The relationship between the number of pixels in a file and the print resolution determines whether a file supports the print size you want. The chart below shows the pixel resolution required for various print sizes. Most people think of resolution as the “dpi” of a file, which is not usually the best way to describe it. For example, screen resolution can be either 72 or 96 dpi, whereas print resolution is typically identified as 300 dpi.

The “native” resolution of a digital camera is expressed as 72 dpi. This may sound low-resolution, but let’s consider a Canon EOS D5 full-frame camera with a 12.8-megapixel sensor, featuring a resolution of 4368 x 2912 pixels. At 72 dpi, this works out to be a canvas size of 60.66 inches x 40.44 inches. However, that image, expressed at 300 dpi, is only 14.56 inches by 9.71 inches (4368 px/300 dpi = 14.56 inches and 2912 px/300 dpi = 9.71 inches).

Another example would be a Nikon D850 sensor that effectively delivers 45 megapixels, with a resolution of 8256 x 5504 pixels. At 72 dpi, that’s a whopping 114.67 inches x 76.44 inches. Again, that identical file, expressed at 300 dpi for printing (8256 px/300 dpi = 27.52 inches and 5504 px/300 dpi = 18.35 inches), seems much smaller.

Objectively, the only “true” measure of resolution is the “pixel resolution”. This is expressed as the number of pixels in the image’s length times its width. 

* Please let us handle this step, as improperly resizing a file might reduce print quality.  We have advanced A.I. enhancement software available that can “re-size” an image file for remarkable results. As illustrated in the chart below, if your file’s “pixel resolution” appears in or is lower than the number in the “pink” column, check with us before ordering.