ISO 400 and Digital Prints

[KHogan]

Are any of you printing D30 images shot at 400 ISO? I'm ecstatic that I can shoot without hesitation up to 400 ISO with the D30 and get fantastic looking images that don't display noticeable noise when viewed on screen. (800 ISO is still pretty good but pushing it a bit). The problem comes though when printing. I'm using an Epson 1280 printer which is capable of superb output. ISO 100 and 200 images are no problem but when printing images that otherwise look great on screen (shot at 400 ISO), that's when I start to really see the loss of smoothness in the image. The prints are simply not as clear and darker areas aren't smooth on the prints.

Is anyone else seeing this when printing? Is there a way around this other than major retouching to smooth out shadows and other areas that cause problems?

Thanks for any feedback on this!
Kharim

[brunzie]

I shoot everything with my Canon D30 and D 60 at asa 400 and get absolutely gorgeous 8x10s. I don't even use the largest file setting on the D60. Incredible camera at a bargain price(compared to what they used to cost). I use an Epson 870 printer and love the results I get on it.

[KHogan]

So you're shooting in JPEG mode then (rather than RAW)? How are the shadow areas coming out in your prints? Are they smooth?

Thanks,
Kharim