Looks good (I think :) on screen, but not on paper?

[technology_guy]

This is a recent hand-held shot I took of a butterfly. I just got a print back and it looks dark and dull. I'm not sure if I tried to make the print too big (11x17) or if there's something else strange going on. The original is 1607x1676.

[Barb42]

Needs contrast. Looks to me that the focus is not on the butterfly but on the flower petals. Just my humble opinion. flower is not in great shape either - so if the focus is on the flower, that will end up disappointing you.

[technology_guy]

Good points. I'm working on focus and composition today. Are these any better?

[jimsolt]

This is a recent hand-held shot I took of a butterfly. I just got a print back and it looks dark and dull. I'm not sure if I tried to make the print too big (11x17) or if there's something else strange going on. The original is 1607x1676.

The smallest file the XT makes is 1728 x 1152, so you are either shooting in the smallest jpeg or working from a severe crop. If you start with a larger image, you're bound to get a better print.

Also you seem to be getting most of the bokeh from focal length rather than aperture and your lens might be softer at that length.

Post production can add a lot of brightness and intensity as well.

At what point are you sharpening?

Jim

[Hellashot]

This is a recent hand-held shot I took of a butterfly. I just got a print back and it looks dark and dull. I'm not sure if I tried to make the print too big (11x17) or if there's something else strange going on. The original is 1607x1676.

That's probably a big stretch to print that small an image at 11x17.

[Titus213]

Do some math - screen is 72 DPI, print is generally 300 DPI.

[technology_guy]

The pic was a crop -- I guess it was too severe for that size print. I'll try to print it smaller. As far as AP goes, I adjusted contrast/sharpess, cropped and then I did a few unsharp masks.

Is there a formula which inputs pixels and outputs the max (or at least a reasonable) print size?

[jimsolt]

The pic was a crop -- I guess it was too severe for that size print. I'll try to print it smaller. As far as AP goes, I adjusted contrast/sharpess, cropped and then I did a few unsharp masks.

Is there a formula which inputs pixels and outputs the max (or at least a reasonable) print size?

Consult page 52 in the manual that came with your camera. It has a chart telling you the size file at each image recording quality level and suggests the print size appropriate for that size. The print size recommended for the size of your file = A5 or smaller. With a lot more research since I don't speak centimeter, I conclude that would be approximately a 6x8 inch print or smaller..

Jim

[technology_guy]

Kewl - thx! I'm really glad I stumbled upon this site...