Now, obviously I know what it means to someone in an office when they ask me for a “high res’ image”, but it really is a fairly arbitrary request. I mean, how high would you like it? Of course, I know what is being asked for. A sharp highly resolved image as opposed to a ghastly fuzzy one (low res).
But are these people really asking for a high resolution image? Actually, they are only ever asking for a high resolution file (usually 300ppi) but that in no way means they will get a high resolution image.
Consider what influences would help to create a ‘low resolution’ image …
1) A poor quality (unsharp) lens.
2) An inaccurately focused lens.
3) A dirty lens.
4) Camera movement.
5) Subject movement.
6) A low quality image sensor (if digital).
7) A low resolution film (if film).
8) An image shot in ‘low quality’ (digital camera).
9) An image presented as a low resolution file.
… and the only one that seems of concern them, is the last one! Odd, don’t you think?