Most image types are suitable for canvas printing, the quality of images used for printing is important to ensure that the finished canvas print looks as great as possible. The most common types of images used for canvas printing are those from digital cameras. The megapixel capabilities (MP) of digital cameras govern the size of the images that are taken and so determine the maximum size that an image can be successfully enlarged to for canvas printing. Modern digital cameras, both compact and SLR generally have high mega pixel sensors of over 5MP, so produce large files that can make A1 size photo enlargements on canvas without noticeable distortion. It is important however to ensure that digital cameras are set to maximum quality, if the photos taken are intended on being turned into large format canvas prints. This will mean that the camera memory card will hold fewer images than lower quality settings, but these lower quality settings take images at smaller sizes and so require greater enlargement for printing. Older digital cameras and camera phones that take images at between 1MP and 3MP when set to maximum quality also produce images that need enlarging a lot if canvas prints of A2 and A1 in size are desired. These lower mega pixel images are generally more suited for maximum photo enlargements of A4 and A3 sized canvas prints.
The resolution of the image to be used for canvas printing is important when producing high quality prints. To produce photo quality canvas prints, the document resolution for the image at actual size should be above 150dpi. Professional printing companies often request images at 300dpi, when at actual size. Most image editing Software has the option to create a new document and set the dpi. Digital photographs can then be copied and pasted onto the correct size document and are so correct for printing. This process may not be possible if the photographer doesn't have image editing Software. Professional printing companies like ESJ Designs offer a free image sizing service, where the customer simply emails the original image file and the sizing is done free of charge and image proofs are emailed back to the customer prior to printing. If there are any problems with the image, advice will be given and solutions suggested.
Images that have been saved from websites are often not suitable for canvas photo prints due to the fact they have generally been optimised for the web and reduced to the lowest quality possible, but still keeping the image looking good on screen. Screen resolution is set at 72dpi. When images are saved for display on websites at 72dpi, the actual print size at 150dpi would be a quarter of the size of the image displayed on screen (to transform an image from 72dpi to 150dpi both dimensions are halved).
Canvas printing companies like ESJ Designs have computer Software which can enlarge images without noticeable loss of sharpness or detail. These programs use an algorithm to generate new pixels, so maintain image detail when photo enlargements are made. The original image file does however need to be of a reasonable quality and web images generally cannot be enlarged successfully.
For more insights and further information about canvas printing visit our site www.esjdesigns.co.uk/
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