Hi Tommy,

It really depends on what you want to do with the files.

For example; when I scan to PRINT on my Epson 2200, I will scan at 4000 dpi / 42 bit and the resulting file size is approx. 120(+)MB (saved as psd or tiff file). This will allow me to print up to a 13"x19" PRINT. I arrived at this by using the dimensions of 35mm film (24mm x 36mm) and multiplying by 4000 dpi (3780 dpi x 5670 dpi) and then dividing that by standar 300 dpi (12.60" x 18.90"). When printing this large I need all the pixels I can get.

When I scan for viewing on a MONITOR, I would use the standard of 72 dpi (vs. 300) and the file size would be much smaller (saved as tiff or JPEG). As I stated before, it really depends on what you intend to do with the file.

The type of file that I use is usually (psd) or (tiff). Typically, I will scan at the max. settings and save the scan (after all color correction and cleaning) as a Master file (again psd or tiff). I will then use duplicate of the Master file to make up prints and/or convert to JPEG for e-mailing. A couple of things to remember, the file must be converted to 24 bits in order to convert to JPEG and JPEG uses compression which degrades image quality. The benifit of the Master file is it allows flexibility, the drawback is it uses a lot of hard disk space.

I hope I did not confuse the issue even more. If you have any other questions, give me an e-mail.

Greg Brakefield