How many megapixels is enough to create 8x10 prints?

[EvilDonnyboy]

How many mega pixles is enough to create good 8x10 printouts?

The Canon digital Elph got 2.1 megapixels (1600x1200). I don't think thats enough to create good looking full sized pics.

 

[Workin']

Most reviews I have seen say that 3 megapixels is enough for film-quality 8x10's

2 megapixels for 5x7's, 1 megapixel for 4x5's

 

[Helpless]

I, too, have been wondering about this...I just now figured out that the 1.3, 2.1 etc megapixels indicate the resoulution 🙂 What would you say the resolution of a typicall 35mm camera's picture is? I am looking into getting a nice digital camera in the few months, so like to know which camera & minimum megapixel rate I should look into.

 

[pdo]

I've got a Kodak DC290. Just took some picture of the babies went to shutterfly to make some 8x10 prints. And OMG the quality is incredible.

 

[downhiller80]

Well 1600 x 1200 corresponds to 160dpi x 150dpi on a 10 x 8" print.

I don't think this is high enough really. 300dpi would be nice but that = 7.2MPixels, or 3000x2400.

A 3MPixel (2048x1536) will give 205dpi x 192dpi which is better.

Seb

 

[Warrenton]

Here is the big trick! Save as EPS in photoshop, then enlarge them, and then convert to whatever format is needed, preferably keeping EPS if you can otherwise use TIFF, and JPEG lastly. EPS can actually enlarge without distorting like heck, it isn't as good as taking that size to begin with, but it is better than any other format when you enlarge.