Best resolution for scanning cards?
 

I have scanned about 100,000 cards in my life but I am still not satisified with the results. I have been setting the resolution to 300 dpi (dots per inch).
I am wondering what you all think is the best dpi to use for cards?

scans
 

I like 600 dpi. (but I'm not close to 100,000 scans either)

The scan resolution is only one contributing factor to scan quality. The difference between an identically sized 300 dpi and 600 dpi scan is negligible compared to the difference between a CIS and a CCD (better) scanner or the difference between 50% and 95% JPG compression. I'd make sure you have a CCD scanner, and then play with your JPG compressions settings first before I worried about the dpi. Additionally, software adjustments like sharpening will also effect the finished scan more then dpi.
Now, if you are displaying the image at 400% actual size or photo printing, then scan DPI becomes more important.

Matt, why would you scan as a jpg instead of a tif?
Jpgs lose something each time they are manipulated and saved, a tif doesn't.
I scan as tifs, do all the post processing, sharpen at the end, and then save as a jpg. Just wondering if there is an advantage I"m not seeing to scanning as a jpg to start, other than the size issues.

jpg and tif are save formats - you don't "scan as a jpg." When you save the file, most people save jpgs so they don't take up too much space. I assume Howard wasn't scanning 100,000 cards for his personal collection. When you save as a jpg, there is a loss of detail due to the compression; that is something that can be controlled and greatly effects the finished product.

The $100 stand alone Epson on 400 dpi. is as good as you will ever need.

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