Can I make low-resolution pictures/graphics and photos into high-res?

Or: Since I take shots in SD (standard definition) it is that resolution?
And if I take shots in HD (high definition) it is that resoultion?

I am aware there are photo programs that allow me to adjust contrast,
brightness, colour, etc. That would be the best I can get right?

Thank you.

Brian V wrote:
> Can I make low-resolution pictures/graphics and photos into high-res?
====================================================

For all practical purposes the answer is no.

Some editing programs have a Resample option that
provides a somewhat better enlargement than a simple
Resize. The freeware IrfanView has a Resample option.

IrfanView
http://www.software.com/irfanview
(get the plug-ins too)
http://www.software.com/irfanview-plugin

Also there are special programs that are designed to
enlarge low resolution photos but they are expensive...
here's one example:

Genuine Fractals
http://www.ononesoftware.com/detail.php?prodLine_id=7

====================================================

> Or: Since I take shots in SD (standard definition) it is that
> resolution? And if I take shots in HD (high definition) it is that
> resoultion?

====================================================


Yes...SD and HD are just labels but bottom line... the
resolution is the pixel count.

Let's say you had a 12 megapixel camera...that means on
best resolution your photos would be 4000x3000 or
12 million pixels. If you choose a lower setting...let's say
2816x2112...now your photos are equal to what you would
get with a 6 megapixel camera...seems to me this defeats
the purpose of buying the 12 megapixel camera.

Personally..I think the best bet is to take all photos on the
best settings...this way if you want to make a large poster
sized print or crop out a small portion for enlargement...
(say...one face from a group portrait) you will have enough
resolution to create your best possible result.

====================================================

> I am aware there are photo programs that allow me to adjust contrast,
> brightness, colour, etc. That would be the best I can get right?

====================================================

There's lots more you can do when it comes to digital
image editing.

If you want to experiment...the following freeware may
be worh a look:

(FWIW...it's always a good idea to create a System
Restore point before installing software or updates)

IrfanView
http://www.software.com/irfanview
(get the plug-ins too)
http://www.software.com/irfanview-plugin

XnView
http://www.xnview.com/en/xnview.html

FastStone Image Viewer
http://www.faststone.org/FSViewerDetail.htm

Picasa
http://picasa.google.com/

Paint.NET
http://www.getpaint.net/index.html
(Requirements: .NET Framework 2.0)

Serif PhotoPlus SE
http://www.freeserifsoftware.com/software/photoplus/

GIMP
http://www.gimp.org/

--

Volunteer J - MS-MVP
Digital Media Experience

Notice
This is not tech support
I am a volunteer

Solutions that work for
me may not work for you

Proceed at your own risk

Thank you. The info helped answere some other questions.

Brian V wrote:
> Thank you. The info helped answere some other questions.
==============================================
You're welcome.

Thanks for the update.


--

Volunteer J - MS-MVP
Digital Media Experience

Notice
This is not tech support
I am a volunteer

Solutions that work for
me may not work for you

Proceed at your own risk