Expert: John Oliverio - 6/22/2004

Question
I have a Minolta DiMage Z1 and have been very happy with the pictures.  However, when I print the pictures, it automatically cuts off the top of the picture.  I have to manually manipulate the image for it to print the way I want it.  This is very frustrating.  When I ordered prints from a company, some of the top and bottom were cut off.  Is there something I need to do to avoid this problem?  I also noticed that some photo printing companies were offering 4x5 prints.  Would these be more compatible with my picture?

Answer
Sue,

This is a problem with digital cameras.  The aspect ratio doesn't match common print sizes.  Also, most folks don't realize that even 35mm film gets cropped when printed on some of the more common sizes when printed in the US.  For example, 8x12 inches is full frame... not 8x10. So if the lab you go to isn't smart enough to use a little common sense and not cut off someones head, I would either prep the picture myself before I went it....  or try a different lab.  There isn't any setting on the camera to solve this problem.

John