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Introduction |
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Have you noticed your digital photos won't fit perfectly into a traditional frame size? Or, maybe you were
surprised when the photo lab cropped away a portion of your photo to fit them onto the photo paper. The reason
behind this is a difference in aspect ratio between newer digital camera images and photos taken with film.
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What is aspect ratio? |
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Most digital photos have a slightly larger aspect ratio than film.
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The relation of the height of your picture to its length is called the aspect ratio. Televisions and computer
screens are also often measured in terms of their aspect ratio.
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Traditional 35mm photos
Film produces a photo with a 3:2 aspect ratio (a basic rectangle shape). You're probably very familiar
with seeing this aspect ratio, since it has been the standard for decades. This is the ratio that
4" x 6" prints are based on (as well as 5" x 7" and 8" x 10" prints).
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Digital photos
Today's digital cameras are different from older cameras. Almost all digital cameras (with the exception
of digital SLRs) produce an image with a 4:3 aspect ratio (closer to a square). The reason for this is
that the first digital cameras were meant exclusively for use with computer screens (most monitors use
a 4:3 aspect ratio). That's how they've stayed ever since.
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How will aspect ratio affect my photo printing? |
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Digital photos fit in traditional frames by being cropped. This shows how much image you'll lose with
the three most common sizes.
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Most of the photo frames you find in stores are manufactured in traditional sizes (4"x6", 5"x7", 8"x10"
and so on) with the older film aspect ratio in mind (3:2). Likewise, most photo labs print in these
traditional sizes. This means in order for your digital prints to fit, they will have to be cropped slightly.
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How can I compensate for differences in aspect ratio? |
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Luckily, there are easy ways to get around different aspect ratios when you're trying to print your photos.
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Add extra room when photographing
The difference between 4:3 and 3:2 isn't huge. Just keep in mind how much your photo will be cropped
when you print it. Add room at the top and bottom of horizontal photos and on the sides for vertical.
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Product recommendations |
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For answers to all your photo printer questions and to learn more about specific
HP photo printers, visit the HP
Photosmart photo printer buying guide.
Learn more |
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