file size in RAW?

[ashflash]

I'm new to digital and new to this forum...
My question is, I'm sure dumb, but I can't seem to get it. I have the 20d and I shoot everything in RAW. I want to know why when I convert it to Tiff and then open up in Photoshop the image size is only 7.78w x 11.68h (with the res at 300). Does this mean that anything I get printed larger than 8x10 will have image loss? I think I am shooting at the largest file possible but maybe not. I really want to make some large size prints and need advice. Sorry I'm so "green"
Ashflash

[robertwgross]

With the resolution set to 300 dpi, that is the print size you get. However, 300 dpi is a pretty high standard, and is excellent for any print sizes smaller. As you go to larger print sizes, normally the standards are reduced somewhat, since nobody sticks their nose right up to a very large print to look for dots. I think you will find 200 dpi to be very nice for larger prints. I've seen some really good ones that were only 150 dpi. So, I wouldn't worry about it.

---Bob Gross---

[ashflash]

ok, that is great advice. I was wondering about that. If I go for 200dpi how large can I print? I guess I could do some trial runs, but what is your oppinion?
THanks
ashflash

[Bodog]

Ashflash, one warning: make sure the "resample" box is unchecked before changing the ppi. If the box is checked, you're actually changing the size or your image. There may be times you want to do that, but mostly not.

[robertwgross]

If you jump over into the Nature & Animals section, there is a shooter with a 20D that got a good shot of a hawk, and then he printed it at 32"x48". His word was "awesome", but you can make your own conclusions.

As I stated before, as the print size goes up, generally your dpi expectations should go down.

On the other hand, if you get one really good TIF file of 24MB or so, then if you want to print it large, you can always do some resampling-up to make it 50MB or 100MB or whatever your 200 dpi or 300 dpi standard points you to.

---Bob Gross---

[tim]

I did a print from my old 300D at A1 size - 594 × 841mm : 23 * 33 inches, which worked out around 100dpi. I look at the picture on my lounge wall every day, and I love it. At closer than 1m you can see a few flaws, but I usually stand across the room, so you don't notice them at all.

Awsome.

[ashflash]

Bob, Jim, & Tim- THanks for helping me. I get it now. I'm going to need to do some trial runs with diferent dpi's and sizes etc. to see what i like. Right now I'm missing my film camera, but I am going to push through this learning curve and get this digital thing. I appreciate all of your help.
Ashley