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Resolution for 6' x 4' print?
- Thread starter richarddd
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The Davinator
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If you want it finely detailed...like a landscape, then a real output rez of about 150 ppi+ will be needed. If the image isn't very reliant upon detail, you can go down to even 96ppi.
Currently, there are no DSLRs that can capture that in a single capture to provide even the minimal requirement. So, you have an option....stitch digital frames, or use a larger film format.
The output rez will be dependent upon the printer you're using....Lightjet, inkjet, etc.
Currently, there are no DSLRs that can capture that in a single capture to provide even the minimal requirement. So, you have an option....stitch digital frames, or use a larger film format.
The output rez will be dependent upon the printer you're using....Lightjet, inkjet, etc.
Kwik-E-Mart
Well-known member
I agree. I have printed things like that and generally work from a 150dpi file in Photoshop. I think it's better for Photoshop to upres the image than to send too low a resolution to the printer. That way all of your sharpening and edits are applied at the print resolution.
Just a bit of math: That's 3456 square inches! Compare that to 80 square inches for an 8x10, and you'll get a feeling for how much resolution you really need to print that big. At 150dpi a 4x6 foot poster needs 77 megapixels to print at full res!!!
Mostly shots that big go on a wall where people can't get too close to them. That helps resolution a lot.
Just a bit of math: That's 3456 square inches! Compare that to 80 square inches for an 8x10, and you'll get a feeling for how much resolution you really need to print that big. At 150dpi a 4x6 foot poster needs 77 megapixels to print at full res!!!
Mostly shots that big go on a wall where people can't get too close to them. That helps resolution a lot.
More info: I'm interested in finding and buying a digital image, then having it printed commercially. I'm wondering the resolution I'd need to look for to end up with a nice print.
As suggested, this would go on a wall where people can't get too close to it.
As suggested, this would go on a wall where people can't get too close to it.
Henry Falkner
Forum Pro
As already stated - at 150 dpi the print resolution needs to be 77MB.
I have upscaled 4 MP images to approximately 48x36 inches, at 300 dP per inch that made it 6x. The pictures needed noise reduction and sharpening before printing. Therefore I don't recommend upscaling the original much more than x3 for 150 dpi.
So you are looking for a 26MB original.
The other possibility is to look for pictures that are stitched composites.
But either way, your selection will be a little restricted.
Henry
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Henry Falkner - SP-570UZ, Stylus 9010, Stylus 7020, D-490Z
http://www.pbase.com/hfalkner
I have upscaled 4 MP images to approximately 48x36 inches, at 300 dP per inch that made it 6x. The pictures needed noise reduction and sharpening before printing. Therefore I don't recommend upscaling the original much more than x3 for 150 dpi.
So you are looking for a 26MB original.
The other possibility is to look for pictures that are stitched composites.
But either way, your selection will be a little restricted.
Henry
--
Henry Falkner - SP-570UZ, Stylus 9010, Stylus 7020, D-490Z
http://www.pbase.com/hfalkner
Gato Amarillo
Forum Pro
Depends a lot on viewing distance and audience.
In the early years of digital I made some very large prints from 4 MP cameras. They looked very nice from 6 feet away, only pretty good from 2 feet. In today's world, if your audience can get much closer than 10 feet you need all the resolution you can get.
Ideally, a person would want something in the 50 MP or up range -- which runs into medium format gear and a lot of money. In the real world there are plenty of people making large prints from DSLRs. If I were shopping and price was a consideration I'd look at the Canon 5D Mk II to start, with a professional grade lens (or lenses) appropriate to my subject matter.
Remember that the lens and the photographer's technique are just as important as the camera -- possibly more. Be prepared to put some serious money into the lens or lenses and a good many hours into perfecting both camera and computer technique.
--
Street Fashion and Alternative Portraits:
http://www.silvermirage.com
In the early years of digital I made some very large prints from 4 MP cameras. They looked very nice from 6 feet away, only pretty good from 2 feet. In today's world, if your audience can get much closer than 10 feet you need all the resolution you can get.
Ideally, a person would want something in the 50 MP or up range -- which runs into medium format gear and a lot of money. In the real world there are plenty of people making large prints from DSLRs. If I were shopping and price was a consideration I'd look at the Canon 5D Mk II to start, with a professional grade lens (or lenses) appropriate to my subject matter.
Remember that the lens and the photographer's technique are just as important as the camera -- possibly more. Be prepared to put some serious money into the lens or lenses and a good many hours into perfecting both camera and computer technique.
--
Street Fashion and Alternative Portraits:
http://www.silvermirage.com
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