ACR's defaults are sticky. Change it once, it's changed until you change it again.
That being said, the answer to your question is "Depends, test it in your workflow and with your eyes." Maybe you'll see a difference, maybe you won't. In general, any perceptible difference will be so minor as not to matter. It tends to matter more in wet lab workflows than inkjet workflows.
240 ppi is only relevant for print size. 240 is the default as it is the best compromise for quality vs size. I print all my images at 240 unless there is type involved, then I print at 360 ppi.
I have been to a few print workshops with some of the leading experts in the field in Australia. 300 ppi will give you LESS fine detail than 240 ppi. 360 is better however not discernible for images alone.
This is true for my Epson printer. Don't take my word for it. Print out a few test images.
ozhop wrote:
I have been to a few print workshops with some of the leading experts in the field in Australia. 300 ppi will give you LESS fine detail than 240 ppi. 360 is better however not discernible for images alone.
Would you happen to the logic behind this?? Does this apply only for the epsons?
Guari wrote:
Would you happen to the logic behind this?? Does this apply only for the epsons?
Thanks
Yes. For HP and Canon, 300 will produce better results. The bottom line is the drivers for Epson expect 360 and for HP and Canon 300. If they get something different, they will manipulate the image to the native ppi before sending the image to the printer.
240 is the number for 4x6 when viewing from 8 to 12 away inches from it. the larger the viewing distance, the smaller the number. for giant billboard when viewing from half mile away, 36 is sufficient.
It is the interpolation. They had examples of fine cloth printed with different ppi and it was quite easy to see the difference between 240 and 300, 240 being superior. As mentioned this is only for Epson and as Chez has pointed out Canon and HP are different.
Bottom line is what do you print with and you can change the relevant default to suit.
You can change the default to any value you want, but if you don't print to that exact dimension than it is utterly meaningless.
The resolution you save a image at dose not matter. The resolution you print at is the important consideration. A simple rule is for Epson if the resolution is less than 360 ppi for the intended print size up res to 360, if the resolution is more than 360 up rew to 720 ppi. For Canon substitute 300 and 600. Another train of thought is if the photo is between 180 and 420 ppi just sent it to the printer. Either way if you don't let the viewer use a loop and don't put two versions in front of the viewer and point out the differences then ask them to make a choice 99% of the people will never know the difference.
I read that it was to do with the number of nozzles on an Epson inkjet.....or multiples of!! I read somewhere else that for certain Canon printers 360 was the magic number for the same reason.
