What megapixel size shots are needed for a calendar?

Question

What megapixel size shots are needed for a calendar?

I have a Canon that shoots 3.2 megapixel shots, 2048 x 1536, and when I place these in single, double or even triple layout pages I get a yellow exclamation mark and this message over the photo: "This photo may print at too low a quality."

What size images does Apple expect us to have for their calendar pages? Is there a chart that lists the size of images for all the layouts (single image through to seven images)?

Do I need a new camera?

Many thanks, Mike

Intel, Mac OS X (10.4.10)

Posted on Oct 21, 2007 7:51 PM

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Answer 1

John Guo

Level 5

5,353 points

Oct 21, 2007 8:12 PM in response to Michael Levenston

I would say at least 6 megapixtals or above for the calendar. The calendar is pretty big, so you need a big picture. Or, I am not sure if you can do this, but how about putting more than one picture in the zone? Like I said, not sure if you can do this. And for your 3.2 megapixtal camera, its pictures are too small in photography of 2007.

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Answer 2

Old Toad

Level 10

207,439 points

Oct 22, 2007 1:26 PM in response to Michael Levenston

Mike:

I've ordered calendars with photos from a camera with a max pixel size of 1600 x 1200 and was very happy with the results. iPhoto's print warning is set at 140 dip (not sure if it's for ordering prints or items other than books which is 180.

Do you Twango?

TIP: For insurance against the iPhoto database corruption that many users have experienced I recommend making a backup copy of the Library6.iPhoto database file and keep it current. If problems crop up where iPhoto suddenly can't see any photos or thinks there are no photos in the library, replacing the working Library6.iPhoto file with the backup will often get the library back. By keeping it current I mean backup after each import and/or any serious editing or work on books, slideshows, calendars, cards, etc. That insures that if a problem pops up and you do need to replace the database file, you'll retain all those efforts. It doesn't take long to make the backup and it's good insurance.
I've created an Automator workflow application (requires Tiger), iPhoto dB File Backup, that will copy the selected Library6.iPhoto file from your iPhoto Library folder to the Pictures folder, replacing any previous version of it. It's compatible with iPhoto 08 libraries. iPhoto does not have to be closed to run the application, just idle. You can download it at Toad's Cellar. Be sure to read the Read Me pdf file.

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Answer 3

Cloudhr

Level 1

33 points

Dec 2, 2007 7:26 PM in response to Old Toad

Interesting thing... I've been putting together a calendar and organizing photos in iPhoto '08 on my 12.1" Powerbook running 10.4.11 and never before did I get the yellow exclamation point. I copied my iPhoto library to my dual gig Leopard G4 and now I get the exclamation point on my calendar without the text warning. What's up with that?

Thanks
Cloudhr

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Answer 4

Old Toad

Level 10

207,439 points

Dec 3, 2007 11:59 AM in response to Cloudhr

I think iPhoto 8 has upped the threshold for low resolution warning. The PrintWarningImageDPI is 140 dpi and the BookWarningImageDPI is 180 dpi. It may be the same for the calendar, 180.

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