An improved image upload system would only accept the raw uploaded file and save it to the disk (maybe try to make a small thumbnail to ensure that the upload was successful). Later versions of the image could be created as needed when the individual (smaller) image sizes are requested.

Would this system by any chance be able to accept any size pictures, and any aspect ratio? In other words, it will be just like dslreports dimagery?

I would design it with that in mind, but your suggestion would technically be a separate feature addition.

I've always thought this was a great idea...

I don't quite understand what you're saying...we will still be able to upload pngs, gifs, and jpgs, right?

I believe caedes is just recommending to himself (this is my edited, interpretted version). ;-)

....basically what we already have just that you can upload any file size (maybe including aspect ratio but who knows). So you can upload 4000x3000px files? (This is how i understood it).

...then instead of having 1600x120; 1280x1024; blah blah blah 800x600...it would be more of a: i wanna 1280x1024 pic for my monitor, thank you, and magically it appears?

I think the only change is that instead of generating lower res images automatically it waits until they are requested at least once and then generates thme. So if noone requests a 800x600 version of a 1600x1200 file it will never be generated, thus saving time and server space.

btw, can you briefly explain what the mods have to do once an image is uploaded? So does the server resize the image automatically, or is it something the mods have to do?

No, we just have to approve it before it appears in the "New" gallery. Basically it's just like clearing PM's. The system automatically creates all the resolutions when it is uploaded (that's what caedes is talking about changing here).

Ah, its clear as brick..i mean glass now.

I like the idea...but maybe it should be the other way around: The images have all the sizes available at first, then archived images only have the full size version, and the other versions upon request? ...i think you already knew that though.

Don't worry, I'm sure he knows what he's doing :-)

...hopefully. ;-)