4×6 and 5×7 are the two popular photo sizes used by everyone. Both these picture sizes are good to be kept in photo frames on a desk or wall hanging frames. Now, the question is which one should you go for? In this article, we will see the key differences between 4×6 vs 5×7. It will help you to make the right choice.
4×6 Vs 5×7 –The Key Differences
1. Camera Aspect Ratio Vs Image Aspect Ratio
All digital cameras support the 2:3 aspect ratio, along with other aspect ratios like 4:3, 16:9, etc. The 2:3 aspect ratio will be the default one.
The 2:3 aspect ratio of the camera matches with the 4×6 image aspect ratio. So, you can give a direct print of the image from the camera. If you want to get a print in 5×7 size, then you will have to use any photo editing tools to crop the image.
2. Cost Factor
Cost is an important factor when it comes to photo printing. When you consider the cost factor for printing, then the 4×6 size would be a cost-effective option. The 4×6 is a more standard photo size when compared to the 5×7 image. So, the cost of printing will be less.
The price for printing 4×6 and 5×7 images from Walmart is shown above. It costs 0.09$ per image for 4×6 and 1.44$ per image for 5×7, under the 1 hour pick up option.
So, the print cost of 5×7 is 16 times that of 4×6. In the case of the shipping option, the price is 60 cents more for the 5×7 size.
3. Picture Frames
Sometimes you will be taking photo prints to keep inside a photo frame. So, you need to cross-check the frame size to ensure whether they support 4×6 or 5×7 size. Here, the picture frame size will decide the final photo print size.
4. Pictures with Printed Borders
Some people like to add a white border or a colored border to the photo. Such photo prints usually go inside a photo frame.
In such situations, you can do it easily by embedding the 4×6 image on a 5×7 white underlay using tools like Adobe Photoshop. The final printed image will be of 5×7 size that can go inside a picture frame that supports the 5×7 image.
The 5×7 underlay helps to give a nice white border to the image. You can change the white color to any others also. In such situations, the 5×7 print is very useful.
5. Image Composition Factor
You will be using the aspect ratio in the camera to compose your image. You would have positioned your subjects and composed the image using the rule of thirds, with the help of camera grids. So, the photo will be a 2:3 aspect ratio that corresponds to a 4×6 image.
If you want to print this photo in 5×7, then you will have to crop the image. It will change the whole composition of the image. The cropped image will look aesthetically less pleasing than the actual one. So, consider the photo print size also when you compose and take the shot.
The same issue will arise if you use any other photo composition techniques from capturing images in-camera and later when you try to crop the photo for 5×7 size.
6. 4×6 vs 5×7 – Image Details
The 4×6 image corresponds to a rectangle of size 4inches by 6 inches. The 5×7 image corresponds to a rectangle of 5 inches by 7 inches.
The 5×7 picture size will be larger than the 4×6 by 1 inch on each side. This larger size will help to showcase more details of the subjects in the picture.
So, there will be more clarity of details in a 5×7 image.
7.For Albums
If you are planning to use the images on Albums, then 4×6 is the generally recommended photo print size.
Most of the photo albums which come with the option of adding photo prints support 4×6 photos. These images can be in portrait or landscape orientation.
8.Photo Printing at Home
If you are using your home printer for printing photos, then you will not be stocking photo paper of both 4×6 and 5×7 sizes. Mostly, you will be having 4×6 photo paper, which is a cost-effective one, due to the common standard dimension factor. So, you will have to stick to the 4×6 size for prints.
Conclusion
Now you know the key differences between the 4×6 vs 5×7 photo prints. Some people find one size more pleasing than the other. So, it’s up to you to decide which photo size suits the best for you.
