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What is the lowest JPEG compression setting when using non inkjet output that provides a print that most users will not visually detect the compression patterns when not enlarging the output ?

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Wouldn't this fit better over on the graphic design or photograhy stack exchange? What does this really have to do with SmugMug? Sorry Larry I'm not singling out you, just trying to help the site grow! – dpollitt♦ Jan 26 '12 at 19:35
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The answer may depend pretty strongly on what application you're using to compress the JPEG in the first place. See regex.info/blog/lightroom-goodies/jpeg-quality for an in-depth dissection of the Lightroom JPEG compression settings. That said, I'd also vote for migrating this to the photography site ... – P.T. Jan 26 '12 at 19:53
From my perspective it has a lot do to with SmugMug, as a photography display and output gateway SmugMug has chose services and products based on the quality a consumer will receive when purchasing those products. Getting the best image posted to be used for output is a vital part of SmugMug beyond an online gallery. True in general the question would be equally applicable to designa dn photography. – Larry Cohn Jan 26 '12 at 20:05
@dpollitt - while it is a general question, it has a LOT to do with Smugmug and it is both a common question and a common misuse of uploaded photos on Smugmug. – jfriend00 Jan 29 '12 at 19:22

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I always recommend using the most original pixels possible - but that being said, on many photos, you'll never tell the difference between a JPG-8, 10 or 12 in print. I typically recommend nothing less than JPG 10 in Photoshop and JPG 90 in Lightroom.

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I would add that JPEG 12 or Lightroom 100% are absolute overkill for prints or screen. All they do is make the images multiple times larger to store and upload and the print and screen results are indistinguishable from JPEG 10 or Lightroom 90. – jfriend00 Jan 29 '12 at 19:22

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