FX vs DX or Resolution and Megapixels? Folks I have a D200 and am happy with everything but the print size. I wanted to print one of my grandson's photos in a 20" x 30" poster, but my...

Mourfman Loc: Pittsburgh, PA

Folks I have a D200 and am happy with everything but the print size. I wanted to print one of my grandson's photos in a 20" x 30" poster, but my maximum resolution (3,872 × 2,592) produced lousy results. I don't know if moving to an FX body would do more good than going to a high resolution with a DX body.

The vast majority of my lenses are DX, and my other accessories use the 10-pin connector. So if I switch the camera body, I would want a 10-pin connector.

Any thoughts or recommendations?

MT Shooter Loc: Montana

Take a good look at the new Nikon D7100. At 24.1MP it will give you 20x30 prints easily, and accept your DX lenses.

GoofyNewfie Loc: Kansas City

MT Shooter wrote:

Take a good look at the new Nikon D7100. At 24.1MP it will give you 20x30 prints easily, and accept your DX lenses.

:thumbup: :thumbup: :thumbup:

CaptainC Loc: Colorado, south of Denver

The D7100 does not appear to have the 10-pin connector. It is such a good unit that the 10-pin thing might not be a deal-breaker, but just so you know...

Not 100% sure, but I do not think there is a DX camera out there now that does have that feature.

Mourfman Loc: Pittsburgh, PA

10 pin connector is not a deal breaker, but would want to find a multi-function shutter release and intervalometer

Jamers Loc: Michigan

CaptainC wrote:

The D7100 does not appear to have the 10-pin connector. It is such a good unit that the 10-pin thing might not be a deal-breaker, but just so you know...

Not 100% sure, but I do not think there is a DX camera out there now that does have that feature.

What is the maximum quality print size that one can shoot with a D200?.

GregShea Loc: Redding, Ca

D800e

GoofyNewfie Loc: Kansas City

Jamers wrote:

CaptainC wrote:

The D7100 does not appear to have the 10-pin connector. It is such a good unit that the 10-pin thing might not be a deal-breaker, but just so you know...

Not 100% sure, but I do not think there is a DX camera out there now that does have that feature.

What is the maximum quality print size that one can shoot with a D200?.

It's subjective, but as a general rule of thumb, I think you want to have 300 pixels per inch for best output.
I am happy with 200 depending on the subject.
Larger prints aren't made to be looked at close, though people do that. (That's when the velvet ropes go up- to keep them away!)
There is software out there that does a good job of upsizing photos.

You can download the whole PDF below.
It's a bit dated...doesn't go to 36 mp to cover the Nikon D800.

PDF chart here:
Attached file:
(Download)

Jamers Loc: Michigan

GoofyNewfie wrote:

quote=Jamers quote=CaptainC The D7100 does not a... (show quote)

Thanks Goofy, I made a copy, I'm not too savvy with this math/pixels stuff. Would love to eventually make quality prints up to 16X20, but don't think a D200 is big enough, I see a D800e off in the horizon.

sbesaw Loc: Boston

Mourfman wrote:

10 pin connector is not a deal breaker, but would want to find a multi-function shutter release and intervalometer

D7100 has built in Intervelometer

wildconc2001 Loc: Chicagoland

I was going to say that the D200 should make very good 20x30's even close up with proper technique and post processing and then I remembered that when that camera came out they had some focusing problems. If you happen to have one of those, your enlargement would be affected. If not. perhaps with that particular image you didn't hold well. I see you have Photoshop so why don't you take a few shots on a tripod and focus carefully. In photoshop work them to 20x30 and sharpen and look at them on the screen at image size.

Ugly Jake Loc: Sub-Rural Vermont

It depends on the picture, too - this one was taken with a 2 MP P&S Kodak cx4200, and it blew up (WalMart online) to 20 X 30 just fine! I got a metallic paper print at 11 x 13, and you can get as close as you like, and it's superb !!

Jamers Loc: Michigan

wildconc2001 wrote:

I was going to say that the D200 should make very ... (show quote)

If my photo is out of focus, its owner operator problem, not my camera, I must have one of the good D200.

wildconc2001 Loc: Chicagoland

Possibly so, Jamers, happens to all of us on occasion. What I was referring to was a camera that is slightly off in which case a small print might be acceptably sharp whereas if you significantly enlarge it the results become unacceptable. No intent of demeaning you.

Jamers Loc: Michigan

wildconc2001 wrote:

Possibly so, Jamers, happens to all of us on occasion. What I was referring to was a camera that is slightly off in which case a small print might be acceptably sharp whereas if you significantly enlarge it the results become unacceptable. No intent of demeaning you.

It's OK Wildconc, I did not take your statement as demeaning :lol: :thumbup: