X-T2 Print Size

[mountainhiker]

What is a reasonable size to have printed from a X-T2? I took a series of photos that I'd like to print individually that are part of a set to hang on the wall. Looking for recommendations on how big I can go without going too big. Initially I'm thinking roughly 12x20" or maybe 20x24" at the largest (depending on the image, of course). There was minimal to no cropping on the images.

 

[Bielers]

I'm no expert (by any stretch of the imagination) but with the X-T2 file resolution of 6000 x 4000 pixels, if you wanted to print at the standard ppi of 300, you'd get a print of 20" by 13.3". A Google search suggests 200ppi is OK for large prints, which would allow for 30" by 20". This is assuming no cropping, of course.

Again, I'm no expert, so someone may want to correct me on this.

 

[a_c_skinner]

I'm afraid youi'll have to experiment simply because what you will find OK is very personal and is dependent on the display setup. Lighting and the place (basically how close most viewers will be) will be important.

Two things you could try. One is to get small prints of small parts of the images made (I'd need a lot of thought about how to do that!) - has anyone got a simple how to do it they might share? Secondly what about Topaz upscaling? You do get a free trial. It isn't always artefact free.

Finally of course the bigger question is how sharp the images are.

You'll have no trouble with 20" prints. Canvas hides some shortcomings. (Not that I would know of course, Oh no. Not my images, Never, No way).

 

[JohnS59]

What is a reasonable size to have printed from a X-T2? I took a series of photos that I'd like to print individually that are part of a set to hang on the wall. Looking for recommendations on how big I can go without going too big. Initially I'm thinking roughly 12x20" or maybe 20x24" at the largest (depending on the image, of course). There was minimal to no cropping on the images.

I would say: any size you want. You can always upsample to get any number of pixels you need. Having said that, it's obvious that if you go larger than say 20x30" (without cropping) you - theoretically - start loosing some detail if compared with a better sensor. At normal view distance this will hardly visible if visible at all for the human eye. At that size a FF or MF sensor with 40 MP or more starts to result in a slightly better print. Only when looking very carefully this become noticable. More so if you print really large. This is often proved by people who got into the trouble of making very large prints of pictures with different sensors, from 16MP APS-C to 100 MP MF, e.g. GFX.

But: how often do you print that large? I am not talking about pixel peeping here.

I have the same sensor as you in my X-H1 and X-PRO2 and no plans to upgrade to a new camera with more MP or a larger sensor. I must confess that sometimes I thought about it but I am pretty sure it brings no real advantage for me. And probably most people too.

 

[a_c_skinner]

You say a FF sensor with more pixels would yield more detail for bigger prints but isn't it the case that the main determinant is the pixel count not sensor size.

 

[JohnS59]

You say a FF sensor with more pixels would yield more detail for bigger prints but isn't it the case that the main determinant is the pixel count not sensor size.

Technically, yes. But a larger sensor often has a higher dynamic range and this results in slightly more "detail" in the darker shadows it seems. Better seeing what's going on there is what I mean. This is another kind of detail than pure resolution/very fine details.

As often said, it is possible wise to rent a camera first if you think you benefit from more MP or a larger sensor than offered by a camera like the X-T2 or any other 24MP+ APS-C/FF sensor.

 

[a_c_skinner]

Good point about DR. Looking at PhotonstoPhotos there is a difference but it isn't very much. (D850, Z8 and X-H2 were the ones I chose.)

 

[Ocoloy]

I've sold 150cm (60inch) prints at galleries and sold an image printed at A2 for 4000usd, that image was cropped over 50%. All shot with XT2.

I have no issues as long as the lens is good and aperture is good, light is good and ISO is low.

 

[j tokarz]

I have prints 30x40 inch from my now sold XT-1. I also have 30x40 inch prints from my old E1 and E3. My friend who used to be a newspaper pro says. WOW every time he sees them. A really good printer can take them as large as you want.

 

[a_c_skinner]

And technique impeccable. I'm sorry to keep saying that but these fora often get carried away with gear and equally often have questions asked (not this one of course) which betray a lack of basic knowledge and skills.

 

[Earl Goodson]

I have 20 x 30 inch prints from my old 26MP X-T4 that look marvelous, both up close and at a distance.

 

[mountainhiker]

What is a reasonable size to have printed from a X-T2? I took a series of photos that I'd like to print individually that are part of a set to hang on the wall. Looking for recommendations on how big I can go without going too big. Initially I'm thinking roughly 12x20" or maybe 20x24" at the largest (depending on the image, of course). There was minimal to no cropping on the images.

I would say: any size you want. You can always upsample to get any number of pixels you need. Having said that, it's obvious that if you go larger than say 20x30" (without cropping) you - theoretically - start loosing some detail if compared with a better sensor. At normal view distance this will hardly visible if visible at all for the human eye. At that size a FF or MF sensor with 40 MP or more starts to result in a slightly better print. Only when looking very carefully this become noticable. More so if you print really large. This is often proved by people who got into the trouble of making very large prints of pictures with different sensors, from 16MP APS-C to 100 MP MF, e.g. GFX.

But: how often do you print that large? I am not talking about pixel peeping here.

I have the same sensor as you in my X-H1 and X-PRO2 and no plans to upgrade to a new camera with more MP or a larger sensor. I must confess that sometimes I thought about it but I am pretty sure it brings no real advantage for me. And probably most people too.

I really can't think of the last time I printed anything so I'm pretty much starting from scratch. I'm not looking to print too big, just something that is visible from several feet away that can be enjoyed.

Based on the rest of the input thus far, it sounds like I can print almost any size I want if the print shop is good and knows how to handle the printing process. For what it's worth, I'm looking at using Bay Photo but I've also been reading about MPix.

 

[mountainhiker]

I've sold 150cm (60inch) prints at galleries and sold an image printed at A2 for 4000usd, that image was cropped over 50%. All shot with XT2.

I have no issues as long as the lens is good and aperture is good, light is good and ISO is low.

Interesting, thanks for the feedback. I suppose the size range I was looking at should be acceptable then.