Use Highest Resolution for Best Digital Photos

Most digital cameras let you shoot at various levels of resolution. However, the higher the resolution, the larger the resulting file sizes. If you have a low-capacity memory card, you may be tempted to cut back on the resolution to fit more photos on the card.

Don't be tempted. You do yourself a disserve by not using the highest-resolution setting available. You can always reduce the resolution (and file size) after the fact, in a photo editing program; you can't, however, add resolution to a low-resolution photo.

You need all the resolution you can get when it comes to editing your photos. If you crop a photo, for example, you end up enlarging the center of the picture; if the resolution is too low to begin with, you can end up with an unacceptably low-resolution crop.

In addition, if you plan on making prints of your photos -- especially large-sized prints -- you need the highest resolution your camera is capable of. Quality prints come from high-resolution originals.

To store a large number of high-resolution photos, invest in a higher-capacity memory card. You can find SD cards in capacities up to 2 GB, while CompactFlash cards come as large as 8 GB. You can fit a lot of photos -- even high-resolution photos -- on these extra-large cards!

Michael Miller is a writer and commentator on technology and digital lifestyle topics.