Sensor size and print size
Feb 26, 2017 07:47:48 #
I searched UHH and the internet to find out what size quality print can I get considering the following factors. I could not find clear and easy to understand info. I may be a bit slow so can someone explain it in layman’s terms? Photo example is a bird that the small feathers are sharp as well as the eye. I can provide more info if needed.
I have a Nikon P900, 16 MP, Sensor size ½.3 in (I don’t understand what size that is), image size 4608x3456.
I also have a D200, 10.2 MP, sensor size 23.6 mm x 15.8 mm, image size 3872x2592 How large a quality print can I expect to get from each of these cameras?
I have a Nikon P900, 16 MP, Sensor size ½.3 in (I don’t understand what size that is), image size 4608x3456.
I also have a D200, 10.2 MP, sensor size 23.6 mm x 15.8 mm, image size 3872x2592 How large a quality print can I expect to get from each of these cameras?
Feb 26, 2017 07:55:41 #
uaeluor1949 wrote:
I searched UHH and the internet to find out what s... (show quote)
When you get into numbers in digital photography, the discussion can get crazy. Just wait and see. The first consideration is the quality of the image itself. If it looks good on you monitor, that doesn't mean it will look good enlarged and printed. Below are some links about printing different size pictures.
http://www.photoshopessentials.com/essentials/image-quality/
http://www.urban75.org/photos/print.html
http://easybasicphotography.com/image-resolution-pixels-print-sizes.html
http://www.photokaboom.com/photography/learn/printing/resolution/1_printing_ppi_flow_chart.htm#Pixel
Feb 26, 2017 07:55:47 #
There are a lot of factors involved and too many variables to give a good answer. How far away will you be viewing the final image? How much degradation will you tolerate?
Feb 26, 2017 07:59:37 #
uaeluor1949 wrote:
I searched UHH and the internet to find out what s... (show quote)
It's a muc h discussed topic. Your 16mp camera is more than enough to make excellent 16X24 inch prints. A lot depends upon viewing distance. If you are 3 feet away (thats closer than most people will be) 20X30 would be ok. More than that full frame at 35 mp would be necessary. If you will be 50 ft away almost any size sensor will do. If you are 1 inch away a 5X7 won't look so good.
Feb 26, 2017 08:09:35 #
jerryc41 wrote:
When you get into numbers in digital photography, ... (show quote)
Thanks Jerry, I didn't see anything concerning Sensor size. Isn't sensor size a factor? I would think it should.
Feb 26, 2017 08:18:50 #
tradio wrote:
There are a lot of factors involved and too many variables to give a good answer. How far away will you be viewing the final image? How much degradation will you tolerate?
Thanks tradio, I would like a resolution of at least 240, it would be viewed on a living room wall, so maybe 3 to 8 feet. Am I correct that the smaller the Sensor the pixels are different in size than a larger Sensor?
Feb 26, 2017 08:23:13 #
Thanks boberic, I did read many of the posts but I didn't find anything understandable (to me at least) that related Sensor size. Isn't Sensor size a factor?
Feb 26, 2017 08:28:39 #
It's not so much the sensor size as it is how many pixels you have to work with.
Pixels per inch (PPI) is the resolution of the image, dots per inch (DPI) is the resolution of the printer, they are not the same or directly related. The printer driver uses an algorithm to convert the image for printing.
Obviously the more pixels you have to work with the better.
Here is a "guide" chart that someone made. (There are MANY out there!) I would imagine that the reason that they reference pixels dimensions on the left is for when the image is cropped from the original image PPI dimensions, which will lower the image resolution of the cropped image. These are resultant PPI image values. I'm thinking that his reference to the print size in the first chart should probably be DPI not PPI (200/300) for the printer resolution (and might be reversed???).
I hope this helps.
http://www.urban75.org/photos/print.html
Pixels per inch (PPI) is the resolution of the image, dots per inch (DPI) is the resolution of the printer, they are not the same or directly related. The printer driver uses an algorithm to convert the image for printing.
Obviously the more pixels you have to work with the better.
Here is a "guide" chart that someone made. (There are MANY out there!) I would imagine that the reason that they reference pixels dimensions on the left is for when the image is cropped from the original image PPI dimensions, which will lower the image resolution of the cropped image. These are resultant PPI image values. I'm thinking that his reference to the print size in the first chart should probably be DPI not PPI (200/300) for the printer resolution (and might be reversed???).
I hope this helps.
http://www.urban75.org/photos/print.html
Feb 26, 2017 09:09:27 #
You can follow this link to a site that has an explanation of sensor size, PPI and DPI. I am not sure it gives an answer you'll be happy with but it should help. You might look around that site as it has a lot of information related to photography.
http://www.shortcourses.com/sensors/sensors1-2.html
http://www.shortcourses.com/sensors/sensors1-2.html
Feb 26, 2017 09:56:58 #
uaeluor1949 wrote:
Thanks Jerry, I didn't see anything concerning Sensor size. Isn't sensor size a factor? I would think it should.
I can give you a definite "Possibly" for that.
Feb 26, 2017 11:04:03 #
When talking about your dslr, you must also consider the quality of the lens you're using. That's a huge factor, as is your ability to take well focused and exposed images. Don't get too far into the "sensor" issue and neglect evaluating your own skills.
Feb 26, 2017 16:50:43 #
Think the other way around - who is going to print your 'large' image?
Then look at what 'they' require.
People do make billboard size so it is more likely, that it is about 'how you make the image' rather than what camera you use.
Remember: high pixel count is a 'modern' invention.
have fun
Then look at what 'they' require.
People do make billboard size so it is more likely, that it is about 'how you make the image' rather than what camera you use.
Remember: high pixel count is a 'modern' invention.
have fun
Feb 27, 2017 06:09:33 #
Thanks everyone for sharing these web sites, very informative. It looks like the smaller the Sensor the larger the pixels and the smaller the print size. I'm going to send an image to MPIX and ask them to evaluate the image and let me know what they can do.
Feb 27, 2017 08:01:39 #
uaeluor1949 wrote:
I searched UHH and the internet to find out what s... (show quote)
As I understand, a quality Enlarged print depends on a number of things, 1. the original image 2. Sensor size 3. Camera MP 4. the enlargement size, and probably other factors too.
Although, F.Y.I.-- as a "Test", I myself enlarged 2 images from my 8mp Smartphone camera to 8x10 at Walgreens and I was very impressed at the results, crisp, clear, sharp, good color too. I was quite surprised
Feb 27, 2017 08:57:00 #
uaeluor1949 wrote:
I searched UHH and the internet to find out what s... (show quote)
You will be lucky to get more than an 8x10 from the P900. From the D200 you should easily get 16x24 (Traditional 16x20) and up. I used to get 20x30 from my old D90 with no problem. You could even get bigger if you use a modern software like ON1's Perfect Resize.
It is not just the MPxls but each pixel is much smaller on the P900 and other small sensors. I shot a prize winning photograph for an online contest with a Canon G12. Later tried to make an 11x14 for my wall, but the pixel quality just wouldn't do it.
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