Getting Great Photo Prints From Your Digital Camera

By Bob Stephens

The first step to getting great digital photo prints is to make sure you use a good quality digital camera.

Digital photos are gaining popularity over traditional film photos because of the features and convenience associated with the newer technology. In some cases it's even more cost effective to print your own photos at home instead of taking them to a developer or sending them in.

Here are some words of wisdom for making great digital photo prints at home.

There are really 4 key components to a great printed photo: Image, Printer, Ink, Paper. Each is part interrelated therefore equally important for success.

The image is the starting point for a good photo. There are many different camera models out there, but in general, you will need at least 3.2 megapixel picture taking ability. Some snazzy digital SLR cameras have 8 megapixels or more. The camera should always be set to the highest resolution while taking the shots just in case you want to make enlargements later on.

Image transfer is crucial! Do not just throw the highest pixel image at some paper, you may not be happy with the results.

Sometimes, too high of a pixel count will create unsightly jagged color transitions in your photo and waste a lot of your ink and time. Too few pixels and the photos will turn out very "grainy". It's usually best to stay within the 200-300 pixels per inch range.

This chart may help you determine your appropriate photo sizes.

Print Size Inches	Good Results 200 ppi	Excellent Results 300 ppi
4x6	800 x 1200 pixels ~1 megapixels	1200 x 1800 pixels ~2 megapixels
5x7	1000 x 1400 pixels ~1.5 megapixels	1500 x 2100 pixels ~3 megapixels
8x10	1600 x 2000 pixels ~3 megapixels	2400 x 3000 pixels ~7 megapixels
11x14	2200 x 2800 pixels ~6 megapixels	3300 x 4200 pixels ~14 megapixels
16x20	3200 x 4000 pixels ~13 megapixels	4800 x 6000 pixels ~29 megapixels

ppi = Pixels per inch
(data compiled from PC World.com)

For example, if you had a picture taken with a 1.5 megapixel digital camera, a 5x7 inch print is probably the largest size print that would work. Anything larger than a 5x7, may not look good.

However, if you had a picture taken with a 14 megapixel camera, you should be able to print out a 11x14 inch print with excellent results (300ppi), or a "good" looking 16x20 inch print at 200 ppi.

In addition to the digital camera image, there are a few other components that go into making good quality digital photos you'll want to be aware of: Your printer, the ink cartridges you use, and the quality of the photo paper you use. Each component factors into your end result.

About The Author

Bob Stephens is director of operations for ASAP Inkjets. ASAP Inkjets offers ink cartridges and toner at up to 80% below retail. Signup for their free newsletter for tips and discounts at asapinkjets.com or email subscribe@asapinkjets.com.

Copyright 2007 Bob Stephens. Used with permission from iSnare. Source: www.iSnare.com. You may reproduce this article for personal, educational, non-commercial and non-Internet use, such as in a local photo club newsletter or school project provided that the author's name and links are included. For other uses, contact the author.

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