Printing big - what does everyone do?

When I shoot RAW in the 5DMkII, my file size is 3753 X 5630 pixels (if memory serves me well). At 300 DPI, that is a maximum of a little more that 12 X 18 for a print. WHCC wanted 300 DPI for my test prints.

So my question is, to make larger size prints, do I just send in the file and let the printer print at less than 300 DPI, or should I up-size the file to a 300 DPI amount of pixels for the print size I want? I can see this would allow me more control, and ability to sharpen if I thought I needed it, but would also be a much bigger file to send. So for example, what would you do for a 20 X 30 print??"

I'm sure someone will correct me if I'm wrong but I scale my image to desired size in photoshop, Image > Image Size > make sure checkbox is on for scale styles, constrain proportions, and pixels/inch. Make sure the pixels/inch is at least 300. Crop and your done.

I have gone from a 20D file to 20x30 and I used the image size in Photoshop and kept it at 300 ppi. I am not afraid to make an image larger than the native size as long as the quality of the original is good. Anything really large I start to lower the ppi as most of these are viewed from a distance. I also have Genuine Fractals (perfect size now I believe) from On One that I will use on going very large.

I always go DIY, resize and output sharpen. The file is biggish, but you're not likely to be sending off 50 like that. I remember back in the days of dial-up starting an upload before crawling into bed and getting up in the morning to see it finish. Things are a bit better for most folks today.

golfecho wrote in post #12605133
So my question is, to make larger size prints, do I just send in the file and let the printer print at less than 300 DPI, or should I up-size the file to a 300 DPI amount of pixels for the print size I want?

It's been said that printers have better upsizing software than we do. Something to think about.

Maybe it's time to do your own test? Not all printers put out the same quality, & we don't know who yours is.

This should never be a consideration.

golfecho wrote in post #12605133
So my question is, to make larger size prints, do I just send in the file and let the printer print at less than 300 DPI, or should I up-size the file to a 300 DPI amount of pixels for the print size I want?

PhotosGuy wrote in post #12607506
It's been said that printers have better upsizing software than we do. Something to think about.

For anything over 16x20 I usually up-res to 200dpi. Seems a good balance between high resolution and file size for most situations.

I've printed severely cropped (50% or so) 1D3 files at 30"x40" and had the client love the final print, even close up.

I upres myself based on simple logic: using photoshop (on my end) it is done with a known good quality graphics program, on their end I don't know with what or how it is done.

I use the same logic with home printing also. My epson's native res is 360, not 300. I mod to that resolution in photoshop, not knowing how well the printer driver does it should I let it.

One side note with a note that I do not know if this is true or not. I have read different white papers that stated if you are upresing a large amount, to do it in steps as opposed to one jump. I.e., going from 12" to 24" you would upres 3 times to 16, 20, 24. I've never seen a noticeable difference, but who knows.

golfecho wrote in post #12605133
So my question is, to make larger size prints, do I just send in the file and let the printer print at less than 300 DPI, or should I up-size the file to a 300 DPI amount of pixels for the print size I want? I can see this would allow me more control, and ability to sharpen if I thought I needed it, but would also be a much bigger file to send. So for example, what would you do for a 20 X 30 print??"

It really depends on the printer being used. Whether it is your own or you are outsourcing prints and what a pro lab suggests.

The pro lab I use for enlargements suggests not enlarging images but leaving them at native sized and have it be sharpened for its native size. And their print process they say is superior to a user playing around in photoshop. I use El-Co Color lab for enlargements, they provide excellent prints.

And they also suggest if you enlarge the image yourself to not go over 254 ppi. So it varies greatly.

Thanks everyone . . . a wider variety of answers than I expected. Good food for thought, but I think the best course of action is to discuss with my printing folks. Currently looking at WHCC, but may go MPIX or BayPhoto . . .

golfecho wrote in post #12610009
Currently looking at WHCC, but may go MPIX or BayPhoto . . .

You'll get varied opinions about whcc vs. mpix, I know I have mine. I can only say I strongly urge you to get and compare test prints. I don't know if they still offer the five free prints deal, but if they do send five widely-varied images to each then evaluate.

I have used Mpix once and they did a super job. Just follow their instructions and send the file to them. I suppose each printer has their own requirements so read and follow their instructions carefully and most likely you will be happy with the results.

Come to think of it, you might want to give adoramapix a consider, too. The only large print I can't do is 24x36. I've had quite a few done by them and they have always done a great job. I think their prices have gone up, but a large 24x36 if probably still about $25-$28. I would assume they do just as good a job on smaller prints too.

Picture North Carolina wrote in post #12608871
One side note with a note that I do not know if this is true or not. I have read different white papers that stated if you are upresing a large amount, to do it in steps as opposed to one jump. I.e., going from 12" to 24" you would upres 3 times to 16, 20, 24. I've never seen a noticeable difference, but who knows.

That may have been the case in the dim and distant past, and is still brought up sometimes - probably because Scott Kelby included it in all his books long after it ceased to be the case. LINK

golfecho wrote in post #12610009
Thanks everyone . . . a wider variety of answers than I expected. Good food for thought, but I think the best course of action is to discuss with my printing folks. Currently looking at WHCC, but may go MPIX or BayPhoto . . .

Aaaah, yes. Talk to them. They are the experts, whoever you use. My experience with WHCC is their customer service reps are very knowledgeable. They will advise you on exactly how to size your file according to the print size.

hollis_f wrote in post #12614646
That may have been the case in the dim and distant past, and is still brought up sometimes - probably because Scott Kelby included it in all his books long after it ceased to be the case. LINK

Not a link.