Resolution and Printing size????

[jands0607]

To ask a question that is related( if that's OK), what if I wanted to print something larger, say 24x18? My camera shoots at 12.5MP - large pictures are 4288x2848. At 240 DPI that's approx 18"x12"... if I want to print at 24"x18", would upsizing the photo work? I changed the document size settings for a photo in PS and it increased the resolution to 6504x4320 @ 240 DPI. But everything I know tells me this will not look good as increasing pixels is bad. However, I zoomed in to full size and I didn't notice any distortion on the computer. Am I fooling myself here? If I send this file to be printed on a canvas will it look like crap?

Using the photo's default resolution, the website I use to upload the file and print to canvas says the resolution is too small for that size canvas (24x18). I'm wondering maybe I just should go to a smaller size. Any help is appreciated... thanks.

Edit: I should prob mention that the photo is a silhouette B&W with a soft focus added around the edges... there is not a need for excellent detail.

[RichardTaylor]

I think it will look ok.

[BCampbell]

Originally Posted by rickp1

Let me ask you. Is there a standard for the minimum resolution an image should be for good quality results?

It depends on what you're using to print.

At a good photo lab, you'd be surprised how well photos print even as low as 125dpi. Good printers perform inter- and extrapolation routines just like your photo editing software -- in my experience, usually better than your software can do.

In addition, the smaller the print, the higher resolution you generally need. This has to do with the fact that our eyes have a maximum angular resolution (specifically, about 60 lines per degree, but this is also affected by color), so the further you are from something the less detail per physical inch of space is needed to make something resolvable. Large prints are often done at resolutions below 200ppi, which you might notice when you stand four inches away, but when far enough away to view the whole image it will look just fine. It's similar to why halftoning works.

Basically, don't worry too much. Your best bet is to talk to your print service, tell them what your goal is, and ask what they recommend. Run some proofs, and see if you're happy with the result or not.

[dakwegmo]

Originally Posted by jands0607

To ask a question that is related( if that's OK), what if I wanted to print something larger, say 24x18? My camera shoots at 12.5MP - large pictures are 4288x2848. At 240 DPI that's approx 18"x12"... if I want to print at 24"x18", would upsizing the photo work? I changed the document size settings for a photo in PS and it increased the resolution to 6504x4320 @ 240 DPI. But everything I know tells me this will not look good as increasing pixels is bad. However, I zoomed in to full size and I didn't notice any distortion on the computer. Am I fooling myself here? If I send this file to be printed on a canvas will it look like crap?

I've printed photos from a file 4288x2848 pixels at 20x30" with absolutely no noticeable pixelation even held up close and specifically looking for it. 24x18 shouldn't be a problem at all. If your printer won't let you print them at that size, I would around and see if you can find another printer. I wouldn't upsize the file though.

[jands0607]

Originally Posted by RichardTaylor

I think it will look ok.

Originally Posted by dakwegmo

I've printed photos from a file 4288x2848 pixels at 20x30" with absolutely no noticeable pixelation even held up close and specifically looking for it. 24x18 shouldn't be a problem at all. If your printer won't let you print them at that size, I would around and see if you can find another printer. I wouldn't upsize the file though.

Thanks. I went ahead and ordered it, can't wait to see it.