How big does image have to be to enlarge to 16x20?

[UTeric32]

So I have a few pictures that I want to enlarge to 16x20. They dont have to be awesome quality, but just decent. What is the minimum size that they need to be? What about for an 8x10?

One of my pics is 1400 by 1800 pixels. Is this big enough to enlarge to a 16x20? I dont know crap about this stuff...

And where can I order enlargements online for a decent price?

Thanks

 

[MikeUT00]

First let me say that I, too, don't know crap about this stuff. Maybe there is an expert on the board that works at a photo shop? Then again, if there is such a poster his/her expertise will probably piss off other self-proclaimed "experts" on the subject.

I would guess that 1400 x 1800 is large enough to support a 16 x 20 print. I've only enlarged up to 11 x 14. Most of the time the smallest size was from files 1024 x 768. Some 1200 x 1600 or above. Never have had any problems. Once took a 995 x 661 pic and enlarged to a 11 x 14. Looks damn good to my eye. I would guess that larger files (higher pixel counts) would only make things better. Likewise, smaller enlargements (8 x 10) would only make things better, too.

I've always gone to Walgreens. Maybe it's just me, but I personally like going into a store and talking with an actual person rather than submitting a file online. I like having someone hear exactly how I would like things to turn out, as well as them explaining to me what might get cropped off, if any, etc. Never had a problem there and am always satisfied with the final product. I think 8 x 10's are 2 for $5.00, and 11 x 14 are like $12.99. 11 x 14 are exponentially more expensive because they can't make those sizes in the store itself. They have to be shipped off.

Hope it helps. Again, though, by no means am I an expert on the subject ...

 

[Fried JJ Pickles]

Most photos are printed at around 300 DPI.

So to catch every bit of detail theoretically possible in a 3000x2000 digital image (6 megapixel) you will need a 10" x 6 2/3" inch print or larger. Conversely, any print size larger than that will be capable of showing a higher resolution than the digital image.

For larger prints, people tend to be further away so you can have a much lower DPI. A roadside billboard usually has around 20 DPI. Often even less!

In practice, I find that a 6 megapixel image does ok for 16x20. I wouldn't go much lower.

However, if your image is very detailed and sharp and you (or your printer) use good upsampling, you may be satisfied with the image. But you are pushing it. And you will have to use good upsampling or you will see pixelation artifacting.

 

[UTeric32]

thanks guys, im going to drive over to Sams and try it out later on today, see what happens...

 

[Fried JJ Pickles]

I'd highly recommend costco instead of sams.

Sams has retards in the photo department. They are untrained and unqualified and do not understand printing at all. Printers are calibrated every 6 months or so.

The photo department manager at Costco will usually know his stuff. They calibrate daily.

 

[Stuck_At_Work]

In reply to:

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[UTeric32]

ya, thats my problem, no costco membership. But my Sams card expires next month, and i think im jumping ship.

 

[UTeric32]

UPDATE: I uploaded the file online, had them make a 16x20. And I went and picked it up an hour later. I must say, for $7 it turned out pretty damn good