Sharpness? View the print rather than view at 100%?

[paulhillion]

I've got into the habit of as soon as I upload a new batch of shots to my laptop I view them at 100% to see how the sharpness measures up. I'm not sure this is a good idea? I've just had some prints back from the shop and looking at them on my laptop at 100% I'd say they weren't as sharp as I'd think a 1D series camera & a L quality lens would produce. However on seeing the prints, some 20" wide, WOW! they look fantastic :D

[UncleDoug]

Viewing @ 100% for evaluation and for use as a "yard-stick" is a good thing.
But the proof is in the puddin'.;)

If you are evaluating for web images. screen is all you need.
For print you have to see it on the media @ size.

I always recommend a test pach/strip of a mission-critical portion of the image.

Example:

We are printing an image for a client of ours.
The original file was an Illustrator EPS with text and images, 5.5''x8.5''.
They wanted to take it to 4feet x 7feet on canvas.
After upsampeling my appraisal, on screen, was that the image would be border line, taking into account resolution of the file, AND looks on screen.
I did a test patch to confirm/disprove my feelings and the image looks awesome!