The majority of digital cameras are set up to capture images intended to be viewed on a computer screen. As a result, the proportions of the image conform to the proportions of a monitor. When it comes timr to print, this can lead to unfortunate cropping issues.

Take this image for example:

This is the full image. The proportions are 4:3, the same as many televisions and monitors. Below are the results from choosing a 'Fill' or a 'Fit' option.

FILL This is how the same image becomes cropped when printed as a 6x4 (with a ratio of 3:2 for comparisons sake). Cropping automatically takes place with equal amounts from two sides (in this case, top and bottom). Notice how the top of the woman on the left's head has been cropped. Sometimes, this effect can totally remove a persons head!

This can be adjusted with the crop point being moved to a more pleasing position, as illustrated here.

FIT The other option available is to print the image with no cropping. This entails zooming out until the whole image is within the paper boundaries. The side effect from this technique however, is that there is some paper not being utilised and the result is blank white space. This can of course be cut off. The finished print in this case would be (if printed on a 6x4 piece of paper) 5x4, which might cause problems with some albums and most frames.

The only remaining option is not really an option at all. The image can be distorted to conform to the new dimensions, however the result is quite unnatural looking and highly unreccomended.

Some digital cameras have the option of shooting 3:2 or what's sometimes called 'Full Frame', which is the same proportions as a 35mm frame and consequentially a 6x4 print. Otherwise a good rule of thumb is to allow yourself some space in the frame when you're shooting. Megapixel counts are so high now that you can get away with a good deal of cropping without an effective loss of resolution.

It is also worth noting that not all print sizes are the same proportions. A 6x8 print is a 4:3 proportion, and thus reverse the cropping situation (a 4:3 image would print with no cropping, but a 3:2 would crop)..