I would like to print some photos I took as big as possible. I have done some google searching to get some resolution guidelines, but the information I have found varies widely.
When printing smaller photos (up to 8x10), I generally like to have at least 300dpi. However, when printing what are considered "poster prints" (11x14 and up), the required, and even recommended, resolution for most printing services drops considerably (down to 150dpi in some cases).
I am concerned about final print quality. Does any one have experience with printing poster prints? I'd love to be able to englarge my photos as much as possible, but I don't want to lose quality and end up with a bunch of expensive colorful pieces of trash.
Thanks!
2006-10-16 03:10:32 · 5 answers · asked by Emma 2 in Arts & Humanities ➔ Visual Arts ➔ Photography
I am using a digital 8.2MP camera.
My sources for the recommended file resolution were places like shutterfly, etc. It wasn't that they were saying you can't have 300dpi, they were saying it wasn't necessary to get optimal print quality at that size. I suppose the idea is that the larger you are printing, the farther away you'll be when looking at it.
2006-10-16 04:11:58 · update #1
Hey Emma,
If you are really concerned, put the image files on disks, and take to a photo shop. They will use the image you have and print posters with the highest quality photo you have. You will not improve the photos in the process, but you will not wreck the quality you have.
Here are a couple of cyber space print shops.
2006-10-16 03:24:56 · answer #1 · answered by BuyTheSeaProperty 7 · 3⤊ 0⤋
Hewlett Packard A716 Compact Photo Printer
2016-05-22 06:14:28 · answer #2 · answered by ? 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I'm slightly confused - I've been under the impression that the more dpi the better, so when going much larger you would definitely want 300+... Can you possibly list your sources on this? The only reasoning I can think of right now is that 2 different sources are being used for different size recommendations. But I agree that you may consider consulting your local pro printing shop and see what they recommend - if any body should know, it would be them!
2006-10-16 04:08:27 · answer #3 · answered by myaddictiontofire 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You don't say if you are using digital or film. Enlargement quality will depend on many different factors including quality of the negative, size of the negative etc. The best enlargements are from film with a large or medium negative size. I.E. 35mm is usually only good to 11x14 although larger prints can be had if you digitilize you negative.
2006-10-16 03:25:38 · answer #4 · answered by Brian O 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You will view a poster from a greater distance and the resolution can be somewhat "lower" without the eye perceiving the difference. Short answer.
You've seen this yourself. Take an image and REALLY pixellate it. Sit 15-16 inches from your monitor and it will be a blur. Sit back a few feet form your monitor and you will be able to recognize the image.
2006-10-16 12:57:15 · answer #5 · answered by Picture Taker 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋