|
Gmburns2000
Sep 2, 2012, 11:52 PM
Post #1 of 10
(8862 views)
Shortcut
Registered: Mar 6, 2007
Posts: 15266
|
Well, I'm actually at a point where I can start selling some prints of my art online, but the site that I am going to go through requires photos of at least 5000 pixels in order to make large, high-quality prints. I've played around a bit with my camera and I've tried to get to 5000 pixels, but I can't seem to get there. Is there anyone out there who can answer what's probably a super-n00b question about camera settings?
I have a 10 megapixel canon powershot sx120 IS. I assume 10 MP will get me to 5000 pixels, right? Well, on the large / fine settings, the most I seem to be able to get is 3648 x 2736.
Is it possible with my current camera, or do I need to ask a friend with a better camera? What kind of camera are we talking about, btw, if I do need to ask (so I can ask the correct person)?
My apologies to anyone who breaks a rib laughing at my question. 
|
|
|
|
|
maldaly
Sep 3, 2012, 12:05 AM
Post #2 of 10
(8853 views)
Shortcut
Registered: Oct 31, 2002
Posts: 1208
|
So your lingo is a bit off. To calculate the number of pixels in the picture multiply the pixel dimensions (3648 x 2736 = 9,980,928). If your publisher or photo printer asks for a photo that is 5,000 pixels on the long edge, then you need a 19 MP camera. That's in the stratosphere for the current crop of pro cameras. Here are some good reads:
http://www.kenrockwell.com/tech/mpmyth.htm
http://www.kenrockwell.com/...-frame-advantage.htm
|
|
|
|
|
Gmburns2000
Sep 3, 2012, 12:39 AM
Post #3 of 10
(8843 views)
Shortcut
Registered: Mar 6, 2007
Posts: 15266
|
exactly the kind of answer I was hoping to read. Thanks Mal!
Maybe I can use some of my current pics already. That's really good news. I'm not really sure they'd need 5000 on the long edge, as that would put a lot of artists out of the equation.
Thanks again!
Greg
|
|
|
|
|
jomagam
Sep 3, 2012, 1:16 AM
Post #4 of 10
(8834 views)
Shortcut
Registered: Nov 10, 2008
Posts: 364
|
You can also easily stitch multiple photos together to make one that's at least 5000 pixels wide. "Hugin" is a free and easy program to do that.
|
|
|
|
|
marc801
Sep 3, 2012, 2:28 PM
Post #5 of 10
(8769 views)
Shortcut
Registered: Aug 1, 2005
Posts: 2806
|
You might want to find out exactly what they mean by "5000 pixels" since at face value that requirement is kind of murky and can mean a number of things.
|
|
|
|
|
Gmburns2000
Sep 4, 2012, 2:53 AM
Post #6 of 10
(8741 views)
Shortcut
Registered: Mar 6, 2007
Posts: 15266
|
marc801 wrote: You might want to find out exactly what they mean by "5000 pixels" since at face value that requirement is kind of murky and can mean a number of things.
Good point. The 5000 pixels came from an artist friend who told me about the site.
I'm a little worried because I was having business cards made up and I couldn't put a piece of my art on the card because the image was too crappy. I'm not entirely sure if that's because my image was bad or the print quality was bad (probably a combination based on the conversation I had with my graphic designer friend who helped me design the card).
I think my camera can cut it, and the site will definitely tell me if it won't work, but how to make the images better, I just don't know. I have editing software that helps when viewing them on screen, but on canvas? as a print? I'm a little worried.
Still...this is a good problem to have. I'm excited about it.
|
|
|
|
|
JasonsDrivingForce
Sep 5, 2012, 5:21 PM
Post #7 of 10
(8696 views)
Shortcut
Registered: Apr 3, 2009
Posts: 687
|
What kind of art work is it? Is it very intricate and small designs? Taking multiple photos and stitching them together may work. However, you need to get the camera square to the art every time or it will look distorted.
Have you tried scanning it? That might be a better option. How big is the art work?
If you are planning on selling it how you digitize it is probably just as important as what it is. I doubt you will get satisfactory results with the sx120 for printing large scale.
I would try to find someone with a large enough scanner to scan it.
|
|
|
|
|
Gmburns2000
Sep 6, 2012, 12:24 AM
Post #8 of 10
(8643 views)
Shortcut
Registered: Mar 6, 2007
Posts: 15266
|
Thanks,
They're too big to scan. They're oil on canvas mostly in the 50 x 100 cm size (varying sizes). not intricate at all. that isn't my style.
The good thing is that the website won't allow me to sell the larger sizes if the picture isn't good enough. That means I won't be selling any crapping prints.
|
|
|
|
|
stoneguy
Sep 18, 2012, 11:37 AM
Post #9 of 10
(8356 views)
Shortcut
Registered: Apr 8, 2011
Posts: 139
|
Well, I will throw my $ .02 in here, maybe it will help.
Firstly, I am a professional stone sculptor, so as an artist, I really wish you well and hope you succeed.
A friend of mine does photo's, then scans them on this big roller thing. Might be he can do 30x72", all hi-res, then he sells volume to Wal-mart types/more arty shops. Point is, you might be able to buddy-up with someone to start this process, as it's likely a few bucks.
If you are still looking, then I'll email him on camera & equip. It's really just scanning you need, right.?
|
|
|
|
|
Gmburns2000
Sep 18, 2012, 1:44 PM
Post #10 of 10
(8337 views)
Shortcut
Registered: Mar 6, 2007
Posts: 15266
|
stoneguy wrote: Well, I will throw my $ .02 in here, maybe it will help. Firstly, I am a professional stone sculptor, so as an artist, I really wish you well and hope you succeed. A friend of mine does photo's, then scans them on this big roller thing. Might be he can do 30x72", all hi-res, then he sells volume to Wal-mart types/more arty shops. Point is, you might be able to buddy-up with someone to start this process, as it's likely a few bucks. If you are still looking, then I'll email him on camera & equip. It's really just scanning you need, right.?
Yeah, I need a good scanner / ability to take pictures (on a low budget - I know, keep dreaming, right?). Any help would be great. I'm not in the U.S. at the moment, but in Brazil instead, so options may be limited for me.
Thanks for the encouragement and good luck with your art as well. 
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
