What size dpi for enlargements

[Jill H]

I am sure this has been covered before, so please excuse me if I ask again -
but if I am to make enlargements say to 12x24 or 24x36 prints or canvas, should I be increasing the dpi on my files to 300dpi? or what would you suggest? Some are taken with a Canon 450D, some with a Canon PowerShotPro1 , and some with Canon G11.

thanks!

[RichardTaylor]

What does the company who is doing your prints need?
I havn't done any prints like that since film days.

[Jill H]

Hi Richard, they are just digital files I was going to take to Camera House.

[RichardTaylor]

Hi Jill,
Just looking around on the net it seems like 300DPI for photographs

Eg.
See here (Micheals of Melbourne). Also gives you an idea of pixel sizes.
Print Quality Issues Explained | michaels Camera Video Digital, Melbourne Australia

One of the Canvas printing sites says you need a lot less for canvas, however I couldn't find any more details.

Edit:
This may help re Canvas (ie no less than 100DPI and 200 DPI for paper)
http://www.geniusprinting.com.au/howbig.php

[Jill H]

thanks Richard for your help! cheers! Now I just need to get around the "crop" factor! ie - think of it while I am taking the photo! cheers!

[toasted75]

The bigger the photo, the smaller the dpi you need (because you look at it from further away)... normal 6x4 photos generally need about 300dpi, but you'll probably get down to at least 180dpi for the sizes you mention without any noticeable loss in quality.

I'd print it out as a standard print and see what it comes up like before going for a more expensive treatment like a canvas though

[LeeR]

This is one of those cases where it really helps to develop a relationship with whoever will be printing your images. You will find that there are every bit as many tricks of the trade on the printing side as there are on the shooting side. DPI is important, but it is only one of many factors that goes into make a fine print.

I mention this before, but my printer recently showed me a 30 X 40 print he made from an 8 MP image, something considered impossible on any of the websites that recommend dpi and print size. I noticed right off that A) the image was place above and behind the counter so no one could get close to it, and B) that is was a high contrast image (a blue jellyfish against a black background) but I suspect he employed a few other tricks to get this image looking as good as it did. Trust me, a friend in the printing business can make you look like a hero and may even be able to make suggestions that will help you in the field.

[Jill H]

thanks everyone - very helpful advice. One problem I have is the colour always seems to be a bit dark on prints....

[ilcavallo]

Jill,

You should also be calibrating your monitor on your computer so that what you are seeing on there is actually the true color that is printing out. Doing so may help with your problem of the dark colors.

[Jill H]

Originally Posted by ilcavallo

Jill,

You should also be calibrating your monitor on your computer so that what you are seeing on there is actually the true color that is printing out. Doing so may help with your problem of the dark colors.

hmmm you are probably correct - I will have to find out how to do that.... thanks!