3:2 ?

Hi. I have a dsc f717. It lets me use( 3:2) 2650. or regular 2650x1920. should I shoot in 3.2 mode only ? is it a better size or ratio? thanks in advance for help.

The 3:2 ratio is the same proportions as a 35mm negative - in that the full frame will translate directly to a standard 4x6 print.

The proportions you give for 'regular' translates roughly to a 16:9 ratio - like a Widescreen HDTV.
Getting prints made, it would take a 4x7 (like APS "H" format) to translate the full frame directly - and standard 4x6's will crop off some of the length (about 15%).

So, it's a matter of how you're planning to use your pictures. If you're normally getting 4x6 prints made, use the 3:2 ratio. If you normally view them on one of the new widescreen TV's, use the 16:9.

I normally shoot in the 3:2 mode with my Kodak digital, because it matches what I'm accustomed to in my Film work. From a technical standpoint, the 3:2 uses fewer pixels, so it takes a little less space for the files. I have noticed no quality difference in the two sizes, and you probably won't either - because the pixel density vs, image area remains the same.

Are you sure it's not 2560 x 1920? That's a pretty common size - my Coolpix has this (Sony sensor). With this resolution, you would be closer to "standard" print dimensions of 5x7 or 8x10. You'll still have to crop but not as much. 3:2 is the standard 35mm ratio but that means that an 8x10 print has two inches cropped from the long dimension. I'd probably stick with the 2560 x 1920 to have more cropping options later.

Thank you for the info. It has made things much more clear for me.