30 Reference: More on Photography (All Modes)/Image Quality and Size
Image Quality
The camera supports the following image quality options (the first four are listed in
descending order by image quality and file size):
Image Size
Image size is measured in pixels. The following options are available:
Note that the option selected for image size does not affect the size of NEF (RAW) images.
When viewed on a computer, NEF images are 3,872×2,592 pixels in size.
Controls used
Option Format Description
RAW NEF
Compressed raw data from the image sensor are saved directly to memory card.
Choose for images that will be retouched on a computer.
FINE
JPEG
Images are compressed less than NORM, producing higher-quality images. Com-
pression ratio: roughly 1:4.
NORM
(default)
Best choice in most situations. Compression ratio: roughly 1:8.
BASIC Smaller file size suited to e-mail or the Web. Compression ratio: roughly 1:16.
RAW+B NEF+JPEG
Two images are recorded: one NEF (RAW) image and one basic-quality JPEG
image.
Controls used
Image size Size (pixels) Approximate size when printed at 200 dpi
L (default) 3,872×2,592 49.2×32.9cm (19.4×13.0in.)
M 2,896×1,944 36.8×24.7cm (14.5×9.7in.)
S 1,936×1,296 24.6×16.5cm (9.7×6.5in.)