TIFF/jpeg??

ems_12

Hi all - I was hoping you could help me. I am ordering some prints of photos from the National Photographic Archives, and there is an option to receive either TIFF or Jpg images.

I am getting them as a xmas present - I hope to print and frame them. What option is best for me to get - TIFF or Jpeg?

DotOrg

tiffs are uncompressed files so technically they are better. in reality it may not make any difference to the prints depending on their size

but as they give you the option ask for a tiff. seems strange they'd give away the digital file when you ask for a print?

CabanSail

The TIFF is a lossless compression, so all the data is there. JPEG is a lossy compression, so the smaller the file the more data is lost.

If size is an issue (ohh arrr missus!) then take the JPEG's but otherwise go for the TIFF's. You can create JPEG's from the TIFF's (assuming you have rights to do so)

5uspect

TIFFs can also be 16bit so they can contain a lot more information than 8bit JPEGs.
You have no idea of the level of compression in the JPEGs they might send you so take the uncertainity out of the equation by getting TIFFs.

I would also check where you want to get them printed that they support TIFF. It would be odd if they didn't but you never know.

Paulw

If you're printing small (A3 and under), then go for jpg.

If you're printing large (A3 and larger) then go for tiff.

ems_12

They are costly, but once you confirm they are for personal use you choose either a TIFF or Jpeg (Same price) and they send you them on CD:
http://www.nli.ie/en/copying-services.aspx

First time doing this so I'll report back once I get them, thanks for the advice, I'll get TIFF

Edit: Just saw Paul's comment above - I want three, as a triptych, so it will be A4 or smaller..... Paul - why Jpeg for smaller images??

Paulw

For the smaller print images, you generally don't need that high quality of tiff.

When you print large, then the quality becomes very important.

In many cases, you can print a very small jpg (under 1mb in size) up to A4 without too much problem. Obviously, the better the quality, the better it is, but only up to a point.

If you're printing a 6x4 print (standard small photo), then using a tiff is overkill. But, when you're printing A1, then the jpg may be lacking, while the tiff is ideal.

ems_12

Thanks Paulw, so if they are the same price I may aswell go ahead and get TIFF in case a member of my family wants it large? (It's an old pic of their hometown, they may want to display it v.large in their pub or something if they know I have it)

What I'm trying to ask is, if I get a TIFF and print it small, will it be worse quality than a Jpeg?

Paulw

If you ever want large, then you're better off getting the tiff.

You can always convert the tiff to jpg, if needed.

tiff will never make a worse quality print than jpg, but it's just overkill. Compare it to using a jet engine in a mini.

Also, just FYI, displaying it in a pub isn't personal use, that would be considered commercial use.

smelltheglove

Personally I dont think it will lose quality in a small print, I could be wrong, I tend to print from jpeg up to 10x12 but I always use tiff when printing large on canvas, something I learnt from Steve. Obviously Steve will be able to explain ins and outs but I think it is pretty much covered above, I would recommend using him for your finished product though as he can print and mount them together and have them ready for you pretty quickly at a great price.

daycent

LOL at all the overexplanation! The first reply answered the question. Short answer: get the TIFF.

5uspect

Education, education, education.

magicbastarder

DotOrg wrote: »

but as they give you the option ask for a tiff. seems strange they'd give away the digital file when you ask for a print?

as the photos are (i assume) copyright free, and it's a tax-funded organisation, there isn't the profit motive there possibly. plus, you may find that the contents of the archive belong to 'the people of ireland'.

i assume the jpg and TIFF files are of identical resolution?