How Many Pixels Do You Need? I made a 30"x40" print from a 20 MP photo

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  • Опубліковано 2 січ 2019
  • Do you have to have a high megapixels camera to make large prints? Do you have to follow 300 DPI rule to make high quality prints? Sometimes you hear people say they need to get a high megapixel camera for printing, while sometimes you hear some other people say you can print any size you want out of a 8 MP photo.
    So who is right?
    In order to find out the truth about making prints, I did a 30 inch by 40 inch large print out of a 20 MP photo captured with my Fujifilm X-T2. In this video, I am going to show you what the print look like at different viewing distances.
    I tried a couple viewing distances:
    1. 15 inch away from the print
    2. 30 inch away from the print
    3. 45 inch away from the print
    4. 60 inch away from the print
    5. Longer than 60 inches
    At 15 inch viewing distance, which is super short considering the size of the print, the print does look a little bit soft. But if you step back to 30 inch, the print looks much better. And at 45 inch and beyond, the print looks sharp and nice.
    In my opinion, if you need a high megapixel camera boils down to two questions:
    1. Do you make large prints?
    2. What viewing distance you expect people to look at your prints?
    If you make large prints and you expect people to look at your prints at a super close distance, then you probably will benefit from a high megapixel camera. Otherwise, you are probably going to be just fine with any 20-24 megapixels camera.
    Hope you find the video helpful.
    More information below
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  • Навчання та стиль

КОМЕНТАРІ • 502

  • @willnotbetracked8222
    @willnotbetracked8222 4 роки тому +243

    The older you get the bigger you can print from the same megapixels!😀

    • @yosefbrecken4531
      @yosefbrecken4531 2 роки тому

      I dont mean to be so offtopic but does anyone know of a trick to log back into an Instagram account?
      I was stupid forgot the account password. I appreciate any assistance you can give me.

    • @rachelmclaughlin1491
      @rachelmclaughlin1491 Рік тому +2

      @@yosefbrecken4531 if you have the email that goes with the account, there should be a 'forgot password ' button and that will send a link to your email that will allow you to reset your password

    • @bodinian
      @bodinian Рік тому +2

      That's because your vision gets worse with age. 😅

  • @olaflindner3955
    @olaflindner3955 4 роки тому +79

    I cannot thank you enough! You drove out an evil demon from me.

  • @chrisford9068
    @chrisford9068 5 років тому +87

    Great video, Ming! The correct viewing distance is key to a successful print. Our daughter and son-in-law recently asked if I would arrange to have a canvas print made from one of my older images. The plan was to have it hang in their living room, above their sofa. They chose the print and we decided to order it in a 30”X60” size. The image also wrapped around the frame. When you now walk into their living room and see this canvas on the wall, it looks fantastic. And here’s the kicker, this image was shot on my Nikon D700, a full frame DSLR with a 12mp sensor! When you walk up to it for a closer look, you’re standing 4 - 5 feet away because the sofa is in front of it. The viewing distance is perfect, and everybody is happy! 👍

  • @jody1622
    @jody1622 4 роки тому +9

    So great to hear a sensible explanation of print requirements,

  • @endaguerin8044
    @endaguerin8044 2 роки тому +3

    One of the best videos I've seen related to photography in a while thank you for doing these tests and sharing your experience and breaking it down in a way that's very easy to understand.

  • @sonialo777
    @sonialo777 4 роки тому

    This video has been beyond wonderful. Thank you so much for all of your information. It helps clear up a lot of questions I had. Thank you

  • @TanyaOwens
    @TanyaOwens 3 роки тому

    Thank you Ming Cai, this video was very helpful. I am trying to determine print sizes for my images and your demonstration really helped to allay some concerns that I had and answered some questions.

  • @croppermc
    @croppermc 3 роки тому

    Great analysis. Well thought out and executed. Please keep making more videos.

  • @karlwagner932
    @karlwagner932 4 роки тому

    YOU ARE A VERY TALENTED COACH ! BEST VIDEO ABOUT THIS TOPIC AND A VERY SIMPLE AND SOLID EXPLANATORY!! THANK YOU SOOO MUCH FOR YOUR TIME AND SUPPORT ! ALL GOOD STARS ON YOUR WAY !!

  • @shayne08
    @shayne08 3 роки тому +1

    This is gold! Exact video I was looking for

  • @goliaboi
    @goliaboi 3 роки тому

    Thanks for the awesome video Ming! Very informative and your print looks great! Cheers!

  • @surface1326
    @surface1326 Рік тому

    Your video has answered a long time question that I've had about printing. I really appreciate you making this video.

  • @Martincohenphoto
    @Martincohenphoto 4 роки тому

    You are funny and you are right on!! This video made me smile a lot, thanks for sharing!

  • @irisheyes3639
    @irisheyes3639 11 місяців тому

    Thank you Ming.
    This is the first video tutorial on the subject that actually answered my questions!
    Well done.
    ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

  • @remulocarvalho4326
    @remulocarvalho4326 Рік тому

    Thanks a lot Ming. Excellent explanations. Many times we are tempted to go many megapixels but you have just showed us that most of the times we do not need them even for big enlargements. Great video.

  • @hum2020
    @hum2020 Рік тому

    Very good straight forward prestation im looking forward to your next one.

  • @boomcity4942
    @boomcity4942 2 роки тому

    Excellent explanation. You made this simple to understand. Thank you!

  • @adrianandonovski8258
    @adrianandonovski8258 4 роки тому

    Great video, I really needed that demonstration!

  • @4bitmultiplexer
    @4bitmultiplexer 4 роки тому

    Very satisfying video... Thank You!

  • @msfotostudioo
    @msfotostudioo 4 місяці тому

    The best video on this topic i have ever seen and it's 5 years old. Thank you Ming!

  • @ukyo2010
    @ukyo2010 4 роки тому +29

    I did a test several years ago to see if I can make big prints with my 12MP Nikon D90. I made 16x20” and 20x30” prints. They all looked excellent even when view closely. I will say that I could see some stair step effect in angled straight lines but it wasn’t unpleasant at all. I personally have never printed larger than 20x30 nor do I ever expect to. For my needs, I am much more concerned with low light performance and image stabilization than MP.

  • @DOGee-hq7pt
    @DOGee-hq7pt 4 роки тому

    Great video.I have been watching and reading on the MP print issue I was gunning for a z7 might end up just getting a z6 and buy another lens !

  • @Bobby74892
    @Bobby74892 4 роки тому

    You answered a number of my questions! Great presentation... clear and concise.

  • @Coldgecko
    @Coldgecko 5 років тому +3

    Ming, you did a great job explaining something that I really should have known. I do blow up my images to large sizes regularly. I do own a high mp A7RIII but I also do so because as you mentioned, for cropping liberty. I often don't know what lens I need and when I travel and dont have space on a motorcycle or while trekking, it's hard to change lenses, so I am forced to crop on occasion afterwards. Good Job.

  • @francelu5220
    @francelu5220 3 роки тому

    Thank you for this! It helps me a lot to still use my first owned camera - Fujifilm X-A20 that has 16MPS and APS-C frame. Like you said, I plan to just upgrade my lens. I’m currently using the kitlens 15-45mm. I’m just new about learning photography.

  • @LewisCarlyle
    @LewisCarlyle 4 роки тому

    This is a great little experiment. Nice insights.

  • @billpickle2875
    @billpickle2875 5 років тому +2

    Great video. Love that print. Thanks for taking the time to do this. I would like to try doing this my self as i shoot a few different formats. See how my 4x5 compares to a 24 mp digital. Subbed

  • @user-fza3
    @user-fza3 4 роки тому +11

    even you dont upload too much but the content and the information is valuable

  • @arielalejandrogarma3672
    @arielalejandrogarma3672 5 років тому

    ohhh it's an excellent photo I love these colors Ming , congratulations !!!

    • @MingCai
      @MingCai  5 років тому

      Ariel alejandro Giesler Thank you!

  • @kjl6138
    @kjl6138 3 роки тому

    This is awesome- thank you! Keep promoting the truth! You are 100% on the mark! Subscribed!

  • @PhillipYewTree
    @PhillipYewTree 3 роки тому

    Thanks. Excellent presentation 👏🏻👏🏻

  • @themechanic7638
    @themechanic7638 3 роки тому

    First time on your video dude and I already subscribe. I really like the way that you explained the difference. Keep up with good content.

  • @matthewkoczwara
    @matthewkoczwara 5 років тому

    Thanks Ming! Have had the same questions cross my mind in the past. Great job in explaining them simply and clearly.

    • @MingCai
      @MingCai  5 років тому +1

      Matthew Koczwara Thank you Matthew!

    • @MarkMetternichPhotographyLLC
      @MarkMetternichPhotographyLLC 4 роки тому

      Excapt he is wrong.
      spark.adobe.com/page/lqqlwZ8dIS6Zd/

    • @GoneToHelenBach
      @GoneToHelenBach 4 роки тому

      @@MarkMetternichPhotographyLLC You would say that he's wrong, because you're trying to sell a course on fine art photography & printing and have stooped to the depths of abusing the comment section of his video with your spam marketing. How very 'low' of you.

  • @derekcampbell4413
    @derekcampbell4413 Рік тому

    Excellent video. Very informative and really well presented. Thanks for sharing. I just subscribed.

  • @sanramondublin
    @sanramondublin 2 роки тому

    thank you.
    the best and sincere explanation about the megapixel.
    greetings from California/Iran.

  • @JohnJJay
    @JohnJJay 4 роки тому

    Very useful infos and explained with style. ;-) Thank you!

  • @pahoaproductions9991
    @pahoaproductions9991 4 роки тому

    Thanks for the tips, definitely needed them

  • @LWJCarroll
    @LWJCarroll 3 роки тому

    Thanks this is really informative as I have a FZ300 and just recently a Sigma fp....very happy with both cameras... Laurie

  • @MLA50
    @MLA50 3 роки тому

    Super awesome video! Thanks!

  • @ubonrat8653
    @ubonrat8653 2 роки тому

    Great video Ming, thanks

  • @maryammavaji73
    @maryammavaji73 5 років тому +1

    Great video and strong explanation, probably the best that I've ever seen till now on UA-cam, good job

  • @utomotjipto5294
    @utomotjipto5294 2 роки тому

    Thank you. Very clear explanation.

  • @GoodOleGrant
    @GoodOleGrant 12 днів тому

    Thank you for making this video it is so helpful!

  • @mrsusan893
    @mrsusan893 5 років тому +2

    Great content mate. Do you have a video about how you prepare an image for print, colour profiles etc.

  • @nh-ss5pw
    @nh-ss5pw 2 роки тому

    Great content with just the right amount of entertainment. Cheers!

  • @rhykko77
    @rhykko77 2 роки тому

    Excellent analysis !

  • @helthuismartin
    @helthuismartin 4 роки тому +1

    The best real world test i have ever seen.Good job.

    • @MingCai
      @MingCai  4 роки тому +1

      helthuismartin Thank you for your comment

  • @jamesb.1889
    @jamesb.1889 5 років тому

    AWESOME VIDEO MAN! You helped me out with my concerns.

    • @MingCai
      @MingCai  5 років тому

      James Brown Thank you!

  • @johnleftwich650
    @johnleftwich650 5 років тому

    Great information and well presented Ming.

    • @MingCai
      @MingCai  5 років тому

      John Leftwich Thank you very much!

  • @kathypb6b650
    @kathypb6b650 4 роки тому +1

    I found this video very informative and very easy to understand.
    THANK YOU

    • @MingCai
      @MingCai  4 роки тому

      Kathypb6 B Thank you for your comment

  • @cescudify
    @cescudify 4 роки тому +1

    Camera companies dislike this vid. Don't be alone in the streets during the night Ming. Great content as always

  • @brianshoemake3988
    @brianshoemake3988 5 років тому

    Very informative. Thank you!

  • @RandyM403
    @RandyM403 2 роки тому

    This video was very helpful. Thanks. 👍

  • @stevelink21
    @stevelink21 3 роки тому

    Excellent video, Ming! I certainly agree that one can make large prints with a modest megapixel-count camera. I've made a few quite sharp and detailed 24" x 36" prints from my X-T3 and a few stellar Fujinon XF lenses. That said, I still desire even better sharpness and image detail at large print sizes, which is making me strongly consider something like a Nikon Z7 or a Panasonic Lumix S1 FF kit. I look forward to the grit/pollution dissipating from those fires so that we can photograph the Flatirons again! BTW, very nice image you printed!

  • @fluhlej
    @fluhlej 4 роки тому +1

    Thanks for the video I liked your explanation and thoughts.

    • @MingCai
      @MingCai  4 роки тому

      fluhlej Thank you for your comment :)

  • @jeremyeade7827
    @jeremyeade7827 3 роки тому

    Good job. Very helpful. Seriously

  • @meliskocak515
    @meliskocak515 2 роки тому

    this was so helpful thank you!!

  • @fingersmcginty
    @fingersmcginty 4 роки тому +2

    Ming Cai: this is a great video! Thanks so much. I also appreciate the time you took to make this watchable, and funny.

  • @ulyssebast8919
    @ulyssebast8919 4 роки тому

    well and simply put, very useful. Thank you!

    • @MingCai
      @MingCai  4 роки тому

      Ulysse Bast Thank you for your comment!

  • @malcolmbenn1051
    @malcolmbenn1051 Рік тому

    Great explanation, thanks.

  • @jineshghost2000
    @jineshghost2000 4 роки тому

    Very well explained. Thanks.

  • @TScott-sg2mb
    @TScott-sg2mb 4 роки тому +2

    Then there is the factor of how detailed the photo is and if one wants it's detailed rendered a certain way. I noticed your 15" viewing spot on the print looked liked it contained a fair amount of detail, which could lead a viewer of that area up close to think it's "soft". I liked your video and subscribed, look forward to seeing more of your videos.

  • @lucuslopez6866
    @lucuslopez6866 4 роки тому +23

    Unless you do some sort of high resolution photo stitch. You will need like 80mp camera to print a photo 30x40 at 300dpi. Just to give some references a Canon 5d mark ii (21mp) at full resolution can print 300dpi at 12in x 18in. Sony A7r iii (42mp) at full resolution can print 300dpi at around 14.3in x 21.5in.
    I do a lot of large format prints like 24x36, 30x40, 40x60, 48x96+++. 300dpi is only relevant is you do tiny prints like 8.5in x 11in or 11in x 17in because your more likely to get it. You can be printing 72dpi at full resolution and it will look good. If your printing big you need to focus more photo defects like noise/grain, CA, softness, motion blue, etc. You will see a lot more of these things when printing big. Its a lot more forgiving when printing small.
    The type of printer you use will be important too for sharpness/quality.

    • @RandyM403
      @RandyM403 2 роки тому

      How would a 24 x 36 look with a 24mp camera with a sweet lens?

  • @CARLA19822
    @CARLA19822 4 роки тому

    Very helpful! Thank you.

  • @romberthehobbyist
    @romberthehobbyist 5 років тому +1

    Thanks for the great vid! Nice picture too.

    • @MingCai
      @MingCai  5 років тому

      The Hobbyist Thank you very much!

  • @RippleEffectProductions
    @RippleEffectProductions 4 роки тому

    Very well explained. Totally agreed..

  • @sexysilversurfer
    @sexysilversurfer 4 роки тому +35

    Don’t forget high megapixel cameras need high quality lenses capable of resolving that detail.

    • @markrigg6623
      @markrigg6623 4 роки тому +3

      All lenses will give some improvement with a higher resolution sensor. The better the lense the more improvement but that does not mean you cant see any improvement with your existing lenses.

  • @antigluk
    @antigluk 3 роки тому

    Excellent explanation 👍

  • @dlcdlc100
    @dlcdlc100 4 роки тому

    Thank you so much for making this video! Excellent information!

  • @jasonbourne4155
    @jasonbourne4155 3 роки тому

    Thank you Ming! I was on the ledge, trying to justify moving away from my Nikon D7500 (21MP) to a new D750, full-frame (24MP). After watching your very informative video, I'm not motivated to buy something that I do not likely need. My largest desired print is probably 16" x 20", with the majority being 11" x 14" or smaller. Your explanation and method were very well thought out - keep up the great work!

  • @DanDill
    @DanDill 4 роки тому

    Clear teaching. Thanks.

  • @WORLDTHEWAYISEE
    @WORLDTHEWAYISEE 2 роки тому

    Great explaination, thanks a lot.

  • @lockness3723
    @lockness3723 4 роки тому

    Great video and topic. Well done.

    • @MingCai
      @MingCai  4 роки тому

      LockNess Thank you very much

  • @brandonbera2323
    @brandonbera2323 3 роки тому

    Best video on this subject!

  • @emmanuelarredondo5365
    @emmanuelarredondo5365 4 роки тому

    The best explanation so far

  • @ninacleven7889
    @ninacleven7889 5 років тому

    Lots of good points to take into account. Nicely done video.

  • @rightmatt
    @rightmatt 3 роки тому

    Excellent presentation

  • @QuicknStraight
    @QuicknStraight Рік тому

    Very well reasoned.

  • @dewittcheng4009
    @dewittcheng4009 2 роки тому

    Thanks! Great video!

  • @klaussiefert6612
    @klaussiefert6612 4 роки тому

    Thank you very much - you are a jewel on youtube - wonderfully explained and very entertaining and pleasantly staged

    • @MingCai
      @MingCai  4 роки тому

      klaus siefert Thank you for your comment

  • @otavioleitefotografia
    @otavioleitefotografia 3 роки тому

    Great video!

  • @toddstrong1353
    @toddstrong1353 4 роки тому

    Nice shot of St. Malo church in Colorado... also known as the Church on the Rocks. Nice image!

  • @rainerbuesching1
    @rainerbuesching1 4 роки тому

    totally agree. viewing distance should be about diagonal of photo. convinced to keep my Fuji. convinced to subscribe.

  • @jrrockett
    @jrrockett 3 роки тому

    Thank You! Thank Make a lot more Sense.

  • @MajorTendonitis
    @MajorTendonitis 2 роки тому

    Subbed . Very well put together video , thanks . I recently purchased a canon R6 , and will doing a test with a landscape pic to see if 36x24 is acceptable. I suspect it will be unless a guy his face right in it

  • @wastedtalentusa
    @wastedtalentusa Рік тому

    Amazing video. Great explanation. I believe other people already made that comment, but the problem is if we need to crop the image and keep the same print size.

  • @Ameliatherobloxfairy
    @Ameliatherobloxfairy 4 роки тому +1

    A long pending confusion has finally been removed . Was in a dillema over the choice of camera Nikon d 7500 with 20.8 mp as against 24 mp in most of the entry level cameras. Very very nice video Ming.

  • @bjdent
    @bjdent Рік тому

    Great Video!

  • @davidwarren7279
    @davidwarren7279 4 роки тому

    Ming, you are one of the first people to give a clear and straightforward answer to this question! Tony Northup mentioned print sizes, but he didn't bother to actually produce a large print (he just made a small print that was heavily cropped).

  • @moSahl
    @moSahl 5 років тому

    Thank you so much for a great video Ming Cai! That's me educated! Thanks again. Subscribed.

    • @MingCai
      @MingCai  4 роки тому

      Muhammad Sahl Glad you enjoyed it!

    • @MarkMetternichPhotographyLLC
      @MarkMetternichPhotographyLLC 4 роки тому

      Really Ming does not have any authority in this area: spark.adobe.com/page/lqqlwZ8dIS6Zd/

    • @CoachNation
      @CoachNation 4 роки тому +1

      @@MarkMetternichPhotographyLLC If you disagree, how about adding herein some directly useful info instead of using the general topic of this post and its comments to litter with your paid workshop advertising.

  • @luissalazar2159
    @luissalazar2159 Рік тому

    Great stuff, I was wondering about a portable printer that I can take it to location. Thanks for sharing

  • @nocommentnoname1111
    @nocommentnoname1111 Рік тому

    Excellent!

  • @L.Lyubomirov
    @L.Lyubomirov 3 роки тому

    Very good video,very informative and easy to understand !I used in the past Canon 6d with 20 mpx,now i use Eos R with 30mpx,i will never go back for 20mpx...maybe its just me,but i love having more megapixels to play with,also my images look bit sharper than before...

  • @smartlight9971
    @smartlight9971 Рік тому

    That was helpful
    Thank you so much

  • @quadepaul4712
    @quadepaul4712 3 роки тому

    Thank you so much for this video! I have been trying to understand this and this the helped me more than the 20 other videos I tried watching! My only question is what file type and file size was the image when you got it printed?

  • @virvespertilionis1715
    @virvespertilionis1715 4 роки тому

    Great explanation, Ming! Liked and subscribed immediately 👍

    • @MingCai
      @MingCai  4 роки тому

      Browny Thank you very much, appreciate it

  • @Valleedbrume
    @Valleedbrume 4 роки тому +1

    I am glad you made this video.There is always a lot of hype on getting cameras with more Megapixels (they need to sell cameras):-)There is of course some use 60/100 Mpixels but rare.THX great video

  • @Red-xz1gk
    @Red-xz1gk 4 роки тому

    Good job Ming! Liked and subscribed!

    • @MingCai
      @MingCai  4 роки тому

      Red Red Thank you very much!

  • @schoebelski6602
    @schoebelski6602 Рік тому

    brilliant. many thanks.

  • @neail5466
    @neail5466 4 роки тому

    Loud and clear Ming..+1😊