How Many Megapixels Do I Need? #1
Megapixels. Sure, I know what resolutions they give me, but how do they translate into print sizes? Sometimes, we have limited memory left in our cards, and have to decide if it will be okay to drop from the highest image resolution, while still getting a decent print. Do allow me to recommend some resolutions, in a form of a table which I've collated over time:
This is not to say that you cannot have 16" x 20" prints from your 2 megapixel camera. You can still, just that the prints may appear visibly pixelated.
More megapixels does not necessarily mean better prints too. This is because while printers do a good job scaling up smaller photos to print, some modern printers do not scale down photos well. Scaled down prints may have jagged edges. Try to keep within the recommended range. Take this information with a pinch of salt.
The quality of the prints is also dependant on the printer. Printers that can print more dots per inch (dpi) tend to produce better quality prints. The recommended range to print is between 200 dpi to 300 dpi. In comparison, 300 dpi prints are good enough to be viewed close up, while 150 dpi is good for as close as one arms length.
| Megapixels | Resolution | Max. Print Size |
| 2 | 1600 x 1200 | 4" x 6" |
| 3 | 2048 x 1536 | 5" x 7" |
| 4 | 2272 x 1704 | 6" x 9" |
| 5 | 2560 x 1920 | 8" x 10" |
| 6 | 2816 x 2112 | 11" x 14" |
| 8 | 3264 x 2468 | 16" x 20" |
This is not to say that you cannot have 16" x 20" prints from your 2 megapixel camera. You can still, just that the prints may appear visibly pixelated.
More megapixels does not necessarily mean better prints too. This is because while printers do a good job scaling up smaller photos to print, some modern printers do not scale down photos well. Scaled down prints may have jagged edges. Try to keep within the recommended range. Take this information with a pinch of salt.
The quality of the prints is also dependant on the printer. Printers that can print more dots per inch (dpi) tend to produce better quality prints. The recommended range to print is between 200 dpi to 300 dpi. In comparison, 300 dpi prints are good enough to be viewed close up, while 150 dpi is good for as close as one arms length.
