APS-C camera for big prints?

4 years 4 months ago #667973 by Pat White
Short question for me today, are APS-C cameras as good as Full frame cameras for large prints?  I know if you have iPhone, while you can print photos from that nicely up to a certain size.  I'm sure those rules apply to what ever camera you have, that the prints get better as sensor size increases.  But can you bring large prints with a APS-C sensor?  


,
4 years 4 months ago #667975 by garyrhook

Pat White wrote: Short question for me today, are APS-C cameras as good as Full frame cameras for large prints?  I know if you have iPhone, while you can print photos from that nicely up to a certain size.  I'm sure those rules apply to what ever camera you have, that the prints get better as sensor size increases.  But can you bring large prints with a APS-C sensor?  


Define "large"?

Greater resolution affords a larger print, but print size is also dependent upon viewing distance. Larger prints, you're farther away, so you need fewer pixels per inch in your resolution. 

The usual metric is 300 picture elements per inch (in your image file). However, for large prints (16x20) you can go down to 240, easily, or less. For canvas, less, although I've seen some amazingly detailed canvases, so it kinda depends upon the material, the image and the printer. Anything that uses emulsion transfer (aluminum, wood, whatever) may suffer in sharpness.

For any of them, you have to experiment.

But keeping the discussion on simple prints, I had no trouble printing my 16MP images at 16"x24" and being quite happy. I also printed a 4MP image a 2'x3' for over the fireplace, and was completely satisfied.

You'll note that none of this is concerned with the sensor size. Only the resolution. Which is the only thing that matters.

How's that for a non-answer?


Photo Comments
,
4 years 4 months ago #667976 by garyrhook
On a related note: for certain subjects, you can take multiple, overlapping images with any camera, and create a larger composite from them. I've got panorama landscape images from my D750 that are 15,000 pixels wide. Not too hard to do.


Photo Comments
,
4 years 4 months ago #667989 by effron
Apples and oranges, sensor size means little. Example, my D7100 (aps-c, or crop) can make a "larger" print than my D700, (full frame). 
Hook mentioned resolution and he's spot on.

Why so serious?
Photo Comments
,
4 years 4 months ago #668041 by Crammer
+1 all good points.

How large are you trying to print?


Photo Comments
,
4 years 4 months ago #668135 by Paris Gal
If Apple can print billboards from an iPhone photo, I'm sure you can figure out how to get super large prints from your APS-C sensor.   Try tiling your shots.  

5D mark II gripped | Canon 100L | Canon 85 1.8 | Sigma 50 1.4 | Tamron 28-75 2.8 | 580ex II | 430ex II x 2 |
Photo Comments
,

817.3K

241K

  • Facebook

    817,251 / Likes

  • Twitter

    241,000 / Followers

  • Google+

    1,620,816 / Followers

Latest Reviews

The Canon EOS R100 is an entry-level mirrorless camera introduced in 2023. But just because it’s an entry-level camera doesn’t mean it’s a bare-bones camera. Find out why in this review!

Apr 22, 2024

Nikon’s retro-looking Nikon Zfc is anything but retro. Under its classic body is a host of features and amenities that make it a worthwhile compact mirrorless camera for 2024.

Apr 15, 2024

The Canon EOS R50 is one of the newest R-system cameras from Canon. Is it worth your money? Find out all the details you need to know in this comprehensive review.

Apr 10, 2024

The Sony FE 70-200mm f/2.8 GM OSS II is Sony’s flagship mirrorless zoom lens. As such, it’s loaded with features and has a top-shelf build quality that makes it a top pick!

Mar 27, 2024

Forum Top Posters

Latest Articles

Using leading lines in photography helps improve the composition by drawing viewers in and leading their eye from the foreground to the background. Explore some fine examples of this in this guide!

Apr 24, 2024

The Insta360 has one of the best lineups of action cams and 360-degree cameras. With these Insta360 accessories, you can elevate your photography and videography game!

Apr 24, 2024

Creating impactful photos of landscapes depends on many factors, not the least of which is your talent behind the lens. This guide explores other elements required for the best product.

Apr 23, 2024

The Canon EOS R100 is an entry-level mirrorless camera introduced in 2023. But just because it’s an entry-level camera doesn’t mean it’s a bare-bones camera. Find out why in this review!

Apr 22, 2024

Are you ready to upgrade your camera? Before buying new, you might consider the value of purchasing used gear to save money.

Apr 18, 2024

The Olympus OM-D E-M10 Mark IV is a micro four thirds camera released in 2020. It’s an entry-level system along with the OM-D E-M5 Mark III. Use this guide to determine which one is best for you!

Apr 17, 2024

Blue hour photography might not be as well known as golden hour photography, but it is every bit as good a time to create epic images of landscapes. Learn how in this quick tutorial!

Apr 17, 2024

Nikon’s retro-looking Nikon Zfc is anything but retro. Under its classic body is a host of features and amenities that make it a worthwhile compact mirrorless camera for 2024.

Apr 15, 2024