Print Size vs. Image Quality Comparison Charts
How many pixels do you really need for a print? There is no real scientific answer to that question. It is simply a matter of taste and personal preference for a certain style of art. With that said, there are recommended resolution for different sized prints. Here are some recommendations from different manufacturers.
Canon
The chart below shows the recommended size an image should be printed according to the resolution of the camera. (Based on 2003 Canon Digital Camera PowerShot / Digital EOS Brochure.)
| Resolution | Pixels | Print Size |
| 640 x 480 | Small | |
| 1024 x 768 | Middle |
Computer Screen
or TV Monitor |
| 1280 x 960 | 1 MP | 4" x 6" |
| 1600 x 1200 | 2 MP | 6" x 8" |
| 2048 x 1536 | 3.3 MP | 8.5" x 11" |
| 2272 x 1704 | 4 MP | 11" x 14" |
| 2592 x 1944 | 5 MP | |
| 3072 x 2048 | 6 MP | 13" x 19" |
Microsoft
Nikon
| DIGITAL CAMERA | IMAGE SIZE | OUTPUT SIZE |
|---|---|---|
| 350,000 pixels | 640x480 | 8.1cm x 6.1cm |
| 800,000 pixels | 1024x768 | 13cm x 9.8cm |
| 1,000,000 pixels | 1152x872 | 14.6cm x 11.1cm |
| 1,300,000 pixels (E910) | 1280x960 | 16.2cm x 12.2cm |
| 2,100,000 pixels (E950) | 1600x1200 | 20.3cm x 15.2cm |
| 3,300,000 pixels (E990) | 2048x1536 | 26cm x 19.5cm |
Sony
Web Site:
Image resolution refers to the number of pixels used to record by the camera. By recording more Mega Pixels, the image has more information for detail and clarity for printing or viewing purposes.
DSC-P92 Operating Instructions:
| Image Size | Examples | |
| 5.0 M | 2592 x 1944 | Printing fine images |
| 4.5 M (3:2) | 2592 (3:2) | 3:2 prints * |
| 3.1 M | 2048 x 1536 | Printing A4 size images |
| 1.2 M | 1280 x 960 | Printing postcard size images |
| VGA | 640 x 480 | Creating your home page |
* This option records images in a horizontal to vertical porportion of 3:2 to match the size of the print paper used.
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