How to maximize print size

[AdamR]

Given a RAW file, what processing can be done in PS elements so that its print size can be maximized?
I'm using a d90 with the 18-105 kit lens, if that makes a difference.

[Aegea]

I think the maximum print size is pretty much determined by the size of the sensor; normally, post processing can't put any more detail in the picture than the sensor captured originally. The D90 is roughly 4000 x 3000 pixels, and most people say you should print at 300 dots per inch. Allowing one dot per pixel, that's about 13 inches by 10 inches. Trying to go bigger than this will start reducing the sharpness of the print, which may or may not be acceptable.

[wulf]

Of course, the bigger the final picture, the further away you are likely to be viewing it, so 300dpi may be more detail than is required.

I've used some of my photos, which have a maximum size of about 3000x2000px as backdrops for presentations I've given and, even though they have been blown up to 10' wide or more, they have looked just fine.

Wulf

[AdamR]

Thanks for the help!

Does anyone know if there's a formula out there for acceptable dpi as a function of viewing distance?

[kirbinster]

That is tough because it is a function of what the picture is of. I think Nikon claims you can make 20" x 30" prints from the D40 which is only 6mp.

[teaking]

You can easily go up to A3 print sizes with 4000x3000 and like Wulf said take into account viewing distance unless your work is going to be looked at by magnifying glass from close up you will be surprised how good large prints look from where they will be actually viewed.

On the DPI front please be wary when referring to DPI and print sizes because DPI is generally used by designers to specify how big size wise they require an image to be printed from an image they send with a set resolution. Resolution is usualy all you need to deal with as DPI will physically change as you print a file at different sizes and is commonly miss understood.

[eric_nelson]

Originally Posted by AdamR

Thanks for the help!

Does anyone know if there's a formula out there for acceptable dpi as a function of viewing distance?

There is a little known trick in PS that may help;

1. Open your image and go to image>image size;
2. Set Resolution at 320 pixels/in
3. Set size you want
4. Check the Resample Image box
5. Use the dropdown menu and choose Bicubic Sharper (best for reduction)

I know the last step seems awkward but it is a Scott Kelby suggestion and works great.

The final result depends on many things including noise, ISO, details ....but I have been able to take my images far beyond the size that people have suggested is the max.

Good luck!

[OsmosisStudios]

Even with a 10-12mp image you can easily make 100ppi 24x36" or larger prints. That's movie poster size, and larger than you'll likely ever need.

[elkidogz]

WOOT POST 100!

Resampling can still cause distortion... however this is the "best" method. I had a customer who wanted to use an image I had created from a picture of clouds and a clip art over lay for a CD cover he was making. The Clouds weren't a problem, but the clip art was. Most stuff for websites is 74 - 92 dpi... resampling adds noise to anything you try to "enlarge" there are lots of websites on this.

Take into consideration what Wulf said and try to resmaple in a few different DPI's and resolutions. I usually only double the value.