Hello Paul,

I understand much of what you've posted, but I'm perplexed at your statement about resolution.

On a recent pic when I used a resolution of 457 it has produced a pic of 4.71mb. The same pic using a resolution of 458 produced a pic of 5.93mb.

457? 458? What are these numbers referring to? Image size? If you could clarify that would make it easier to explain.

I'm assuming you're exporting to JPG format, rather than PNG or TIFF. Is that correct?

In the Export preferences in PhD8, there are two options that will have a significant impact on exported file size - File Settings (quality) & Image Sizing.



The tables below show some examples of photos exported using different options.

First, by changing the quality setting there's a huge impact on file size. These are all exported at the original size (5033 x 3355px)



Next, keeping the quality setting at 100% (less compression), changing the exported image size has an impact too.



I understand you may have reasons for exporting at lower quality or reduced size. Personally, I prefer to export at maximum quality.

Hopefully, that has clarified some things for you.

PIX PIX YouTube channel

Hi Pix

Many thanks for your reply.

I am exporting to JPEG as you quite rightly assume. The figures I am referring to are the inches (7) and the number of pixels in the section Image sizing. Whilst I also keep larger files for myself I supply pictures for other people who need the smaller (i.e 5mb maximum) size. I've agreed with them that I will reduce them so they don't have to.

I work on a 4.95 to 5.00 mb tolerance for their photos. In the vast majority of cases I can reliably predict what adjustment I need to make to the number of pixels in order to achieve that figure (i.e. 5MB).

What I'm trying to work out is why a difference of one pixel can increase/decrease the resulting picture by so much (457pixels = 4.71mb, 458 = 5.93mb) when using other pixel sizes does not. I can easily calculate how many pixels I need to increase/decrease in order to achieve the 5mb maximum I need, except when I use 457 or 458 pixels. No other pixel resolution appears to create this problem. I have a workaround but it's a little frustrating and time consuming with the number of pictures I work with that require this reduction to 5mb.

Unfortunately as previously mentioned I'm not a technical person so apologies if I have confused the matter. To date I haven't come across this 'anomaly' with other pixel settings and as I've said I can reliably make adjustments from one picture to another except at 457/458 number of pixels.

Hope that makes a bit more sense.

Paul

Quote Hello Paul,

I understand much of what you've posted, but I'm perplexed at your statement about resolution.

On a recent pic when I used a resolution of 457 it has produced a pic of 4.71mb. The same pic using a resolution of 458 produced a pic of 5.93mb.

457? 458? What are these numbers referring to? Image size? If you could clarify that would make it easier to explain.

I'm assuming you're exporting to JPG format, rather than PNG or TIFF. Is that correct?

In the Export preferences in PhD8, there are two options that will have a significant impact on exported file size - File Settings (quality) & Image Sizing.



The tables below show some examples of photos exported using different options.

First, by changing the quality setting there's a huge impact on file size. These are all exported at the original size (5033 x 3355px)



Next, keeping the quality setting at 100% (less compression), changing the exported image size has an impact too.



I understand you may have reasons for exporting at lower quality or reduced size. Personally, I prefer to export at maximum quality.

Hopefully, that has clarified some things for you.

PIX

Hello again Paul,

A couple of things:

1. When you mention 457pixels = 4.71mb, are you referring to the Resolution setting under Image Sizing? (Pixels per inch/cm) or something else?

2. Later versions of PhD have an exported file size estimator built in (which would be helpful for your purposes).



PIX PIX YouTube channel

Hi Pix

Many thanks again for your reply.

I am indeed referring to the resolution number for pixels in image sizing.

I can appreciate that newer versions have a built-in estimater however as a pensioner I have to justify additional expense to myself.

I can easily estimate what adjustment I need to make except when it comes to using a pixel number of 457 and I cannot understand how increasing that pixel number by 1 causes such an increase in size.

I guess the only way to explain the problem would be for someone to take one of their own photos and try to resize it. If you were to kindly do so it would at least demonstrate the problem. If you were to resize a photo at 7x300 and 7x301 you should see a slight variation in the final figure. If you did the same again but at 7x457 and 7x458 you should, if its not my computer causing the problem see a much greater difference. If the difference is the same for both of the above trial pictures then that would suggest its a gltch in my computer and not the program as I suspect.

Please do not feel oblged to try this as I feel I'm already taking up too much of your time. Your assistance is I should add much appreciated.

Best wishes
Paul.

Hello again Paul,

A couple of things:

1. When you mention 457pixels = 4.71mb, are you referring to the Resolution setting under Image Sizing? (Pixels per inch/cm) or something else?

2. Later versions of PhD have an exported file size estimator built in (which would be helpful for your purposes).



PIX

Hi Pix

After sending my last reply it suddenly dawned on me that only people using the same product could reprduce the problem. Given that Cyberlink would be unlikely to do any upgrade if it was the product at fault I feel I should thank you for trying to help and advise you that I'll just carry on with my workarounds. I actually take aound 600 photos that need resizing hence me looking for an answer to the issue.

Again many thanks for taking the time to try and help this old pensioner (think the term is silver surfer.

Best wishes
Paul

Ps I did note you quoted settings using a D5300. My first DSLR was a D5000.

Quote Hello again Paul,

A couple of things:

1. When you mention 457pixels = 4.71mb, are you referring to the Resolution setting under Image Sizing? (Pixels per inch/cm) or something else?

2. Later versions of PhD have an exported file size estimator built in (which would be helpful for your purposes).



PIX

Hello again Paul,

I've been wrestling with this, trying to replicate your observations about exported file size from PhD8, & I've been unable to.

I've tested a variety of images, even some with insanely high resolutions. As you can see in the examples below, there is little difference in file size when exported at 457PPI or 458PPI. These images were exported with Long Edge set to 7inches & PPI set as shown.



I'm not sure why you're modifying the PPI in any case. Of course it affects file size, but what is the PPI of your original photos/scans?

Perhaps you could post an example of one of your originals as an attachment.

PIX PIX YouTube channel

Hi Pix

Many thanks for trying to help however and, there's no easy way to say it I'm elderly and not a technical person. I took up photography at a late age in order to try and overcome severe depression. Turns out I'm not bad at it and my pictures have been used in newspapers and magazines all over the UK. They have appeared on TV here and in Australia (my Aunt saw them). I've also found them on internet pages in the UK and America (checked on Google). Nevertheless I'm self taught and I struggle with the technicalities of these things.

I have my Nikon set on the large setting which, reading from the manual gives me a 6000x4000 size (pixels). When I use the 1.3x in camera crop it gives me a size of 4800x3200 (pixels). I have no idea what that means I just set the camera to large.

The figures you are quoting below for 457 and 458 are exactly what I would expect for a difference of 1 pixel to make. They bear out the results I get when using other pixel settings. I can easily estimate the adjustment I need to make because I know roughly what difference a certain number of pixels will make.

It is not the same if I have to use 457 or 458 on my programme and I have to make adjustments elsewhere in order to obtain the size I need. My thinking now is, given that you can achieve the figures I would expect, I'm now thinking it's a glitch/corruption? in my programme or my computer.

I supply pictures on a voluntary basis to a major organisation in the UK. I'm adjusting the PPI in order to meet their requirements for a maximum of 5mb. I visit once a month and take on average 500 to 600 pics per visit. Ideally they want pics no later than the following day (on one occasion I got a phone call and I had just 1 hour and forty minutes to get some publicity pics on their desk. It takes me twnty minutes to get to them!) so any thing that delays me is,at best, frustrating That they requested I reduce them to make them more usable for them (press releases, Twitter etc.) adds greatly to the pressure. As I clearly want to see them used I am nevertheless happy to oblige.

It's someones law (I'm trying not to swear lol) that a percentage of these photos are for some reason falling around 457/458 and that is time consuming especially given the number of photos I'm working with. To add to that I've recently taken on a project for a local business. Seems my fame is spreading but that adds to pressure on my time.

I had hoped that there was a simple solution to the problem with those two settings on my system as it could save me a lot of precious time.

Can I just say I really appreciate your efforts Pix and you taking the time to try and solve this. The figures you got are ,I feel, the figures I should be getting. Sadly I'm not. As a matter of interest do you think re-installing the programme might help.

Best wishes
Paul

PS sorry it's so long winded.

Quote Hello again Paul,

I've been wrestling with this, trying to replicate your observations about exported file size from PhD8, & I've been unable to.

I've tested a variety of images, even some with insanely high resolutions. As you can see in the examples below, there is little difference in file size when exported at 457PPI or 458PPI. These images were exported with Long Edge set to 7inches & PPI set as shown.



I'm not sure why you're modifying the PPI in any case. Of course it affects file size, but what is the PPI of your original photos/scans?

Perhaps you could post an example of one of your originals as an attachment.

PIX

Thank you Paul. It's nice to be appreciated. You're doing good work there.

I don't think reinstalling PhD is likely to make any difference.

Questions:

1. The UK organisation you're providing photos for - is their requirement simply file size (5MB or less) or have they requested a certain pixel resolution?


2. Which Nikon camera are you using? e.g. a Nikon D5600 (also a 24MP camera) outputs photos 6000x4000 at 300PPI. I can't see any point in increasing the PPI setting for export.


3. Could you please attach 1 photo for checking here? That's the only purpose for which it will be used.

PIX PIX YouTube channel

Many thanks again Pix

The UK organisation have requested pics at a max of 5mb. If they want larger ones for a different purpose they just ask for the them as I keep the originals. The reason I do it by adjusting the resolution is because I don't know any other way to reduce the files some of which can be over 25mb. If there is another way then I would be happy to try it. I do it this way because it works for me.

I mainly use my Nikon D7100 with a 150-500 lens. I also carry my trusty old D5000 with a short lens so I don't have to swap lens about. (Don't laugh but I often carry 6 cameras with me if you count the three on my phone).

My initial reaction to you carrying out tests was to think it has to be something my end. You have mentioned sending in a pic but as not all my pics are affected I thought sending you one that is actually causing a problem would be more beneficial. I don't keep a record of which ones I struggle with but I'll be happy to forward the next one if you think it will help.

In the meantime thank you again so much for caring to take all this trouble and apologies for any inconvenience this is causing.

Best wishes
Paul

Quote Thank you Paul. It's nice to be appreciated. You're doing good work there.

I don't think reinstalling PhD is likely to make any difference.

Questions:

1. The UK organisation you're providing photos for - is their requirement simply file size (5MB or less) or have they requested a certain pixel resolution?


2. Which Nikon camera are you using? e.g. a Nikon D5600 (also a 24MP camera) outputs photos 6000x4000 at 300PPI. I can't see any point in increasing the PPI setting for export.


3. Could you please attach 1 photo for checking here? That's the only purpose for which it will be used.

PIX

Hi Pix sorry it's me again.

I've had a look at some more photos today from a recent visit to Filey and I've got an example of the problem I'm experiencing with using resolutions of 457 and 458 pixels.

Hopefully I've attached them ok. I should say this is my third attempt at this. (I did say I'm not a technical person lol.)

Please bear in mind I'm now thinking this is a problem my end nevertheless I would love to hear back from you even if you can't find a solution. At least I will know someone tried and for that I can't thank you enough.

Best wishes
Paul

Quote Thank you Paul. It's nice to be appreciated. You're doing good work there.

I don't think reinstalling PhD is likely to make any difference.

Questions:

1. The UK organisation you're providing photos for - is their requirement simply file size (5MB or less) or have they requested a certain pixel resolution?


2. Which Nikon camera are you using? e.g. a Nikon D5600 (also a 24MP camera) outputs photos 6000x4000 at 300PPI. I can't see any point in increasing the PPI setting for export.


3. Could you please attach 1 photo for checking here? That's the only purpose for which it will be used.

PIX

Hi Pix

Suddenly thought you might need the original I was working from.

Paul

Quote Many thanks again Pix

The UK organisation have requested pics at a max of 5mb. If they want larger ones for a different purpose they just ask for the them as I keep the originals. The reason I do it by adjusting the resolution is because I don't know any other way to reduce the files some of which can be over 25mb. If there is another way then I would be happy to try it. I do it this way because it works for me.

I mainly use my Nikon D7100 with a 150-500 lens. I also carry my trusty old D5000 with a short lens so I don't have to swap lens about. (Don't laugh but I often carry 6 cameras with me if you count the three on my phone).

My initial reaction to you carrying out tests was to think it has to be something my end. You have mentioned sending in a pic but as not all my pics are affected I thought sending you one that is actually causing a problem would be more beneficial. I don't keep a record of which ones I struggle with but I'll be happy to forward the next one if you think it will help.

In the meantime thank you again so much for caring to take all this trouble and apologies for any inconvenience this is causing.

Best wishes
Paul

Hi Pix

Sorry I keep thinking of how any additional information might help.

I'm attaching one of my largest files in case it helps.

Best wishes
Paul

Quote Many thanks again Pix

The UK organisation have requested pics at a max of 5mb. If they want larger ones for a different purpose they just ask for the them as I keep the originals. The reason I do it by adjusting the resolution is because I don't know any other way to reduce the files some of which can be over 25mb. If there is another way then I would be happy to try it. I do it this way because it works for me.

I mainly use my Nikon D7100 with a 150-500 lens. I also carry my trusty old D5000 with a short lens so I don't have to swap lens about. (Don't laugh but I often carry 6 cameras with me if you count the three on my phone).

My initial reaction to you carrying out tests was to think it has to be something my end. You have mentioned sending in a pic but as not all my pics are affected I thought sending you one that is actually causing a problem would be more beneficial. I don't keep a record of which ones I struggle with but I'll be happy to forward the next one if you think it will help.

In the meantime thank you again so much for caring to take all this trouble and apologies for any inconvenience this is causing.

Best wishes
Paul

Hello again Paul,

Firstly, thank you for attaching the photos. They've provided some useful information. Secondly, there's never any need to apologise for asking questions. It's a sign of intelligence & the best way to learn & improve what you're doing.

Both your Nikons (D7100 & D5000) output photos at 300PPI. There's absolutely no need to increase that when you're exporting. I'd leave that setting at 300.

When you get some spare time, & if you're inclined, you might like to have a read of this PPI explainer (which I think is very good!).

I understand your need to reduce file size to ~5MB to meet the requirements of the organisation.

The export settings you use will depend on (a) which camera you've used & (b) your camera settings.

(a) D7100 can output 6000 x 4000 px, which equates to 20 x 13.333 inches (300PPI)
(b) D7100 can output 4800 x 3200 px, which equates to 16 x 10.667 inches (300PPI)
(c) D5000 can output 4288 x 2848 px, which equates to 14.293 x 9.493 inches (300PPI)

For (a) I'd use the setting below, which will give you a 2850 x 1900 px image <5MB



For (b) & (c), I'd use the settings below, which will give you a 3000 px (wide) image <5MB



Hope that helps

PIX PIX YouTube channel

Many many thanks Pix it's been very kind of you to help.

I would never have come up with this myself and I'm certainly going to give it a try.

My very best wishes and gratitude to you.

Paul

Quote Hello again Paul,

Firstly, thank you for attaching the photos. They've provided some useful information. Secondly, there's never any need to apologise for asking questions. It's a sign of intelligence & the best way to learn & improve what you're doing.

Both your Nikons (D7100 & D5000) output photos at 300PPI. There's absolutely no need to increase that when you're exporting. I'd leave that setting at 300.

When you get some spare time, & if you're inclined, you might like to have a read of this PPI explainer (which I think is very good!).

I understand your need to reduce file size to ~5MB to meet the requirements of the organisation.

The export settings you use will depend on (a) which camera you've used & (b) your camera settings.

(a) D7100 can output 6000 x 4000 px, which equates to 20 x 13.333 inches (300PPI)
(b) D7100 can output 4800 x 3200 px, which equates to 16 x 10.667 inches (300PPI)
(c) D5000 can output 4288 x 2848 px, which equates to 14.293 x 9.493 inches (300PPI)

For (a) I'd use the setting below, which will give you a 2850 x 1900 px image <5MB



For (b) & (c), I'd use the settings below, which will give you a 3000 px (wide) image <5MB



Hope that helps

PIX