I have seen claims on several Internet sites and blogs about photographers producing giant prints -- 24"x36", 40"x60" and more -- using the image files obtained from small-format digital cameras, with up to 35 mm sensors. And, just so there is no confusion I am not referring to stitched frames or mosaics, which can admittedly provide much higher detail.
My curiosity has got the better of me, especially, after reading that these large prints are tack sharp and can match the quality of prints produced using large-format gear. So, I thought I'd start a discussion on this subject. I am sure many of you make prints of your digitally captured images. We also have several members who used to work with large format film cameras but are now shooting with DSLRs. I am looking forward to your collective input on this topic.
First it must be said that "tack sharp" is subjective in the sense that the larger the print, the farther away the optimum viewing distance. One does not put their nose on a 30 x 40 and expect it to be tack sharp. I provide many images in the 20x30, 24x36, 30x40, and on occasion even larger, up to 4 by 8 feet and all are sharp. Some even result from lowly 6 megapixel files from my very first DSLR - the Canon D60. Yes, D60, not 60D. Granted, not as many from the D60 as I now provide from the 5D Mark IV, but the point is, as it always is in photography, much or most depends on the user and not the tool.
Whether those prints are equal to those made using medium to large format gear in my case at least is moot. My images print large, look fine, and sell so I'm happy. Make no mistake, the larger the format the higher the potential image quality. It simply stands to reason and no way I'm going to claim those old D60 files will equal new 50 megapixel files from the Canon 5Ds or any of the medium format sensors. Bigger sensors allow more photosites and larger photosites and that combination will almost certainly guarantee higher quality image files in the hands of a competent user.
Posted by Bill Chambers on March 23, 2017 at 4:32 PM
Hi Anil. Of course, the unspoken limiting factor is mega-pixels. With my old D2x (12.7 MP), I have produced a 48 inch wide print (on canvas) that was acceptable (barely). Certainly could not have gone any larger. Didn't want to go to 48" but the client was insistent (and he understood it will be less than tack sharp).
With my D810 (36 MP), I have printed up to 60" wide on aluminum and, indeed, it was very sharp. I have a friend that has printed up to 72" on aluminum (don't know which camera he used or MP), and I thought it looked amazingly good considering the size. I would not hesitate to print my 36 MP images to 72", assuming the image was shot using a tripod and proper technique. I shoot 99.9% of my images on a tripod. Now, just to find someone wanting a 72" wide image!!
Discussion
2 repliesI have seen claims on several Internet sites and blogs about photographers producing giant prints -- 24"x36", 40"x60" and more -- using the image files obtained from small-format digital cameras, with up to 35 mm sensors. And, just so there is no confusion I am not referring to stitched frames or mosaics, which can admittedly provide much higher detail.
My curiosity has got the better of me, especially, after reading that these large prints are tack sharp and can match the quality of prints produced using large-format gear. So, I thought I'd start a discussion on this subject. I am sure many of you make prints of your digitally captured images. We also have several members who used to work with large format film cameras but are now shooting with DSLRs. I am looking forward to your collective input on this topic.
Regards,
Whether those prints are equal to those made using medium to large format gear in my case at least is moot. My images print large, look fine, and sell so I'm happy. Make no mistake, the larger the format the higher the potential image quality. It simply stands to reason and no way I'm going to claim those old D60 files will equal new 50 megapixel files from the Canon 5Ds or any of the medium format sensors. Bigger sensors allow more photosites and larger photosites and that combination will almost certainly guarantee higher quality image files in the hands of a competent user.
With my D810 (36 MP), I have printed up to 60" wide on aluminum and, indeed, it was very sharp. I have a friend that has printed up to 72" on aluminum (don't know which camera he used or MP), and I thought it looked amazingly good considering the size. I would not hesitate to print my 36 MP images to 72", assuming the image was shot using a tripod and proper technique. I shoot 99.9% of my images on a tripod. Now, just to find someone wanting a 72" wide image!!