using a cheap scanner

[tubeamp]

I have done some pretty amazing work with this HP 1210 which has a better printer. My question is what DPI should I use when scanning ? It is set at 200 dpi but has other choices. My work consist of restoring old photos for family and friends at the moment. My part time job ended when Master Portraits sold out to a new owner. I spent a lot of time in here about a year ago and have since got rusty at PhotoShop7 ... it does not take long LOL. I tried searching but must not be using right key words. Thanks for your help!!!

[Doug Nelson]

You won't get any new image detail past about 300ppi. However, a higher resolution can sometimes be helpful in retouching, and it's better to scan at too high a resolution and downsample later than upsample from a lower-rez scan.

[tubeamp]

Thanks Doug for the quick reply ....

[Kraellin]

i use a dedicated flatbed scanner for prints. its highest scan mode is 300 dpi, which i use exclusively. it gives good detail and large file sizes. depending on what i'm going to do with the scan, i can either enlarge the file size in my editing software or cut it down if necessary. for simple jobs, i cut the size down. but in a restoration i may double it after it's scanned.

and, from what i've read here on retouchpro, most folks seem to say that anything over 600 dpi is a total waste. in using my 300 dpi, i'd say doug probably has it closer.

and just as a side note here, if you're going to get into negative scanning, everything changes. you need a MUCH higher resolution. mine does it at 1800 dpi.

Craig