Is RAW better than High quality JPEG on D30?

[maplerock]

If I am looking to print 16 x 20 or even bigger prints, and want them sharp... is it do-able with the D30? If so, can someone suggest a workflow? I have Canon Zoombrowser (don't use it), Adobe Photoshop 6, & Irfanview. I download the files from my microdrive with a card reader.
I see all the comments about linearsharpen, and wonder if I have the tools to get the job done. I have been taking sports action at the highest JPEG setting, and want to print big. Ofoto said they were not quality enough to print at any size over 5 X 7, and Shutterfly OK'ed the same files for their biggest print available (8 x 10).
Any help would be appreciated. And to Pekka... very nice indeed for providing all the help you give!


Jerry Cook
maple@otherside.com

[Pekka]

Yes RAW is better.

I've used http://www.nyphotographics.com/ftppage.htm action 'myinterpolation2a.atn' (free) to upsample to poster sizes.

I've noticed that best results come from upsampling an unsharpened photo (you have a 'no sharpening' option in LinearSharpen) and then see what kind of sharpening is needed- usually at those sizes it's actually not even neccessary - smoothness counts more than sharpness. I have also given the art designer or whoever prints the photo advice to sharpen only if needed.

After using this workflow I've had comments from professional AD's and press that they could not believe that those files were from a digital camera.