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

[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!