Just how large should my RAW image files be saved for printing?

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A photographer recently asked about the size of her image files when uploading. Her need was in producing larger prints. Her concern was the enormous size of the files and the time it takes to upload. She was getting 100-200MB files once converted to sRGB from an original 10MB RAW file, twice that size if converted to TIFF or PSD, when working in 16 Bit.

RAW files are what they are, unconverted image data. Their size is the size which the camera sensor is capable of capturing, so if your sensor has a 10MP or a 12MP sensor it will roughly produce a RAW capture about that size. Converting to a JPG, a TIFF or a PSD will then produce a file size as managed by the Bit size you are working with. If working in 16 Bit you'll get an image file somewhat close to 5-7 times original RAW capture, and if working in 8 Bit you'll get a file 2-3 times the RAW capture. These are always approximates because of many factors of software and hardware but one can guestimate in this range.

Clearly if sending these size files are taking too long and yet the need is to provide these to an online printer, one step in improving the speed is to purchase a faster upload speed. However this is always the bottleneck because even when paying more for download speeds, uploads are seldom increased in unison to the cost. You may have to go many times the upload speed you are currently using to receive a significant increase in upload speeds and the cost will not be just a few dollars more.

The other approach is to use an FTP uploader which is then using their server with usually many times the upload speed. I've never seen a cost attached to this service, but I'm sure someone will find an exception. You would need to register, probably at the online printer's website, and it is not always obvious, as the way around charging for this is to suggest the ever-popular, 'Upgrade Your Account' option. Or you might still be able to use their FTP service but only maintain a few MB's of images until you 'Upgrade'.

So if you decide not to upgrade your ISP speed or your Account then you must make the choice to convert using 8 Bit or lowering your resolution from say 360 to 160. You'll have to compromise or exercise patience.



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