How many megapixels are enough to make a quality print? This is a common question among a lot of digital photographers today. Many years ago buying a 6 megapixel camera seemed to be more than enough to meet any amateur photographers needs. Today, as camera sensors have become more advanced and cheaper to produce we are seeing even more digital cameras on the market with even higher megapixel ability. The reality is most amateur photographers are well served by 6 megapixels but if you want to make larger prints, say a 20X30, you’ll need a minimum of 31 megapixels to maintain a “good” quality print. Attached is a handy reference chart provided by West Coast Imaging that can be used to help in determining the print size limits of your camera. Remember print quality is very subjective and this chart is only to be used as a general guideline. When reading this chart keep in mind purple is the highest quality and orange is the lowest. The numbers located within the color boxes are simply the dots per inch (dpi) of each print. A “good” quality print generally has a dpi of 200 or more. 
In tomorrows blog I’ll address software that can be used to increase your file size so that you can make larger prints at a higher dpi.
John is an award winning landscape and travel photographer who splits his time between Chicago and Montana. His work has been featured in National Museum of Wildlife Art in Jackson Hole. John loves the outdoors and traveling, and sharing his images with others.
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All content © 2010 by John Batdorff Photography Blog
Beautiful shot. And as always, helpful hints
Thanks…I’m glad you liked it. Keep stopping by…John
btw – my new Canon 70-200mm 2.8 arrived today. My jaw literally dropped when I took it out of the box. I had no idea it would be such a substantial lens. I snapped a couple of quick shots of my granddaughter and an eagle flying overhead. Can’t wait to go out a try it. It’s an awesome lens. I’m really pleased with it. Thanks for the recommendation!
Great…You’ll need to email me some shots.
I recently found your photography webpage on FB, and I have to say I love your work. I recently purchased a canon 50D last yr for my PI business, and also bought with the thought in mind of starting my own photography business also, which I have done this past yr. Photography has always been a passion of mine, but I have to say for me candid shots I think are some of the best shots to be taken, I did our family attorneys wedding this past march for fun, and was told the pics I took were better then some of the pics the couple hired. But one thing that gets me is sometimes even though it shows the pic as being taken of a good shot when it comes to me bringing it up in photoshop sometimes it dont come out right? any thought in this I would appreciate feedback.
Michelle,
Thanks for stopping by my blog. I would be happy to take a look at some of your shots. Please feel free to email me at john@batdorffphotography.com Also, remember to subscribe to the blog so you get it everyday..;) Take care, John
Ok I just subscribed to your blog, I also sent it to my niece, who is a amatuer photographer and she would love your site. I will send some photos and look forward to some positive feedback.
I’m a huge fan of your site and I read it regularly. Keep up the excellent work!
Neil…I’m glad you like it..John