Scanning Getting 5X7 prints from slides?

[SolaresLarrave]

I used to think I was a reasonably good scanner, but I'm stumped now. Sure, I went to that famous website Scanning Basics but didn't get any straightforward reply to my question: how can I scan 35mm slides to get 5X7 prints?

Now, here's the set up and my questions. All I need from you is to tell me which way to go, either the first or the second.

Do I do THIS:

1) Scan the slide at 200 dpi, without setting the output size to any dimension larger than that of the slide itself, and then enlarge the print size to 5X7 in Photoshop 7;

OR DO I DO IT THIS WAY?

2) Scan the slide at 200dpi (or more), setting the output size so that the printed scan is 5X7 inches. Print without further size adjustments.

Of course, all this process involves creating PS files, with a bit of level and color fixing, and a minimum of sharpening.

I simply need to scan a number of my slides to make 5X7 prints, without the ugly pixeling that comes up when you print low resolution jpgs.

Any help as to which approach to follow will be very, very appreciated! Thanks a huge bunch!!

[GeneW]

Definitely not #1

#2 will work ... but

#3 scan to the max res your scanner will allow and downsize to 5x7 is the most common technique

Gene

[Kris]

I second Gene's suggestion: scan at maximum scanner resolution then downsize.

Are you going to use your own printer or send it to the lab? AFAIK, labs use 300dpi print resolution so downsize your scans to 2100x1500.

[JohnL]

Just to expand a little on Gene's option #3 ...

Yes, scan at the max res of your scanner. Best use a dedicated film scanner if you can.

When you downsize in Photoshop (or other editor) don't resample the image - keep all the pixels - just set the dimensions to what you want. This will give the highest possible dpi (dots per inch) in the source image.

Set your printer to whatever is best for printing photos. Preview what you are printing to ensure you are getting what you want. The printer software will figure out how to convert the pixels in your file to dots on the paper. At least, this is the way I go, and it seems to work well.

HTH, John

[SolaresLarrave]

Thanks for your suggestions!

I was planning on having the prints made at the university lab (they've done work for me before). When it comes to printing resolution, I don't know how to fix it or alter it, so I trust they'll do it the best way so that the prints don't turn out all "pixelated."

I haven't explored my printer's software well enough to learn about changing its resolution. In fact, I have problems of ICC profiling. Maybe I fixed them already by setting an output and screen profile in my Mac, but then... I simply want to spare myself the agony of printing the stuff.

Thanks for confirming my hunch!

[SolaresLarrave]

Obrigado, JohnL! I'll scan at a fairly high resolution (say, 1200dpi), in my scanner (which is a flatbed with a slide adapter). As long as the prints don't look pixelated... I guess I shouldn't try to outsmart my printer.

[JohnL]

De nada!