From Hand to Computer

[rebapuck]

I've come across some 4X6 photos in a drawer. I'd like to get them onto my computer. How's the best way?

[CarlLaFong]

Depending on how many you have, you might want to just take them to Costco or Wally World and have them burned onto a CD or DVD. If you want to do them, you will need a scanner

[rebapuck]

A CD sounds easy enough. I do have a scanner. Maybe I'll try that first. See how well it works. Thanks.

[mezmo]

Check out the scanning dpi [dots(or pixels)-per-inch]. If they are photos you
want to be able to archive or enlarge go for the highest dpi you can. At least
300dpi for family photos. Also look into what kind of file you're saving it to -
jpeg or other photo type file. They each have different effects on how you
can manipulate photos. I'd go 1200dpi if they are family keepsake photos you
want to archive. Just remember, the higher the dpi, the bigger the photo file
is too, so your file storage capacity and also what media type you can store to become
factors. If they are just run-of-the-mill type photos, I'd go 300dpi and save as
jpeg as that seems to be the most common type photo file. That should allow
you to enlarge it enough to a reasonable size and still keep an acceptable resolution
too. "They say" that browsers only use a lesser dpi resolution [I think it is 76dpi
but don't hold me to that], so anything more than that isn't "needed" if all you
want to do is post online, but I think using 300dpi is still a good base to use, at
least if you want you use the photo for other purposes or in different ways than
just posting on the internet.

Just one way to look at it. It is worthwhile to get/borrow a book on the digital
camera and the resolution in dpi and how storing in the various photo file types
affects things.

Cheers,
Norm/mezmo

[Todah Tear]

Kinkos or FedEx centers have easy, inexpensive, self-serve machines for scanning in photos and printing copies AND you can save the resulting scaned photos on a CD or thumb drive.

Todah

[rebapuck]

All good suggestions. Thanks.