04:46 AM	#2
EsBee Site Supporter Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: National Capital Region Posts: 739	Photoshop is reading it from the EXIF data created by the camera, and the 72dpi has no significance. Dots Per Inch only applies to print. Not that it means when you print these images they will print at 72dpi, either. The actual dpi when printing depends on the size of the image, measurements of the print and printer's capability.

05-02-2010, 06:19 AM	#3
Wheatfield Moderator Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: The wheatfields of Canada Posts: 15,981	The camera manufactuters doesn't know what the final image resolution will be, so it defaults the EXIF to the only (more or lesss) accepted default in the industry, which is the 72 dpi screen resolution. As esbee said, it is a relatively meaningless number, though it is handy when resizing an image for print to use it and let the computer do the math.

05-02-2010, 10:20 AM	#4
khardur Veteran Member Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: NW Massachusetts Photos: Gallery Posts: 1,560	Here's another thing you can do to ease your concern. Open the image in PS. Ctrl-Alt-I (image resize) - make sure "resample image" is unchecked... and change the resolution from 72 to 300. Take note of the "document size" numbers at 72ppi and then when you change to 300ppi. This will show you what size you can print and still achieve 300ppi.

05-02-2010, 10:35 AM	#5
Ira Inactive Account Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: Coral Springs, FL Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 5,216	72 is monitor resolution, so it defaults to that.