K20D Prints

[veezchick]

I recently added a K20D to my Pentax arsenal. Now I'm wondering what printer to buy to maximize the benefits of the 14.6 resolution. I've read conflicting info on the biggest prints I can get from the K20D, though the manual mentions 14x17. I'm considering the Epson R1900 or R2880, but according to Epson literature, their largest prints are a tad smaller than the reported K20D optimal print size of 14x17. So my questions are:

• What are the largest prints I can get from the K20D without compromising image quality?
• What printers should I research that are capable of printing those "largest" prints?
• What printers and online print services do other K20D owners use?

Thanks all respondents in advance for your collective wisdom!

[Mike Cash]

I use the Canon Pixus Pro9000 (probably Pixma in the US) and have printed off some beautiful A3 size prints from it. It goes a bit larger, but I don't have the paper on hand. It also allows for feed-through for working with stiff media. Feed it in flat from the front and it goes straight out the back. Supposed to be able to handle media up to 1.2mm thick.

I won't shill the printer, but will suggest you include it among models you do research on.

[mattdm]

Originally Posted by veezchick

• What are the largest prints I can get from the K20D without compromising image quality?

One important question is: what's the expected viewing distance, and what do you view as a "compromise"? With modern scaling algorithms, you can print as low as 100dpi with very good results — that gives you 46.7×31.0". 200dpi will look better if someone comes up close and peers at the pixels, cutting the size in quarter.

[Wheatfield]

I've been using an Epson 4800 for a few years now. The K20 is quite able to make 16x24 inch prints that look very good indeed, presuming you have a good lens on the camera and use good technique to optimize when the lens is giving you.
This means rock solid support under the camera, and using the better apertures of the lens.
The biggest print I've seen from my K20 was a 24x36 inch print, and even at that size, the quality was very good.
Note also, if you are photographing static subjects, you can do image stitching to increase the pixel dimensions.

[Wheatfield]

Originally Posted by mattdm

One important question is: what's the expected viewing distance, and what do you view as a "compromise"? With modern scaling algorithms, you can print as low as 100dpi with very good results — that gives you 46.7×31.0". 200dpi will look better if someone comes up close and peers at the pixels, cutting the size in quarter.

Unfortunately, unless you put a razor wire fence around your pictures, somebody will walk up to it and stick their nose about two inches away from it.......
I always presume that my prints are going to be viewed from a fairly close distance at some point and size my images accordingly.

[philbaum]

I routinely print out 12 by 18 inch prints from my K10 output. And also recently printed out a 20 by 30 inch print via Costco's online printing service. Very good output.

I don't spend any money for color cartridges for my injet anymore,a nd just use the printer for black and white information off the internet.

My point is that there are different strategies that can be used for printing. And letting Costco use their $50,000 printer to knock out a few for me, may be a pretty good bargain. On the other hand, i talked to another photographer who was making greeting cards cheaper on his inkjet than he could get through an online service.

Best wishes, Phil

[Gooshin]

i will also say that 20X30 prints are quite good, even from a 4 megabyte jpeg

i will try a 30 megabyte tiff later, see if there is a difference

[Mike Cash]

Originally Posted by philbaum

I don't spend any money for color cartridges for my inkjet anymore

Neither do I. I refill them myself for about 1/5 the cost of buying a new cartridge.