picture size and quality

hi..

if i took a picture with a digital slr of a marble and i took the picture actual size (1-1) and put it on a 8 1/2 by 11 and i send the file for printing on 8 1/2 by 11 will it be printed the same size as the picture/marble.. would it be actual size or how do i keep it acual size if its not and what about the quality and sharpness on the print because i need full quality as possible for the picture.

thanks

you need to find out what resolution you are going to be printing at ... tehn you can set the resof your image (in dots per inch) and the print size (in inches) and you are guarenteed a faithful reproduction.

Generally for hi quality prints you should look at nothing less than 1200dpi

1200? is that the setting when you click new and it says 300 pixels/inches? i called the customer service of the printing company and they said to leave it at 300? i want a realistic looking picture though?

well if the printing company have said 300dpi then leave it at that - they'll know the best settings for their printers. It'll still look good when you consider that screens only work at 72dpi.

thanks !

If it's 8.5x11 at 300 dpi, then you'll be fine... otherwise, if you need it at 8.5x11 and it's something else, like 72 dpi, then you're going to lose image quality by resizing it.