Adobe Photoshop
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SAMPLE CAMERA RESOLUTION/COMPRESSION
Scans of set-up screens of a Canon PowerShot A510 (3 megapixel camera) as an example of the relationship of resolution, compression, and file size.

RESOLUTION
640 X 480 resolution ("S") with most compression: room for 1090 photos on memory card:
s.jpg
1024 X 768 ("M2") resolution with most compression: room for 636 photos on memory card:
m2.jpg
1600 x 1200 resolution ("M1") with most compression: room for 401 photos on memory card:
m1.jpg
2048 X 1536 resolution ("L") with most compression: room for 262 photos on memory card:
l.jpg

COMPRESSION

Same resolution as above, 2048 X 1536 ("L"), but with medium compression ("Fine"); room for 133 photos on memory card:
lfine.jpgSame resolution as above, 2048 X 1536 ("L"), but with least compression ("Superfine"); room for 74 photos on memory card:
lsuperfine.jpg
Notes:
  • This is a 3 megapixel camera; higher resolution cameras often have more settings for resolution.
  • This camera does not take RAW files, which are uncompressed and therefore much larger.
  • Bottom line: anticipate your output needs before you shoot, and adjust these settings accordingly to achieve the quality of image you want while keeping file sizes small. Shoot a "test strip," output to the size/device you usually use, and judge the differences for yourself.