Scanning Negatives - DPI Question

[lewdvig]

I was looking at the website scantips.com, but I think I am more confused now than before I read that content.

My question; I have a whole bunch of 35mm negative strips to scan. Most were shot with various point and shoot cameras with cheap film (Fuji and Kodak 100 rolls).

What's a good DPI setting to scan these at? 2400 seems like total overkill, maybe even 1200 is too high.

[KKY]

depending on your scanner and how you plan to use the scanned images. 2400 should be good in most cases. 1200 maybe a bit low if you plan to blow them up.

One thing to keep in mind is the max resolution stated in the scanner's spec is usually higher than the the max "resolvable" resolution. There are many things to take into account. the quality of the sensor, the back light, the focusing mechanism, even the film holder....

[lewdvig]

The resolving power of the original lens is my issue - except for some stuff I shot on my parents old Minolta XG7, everything was shot on eighties vintage point and shoot cams.

There is no unsharp mask in the world that will restore detail that wasn't there.

I am doing 800 dpi for 35mm negatives and 300 dpi for 4*6 prints.

[D'z Nutz]

I scan all my film at 2400dpi. It makes cloning out dust A LOT easier.

Plus it's more megapixels!!