How to compute megapixels to print size?
I have an Olympus FE-15, 6megapixels, point-and-shoot
but I'm planning to have a Nikon entry level, probably a D5000.
my sister has a 5megapixels Nokia cameraphone, with Carl Zeiss lens.
I don't what is the model, but I was bought a year ago.
So, how to compute megapixels to get the maximum print size?
Actually while the number of pixels on a cameras sensor is an important consideration, the quality of the image is more important. Perfect exposure, NO camera or subject movement and perfect focus are going to define how large you can make your prints.
Unless you need the articulated LCD on the D5000, I suggest you look hard at the Nikon D3100. Nikon says that it can produce a 20 x 30 inch print
It's easier than people want to admit.
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Take your max image size your camera can take in pixels…
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Lets say 3000x2000 pixels. This equals about a 6 mega pixel size camera.
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Divide the length and the width by 200. 3000/200 = 15 and 2000/200 = 10.
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The 15 and 10 equal the INCHES that image can print out to and look good (if it is a good image to begin with).
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But. If you use a RIP program attached to a large format printer, you can double or triple these sizes with ease. RIP = Raster Image Processing. Meaning a 6 mega-pixel camera can make a 20x30 inch print. I have personally made 24x36 digital images that look as good as 400 speed film could.
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To make a good 8x10 all you need is 1600x2000 pixels.
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FORGET this so called DPI poop.
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Read this and learn grasshoppers - http://www.rideau-info.com/photos/index.html - especially the part on - The Myth of DPI.
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More printers, professionals and smart schits try to keep 99.5% of the people in total darkness on the ease of digital printing so THEY can make the $$$. Most people do NOT want to learn "new" things. Like RIP printing. Ooh, sounds too hard n scary. Cool, we will do it and make the $$.
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HOWEVER… There's a small twist to this. While a number of cameras (cell phones too) have 5, 6 and more mega pixel images, it's also the size of the chip (CCD or CMOS) in the camera that helps a LOT.
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Take 35mm film. It captures a great image. A 4x5 camera takes a even better image. Now, use a 110 camera on the same image. The final prints WILL look very different. The 110 the worse and the 4x5 the best.
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Cell phone cameras even tho they can have large mega-pixel chips in them are the 110 cameras. Point n shoot digital cameras are like 35mm and can make good prints. The D-SLR's are kinda like the 4x5 cameras and they make the best prints. There are exceptions, but few…
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The fact is, the smaller the chip, of ANY mega pixel size, the less of a quality print you will get. The larger the chip, the better. Period! Carl Zeiss lenses included.
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Learn, and lead the way. Follow and remain like sheep. Stay still and stay in the dark. Your call.