Correct way to downsize an image : This really drives me nuts. I have always lost quality in Photoshop Elements when I downsize an image. I have been told to do it in increments, but...

countrydan1

This really drives me nuts. I have always lost quality in Photoshop Elements when I downsize an image. I have been told to do it in increments, but don't know the actual workflow to do this correctly . Sure could use some advice. I usually shoot in JPG 16MB and the file sizes are huge. Thanks.

Alby144 Loc: Northern Nevada

In Elements when you change the size it asks you to pick image quality...I always choose the highest and have seen no difference in image quality. What version of Elemants are you using?

I also have a Jasco Paint Shop Photo Album program that came with my Dell PC and see no difference in image quality after down sizing to what ever I want.

countrydan1

I am using Elements 11. I am familiar with this option, but I think there is a better way (I think :)

amehta Loc: Boston

countrydan1 wrote:

This really drives me nuts. I have always lost quality in Photoshop Elements when I downsize an image. I have been told to do it in increments, but don't know the actual workflow to do this correctly . Sure could use some advice. I usually shoot in JPG 16MB and the file sizes are huge. Thanks.

Do you mainly want a smaller file size? Then you can adjust two things: the image resolution and the jpeg quality.

I completely disagree that it is better to do it in stages, I believe one step is better, it lets the software algorithm do the best job of reducing the size.

I use FastStone Image Viewer (link), it even lets me pick the algorithm to use.

countrydan1

Thanks for the advice. Here is an example ofwhat happens when I downsize.

amehta Loc: Boston

countrydan1 wrote:

Thanks for the advice. Here is an example ofwhat happens when I downsize.

When you post the picture and check the "(store original)" box, we can download it and see it in our imaging software. Otherwise, we only see the version which the forum has resized even more.

Perhaps post both the original and the resized image, and I'll resize the original and post it back for you to compare.

xxredbeardxx Loc: San Clemente CA.

countrydan1 wrote:

Thanks for the advice. Here is an example ofwhat happens when I downsize.

Wow, I love this. Good luck with your issue.
I am just learning myself, so I will follow your
thread and learn.

countrydan1

I am going to try to download the origional file again. Would appreciate any comments.

(Download)

amehta Loc: Boston

countrydan1 wrote:

I am going to try to download the origional file again. Would appreciate any comments.

Here are 4 resized jpegs:
1. 100% resolution, 98% quality (as FastStone Image Viewer applies it)
2. 100% resolution, 90% quality
3. 50% resolution, 90% quality
4. 25% resolution, 90% quality
You can compare them to see how much you can see any image quality loss.

100% resolution, 98% quality

(Download)

100% resolution, 90% quality

(Download)

50% resolution, 90% quality

(Download)

25% resolution, 90% quality

(Download)

countrydan1

Thanks for your trouble . Perhaps there isn't enough sharpening in the original. I really wanted this pic to look good because it is one I will probably never get to shoot again.

xxredbeardxx Loc: San Clemente CA.

amehta wrote:

Here are 4 resized jpegs:
1. 100% resolution, 98% quality (as FastStone Image Viewer applies it)
2. 100% resolution, 90% quality
3. 50% resolution, 90% quality
4. 25% resolution, 90% quality
You can compare them to see how much you can see any image quality loss.

Wow. Amazing. These are beautiful.
I have so much to learn. Thank you.

Haa, to reduce my resolution down I put them
into facebook and then pull them back out.
The clarity seems to be there and the resolution
is way down so I can post them anywhere.
Hey. I'm a cheesy guy but at least I admit it.

amehta Loc: Boston

xxredbeardxx wrote:

Wow. Amazing. These are beautiful.
I have so much to learn. Thank you.

Haa, to reduce my resolution down I put them
into facebook and then pull them back out.
The clarity seems to be there and the resolution
is way down so I can post them anywhere.
Hey. I'm a cheesy guy but at least I admit it.

That's a hilarious work-around. :lol:

Just get FastStone IV, it's much easier, you can convert a whole batch at once.

countrydan1

Thanks, It's really great to see people who are as interested in photography as I am . I know just enough to get me in trouble in spite of the fact that I have been shooting for many years. Can't afford expensive equipment and am not very good at Photoshop techniques. We all share a common bond. That can't be bad.

xxredbeardxx Loc: San Clemente CA.

amehta wrote:

That's a hilarious work-around. :lol:

Just get FastStone IV, it's much easier, you can convert a whole batch at once.

I have never herd of that. Thanks for the tip.
I can actually do quite a few my way also, but
it would be nice to have the proper equiptment.

Someday when I grow up I will have everything for
this very expensive hobby. Then I can leave all my
photo's to my kids who will promptly throw them all
in the trash and say, "I wonder why dad took all these
silly photo's". Haa. At least I can say I did it my way
and had fun :-)

amehta Loc: Boston

FastStone IV has a great price: free. If you use it a lot, you can make a donation (like $20).