Getting Photos from the Scanner into FCP: Best Process

[Elmer_Lang]

I'm re-examining my process for getting pictures into the timeline. I usually save as .jpg, but I've heard some bemoan that "lossy" format. Here's how I do things:

My Canon scanner gives me 3 options: Pict, JPEG & Tiff. I usually choose JPEG.

Then I open Photoshop because whether I scan one or several at a time, they'll need cropping, rotating, whatever.

When I save that adjusted image, Photoshop wants to save as .psd, but I usually change to .jpg. Then I import that into FCP.

Given my options, what is the best path for me to take? Along the way you might answer:
If is .jpg a not good choice why are Pict or Tiff better? Is .psd the smarter choice out of Photoshop, or another format?

(Btw, I had been saving scans at 300dpi, but have begun using 600dpi. With the Hi-Def age here, is that good enough? I can save up to 1200dpi, but then I get a warning that the file is over 100mgs. I thought a 6mg pic would do but in the timeline hmm...)

(Btw2, what Photoshop says is the file size and what Ctrl+I says are completely different. Who can I trust? Then, I can open a picture, save it in another format and have it be larger size -wise than before. As Plato said, "Huh!?")

Any help would be appreciated!

________________________________________
Elmer Lang
H2E Productions
http://elmerlang.com/

 

[jumpthewire]

Elmer

Good post.

My experience has been to use Pict/Tiff/PNG or PSD.
The FCP manual states PNG as the "Optimal" image format.
I tend to stay away from JPG due to the compression and lack of alpha.

As far as DPI, i stay in the 72DPI world and increase the image/canvas size, not the DPI.
I've found high DPI actually works against the image quality.

Televison/displays only can do 72DPI anyways.
I only use high DPI (300 & up) for print projects.

Would love to hear others take!

Shawn

 

[mlemaudit]

It's more a question than an answer but I would like to incorporate in an HD 720p timeline a big drawing and be able to zoom it in enough. What is the best resolution I should ask for? I was told 72 or 75dpi would be plenty and as for the pixels 1920 x 1440? Also I can't find a place where to scan a big document 32x18 inches any tips on how to photography it?

 

[Arson]

I run my scanner right from inside Photoshop

import, twain aquire
that way i can save as PSD.

Scan 300 dpi or more and then work with it in photoshop scaling it down to your needs.

You can get large format scanning done at places like kinko's or other digital pre press places. I'm just about to have to send some x rays out for scanning for a project.

 

[mlemaudit]

I run my scanner right from inside Photoshop

import, twain aquire
that way i can save as PSD.

Scan 300 dpi or more and then work with it in photoshop scaling it down to your needs.

You can get large format scanning done at places like kinko's or other digital pre press places. I'm just about to have to send some x rays out for scanning for a project.

I am on Montréal, QC, Canada and the biggest they can do here is 16x19 on a drum scanner or do a photo of the document... which I am not sure about concerning the light they use.