Nikon Df and making big prints
Apr 18, 2019 21:39:34 #
I've been interested on the Df for sometimes now, but the main thing that have been putting me off the purchase it's the 16 MP sensor, and wasn't sure if the ergonomics were kind of right for me. So I just got a rental to try it out, and I can say that I really love this camera's ergonomics and low light capabilities.
Now I only have one question nagging me: is 16 MP sufficient for prints in the 30 X 25 or about?
I would like to get some input in order for me to see if I take the plunge and buy it. Thanks.
Now I only have one question nagging me: is 16 MP sufficient for prints in the 30 X 25 or about?
I would like to get some input in order for me to see if I take the plunge and buy it. Thanks.
Apr 18, 2019 22:00:19 #
Robert1 wrote:
I've been interested on the Df for sometimes now, ... (show quote)
16MP will work fine. I have 24X36 and larger prints from all of my cameras ranging from 8MP to 20MP.
Only I can tell which one was which.
Apr 18, 2019 22:13:04 #
rond-photography wrote:
16MP will work fine. I have 24X36 and larger prints from all of my cameras ranging from 8MP to 20MP.
Only I can tell which one was which.
Only I can tell which one was which.
Thank you for your reply. I guess that I was wrong about 16 MP. I thought that 24 and up MP were required for big prints.
Apr 18, 2019 22:32:41 #
Robert1 wrote:
Thank you for your reply. I guess that I was wrong about 16 MP. I thought that 24 and up MP were required for big prints.
Personally, I’d go for at least 24 MP for prints that size. Because you do have to crop on occasion. Just my opinion, of course.
Andy
Apr 18, 2019 22:55:26 #
AndyH wrote:
Personally, I’d go for at least 24 MP for prints that size. Because you do have to crop on occasion. Just my opinion, of course.
Andy
Andy
Thank you Andy for your reply. I didn't think about cropping. Hopefully, I'll get more input about it.
Apr 18, 2019 23:10:47 #
Robert1 wrote:
Thank you Andy for your reply. I didn't think about cropping. Hopefully, I'll get more input about it.
One way to deal with cropping is with longer lenses and let them do some of the cropping, optically. You'd have to learn to compose a picture with a long lens.
Apr 18, 2019 23:39:00 #
Robert1 wrote:
I've been interested on the Df for sometimes now, ... (show quote)
I’m going to take a shot at this using math based on how many DPI we want in the final image.
First question: How many DPI can I get with 16 MP sensor and a 25”x30” image?
Answer: 146 dpi
(I rounded but please feel free to check my math).
Next question: How many MP Sensor will I need to get 75 dpi on a 25”x30” print ?
Answer: 4.2 MegPix
200 DPI?
Answer: 30 MegPix
240 DPI?
Answer: 43.2 MegPix
300 DPI
Answer: 67.5 MegPix
IMHO 146 DPI would be fine for a 25”x30” size print viewed from a normal distance. Just saying.
But the question is how many DPI do you want in the final print? That will determine the answer to your question. I am sure there are standards for this. Do some research.
Apr 19, 2019 00:57:15 #
Robert1 wrote:
Thank you for your reply. I guess that I was wrong about 16 MP. I thought that 24 and up MP were required for big prints.
If you have normal eye sight and don't use a loupe and you are going to view your print as closely as possible then no 16MP isn't sufficient because that's around 146PPI and normal eyes at close range can see more than that.
If you are going to view large size print at further distance (so that you can see the entire image without having to move your eye balls or your head then 16MP is more than enough for any size print.
Apr 19, 2019 05:36:15 #
cmc4214
Loc: S.W. Pennsylvania
If you are looking for "flaws" 16MP is not sufficient...(no amount will be) ...If you are looking at the "photograph" 16 MP is more than enough
Apr 19, 2019 06:38:02 #
Robert1 wrote:
I've been interested on the Df for sometimes now, ... (show quote)
The answer is in here:
http://www.photokaboom.com/photography/learn/printing/resolution/1_which_resolution_print_size_viewing_distance.htm
You have more than enough resolution for a print made to 25x30. Don't let anyone convince you otherwise. I have made many prints large prints from images take with a 6 mp camera - a D70S - and some were as big as 40x60.
Print resolution required is a function of viewing distance. Bigger prints are usually viewed at distances that are greater than a 4x6, so naturally the 4x6 requires more ppi. Your 25x30 will look fine printed at 64 ppi, which means you only "need" 1600x1920 px if you anticipate it being viewed at a normal distance of about 4-1/2 ft. Naturally, if you anticipate people viewing it closer, like 2 ft, you'll need 3900x4680 px - or 18.25 mp.
Apr 19, 2019 06:38:58 #
I've had 20x30 prints made from a 6MP Nikon D70 and a 12MP Nikon D3S that were flawless. If your original images are exposed well, there are numerous enlarging applications that do a great job (On1 Resize, Photoshop Preserve Details 2.0, Alien Skin Blow Up). Also, the technology behind these applications keeps getting better. The new Topaz AI Gigapixel is pretty amazing, and is available as a standalone trial version if you want to see how it works for you.
I think you may find a YouTube video "Megapixels And Printing Large Photos | 20x30 Prints With 12 Megapixels" helpful.
I think you may find a YouTube video "Megapixels And Printing Large Photos | 20x30 Prints With 12 Megapixels" helpful.
Apr 19, 2019 07:05:21 #
billnikon
Loc: Pennsylvania/Ohio/Florida/Maui/Oregon/Vermont
Robert1 wrote:
I've been interested on the Df for sometimes now, ... (show quote)
I used the D4s (same 16 MP) and I print 20X30 prints from it. No problem so far. But alas, I sold that bad boy and bought a D850.
Apr 19, 2019 07:54:57 #
OK guys. I think I got it now. I thank you all for taking the time to give your input.
I'll be buying the Nikon Df without any reservations now. 16 MP will be enough.
When I hold it and play with its layout of controls the Df feels like it was made for me.
As a side note, being a left handed guy the only thing that does not work smoothly as I'm used to, is Nikon cameras have the lens release being placed on the left side of the camera, rather than the right side like Pentax cameras, but it's not a biggie, I can live with it.
I'll be buying the Nikon Df without any reservations now. 16 MP will be enough.
When I hold it and play with its layout of controls the Df feels like it was made for me.
As a side note, being a left handed guy the only thing that does not work smoothly as I'm used to, is Nikon cameras have the lens release being placed on the left side of the camera, rather than the right side like Pentax cameras, but it's not a biggie, I can live with it.
Apr 19, 2019 08:01:34 #
Robert1 wrote:
I've been interested on the Df for sometimes now, ... (show quote)
Over 15 years ago, as a Wedding and Portrait photographer, I decided it was time to switch from film to digital. What convinced me? I started seeing at PPA conventions, comparative 30X40 prints with one image captured on film and one captured on digital. The digital was sharper. The best digitals, back then were in the 8MP range. 16MP should be fine.
Apr 19, 2019 08:16:27 #
Robert1 wrote:
OK guys. I think I got it now. I thank you all for... (show quote)
As has been affirmed by more than one credible post, specifically Gene51 and yssirk123, 16 MP will produce great enlarged prints. With that in mind, having only 16MP should not be a deal breaker for you.
But, there is more. I own a Df, and a D800E as well. i value the Df because it is a great camera with the look and ergonomics that I seriously appreciate---as you have described. It is beautiful, and a pleasure to use.
I use both cameras, but the Df is the one I carry everyday.
If you pull the trigger on a DF, you will love it for many reasons---in my experience unrelated to the MP's.
I am left handed too.
Simply put, the Df is a different kind of camera; not for everyone, but totally a pleasure to own and use.
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