Photos With Camera Or Scans Which Are Best

[southaustraliacardshop]

Hi All Thank You for taking the time to read this message. I am looking for some advise.

99.9% of the items I sell are Trading Cards. I Scan my cards as it is easier but yesterday I had someone ask is I could send him/her better Pictures. I do my scans at 300 DPI which is I believe more than enough. My Camera will only do 72 DPI even on 8meg setting which is the best setting for the camera. I have taken pictures with the camera and in all honestly I think the Scans look better. What do you believe is the best Photo or Scan?

Thank You All

PS I have just changed my Used ID to match my store. Used To Be 1997crows1998.

Paddy

[audio-spot]

I'd agree that a scan is much better than a photo.

A 300 DPI scan will pickup any creases, blemishes etc, but what pixel size are they being saved and then uploaded at? 1800 pixels wide x whatever should be enough to have a good look with the eBay zoom.

They might want a photo to ensure you are not using a generic photo?

[southaustraliacardshop]

I save all my scans at 1600 Pixels which is eBays recommendations.

Paddy

---

@audio-spot wrote:
I'd agree that a scan is much better than a photo.

A 300 DPI scan will pickup any creases, blemishes etc, but what pixel size are they being saved and then uploaded at? 1800 pixels wide x whatever should be enough to have a good look with the eBay zoom.

They might want a photo to ensure you are not using a generic photo?

---

[davewil1964]

I scan. Books. At 180-240dpi depending on book size.

I DO leave a small blank border around the edges to prove I was the one who scanned them, though. And scan back cover as well.

[digital*ghost]

By better pictures, they may not have meant the resolution of the image itself, but more detailed images of the item. Scans are generally pretty good and usually more than adequate for cards, but I do know also that, at least with my scannner, a bright light is used during the scan in order to capture the image, and some of the finer details aren't always picked up, or can be washed out (same as when I use a flash to photograph my own items, natural light will often show any flaws much more clearly, particularly if the surface of the item is reflective).

DPI is primarily relevant to print quality, so doesn't measure the quality of a digital image, as such. 

[imastawka]

A scan will not always show defects in cards.

Some creases, bends and surface wear don't always show.

A photo taken on the right angle, to show light reflected on the card, would show up

these defects.

I'd stick to the scans, though, and describe all faults accurately.

If it's a decent enough sale, I'd humour them and send them photos.

edited to say....ebay don't always give you the magnify option for a better view