Can i use 5x7 images for a portfolio?

Question

My camera is only 5 mega-pixels, the biggest usable print it can produce is 8x10, but that's at 200 dpi and it gets a little fuzzy and pixelated. Should i go with a large, fuzzy 8x10, or a quality 5x7?

Answer 1

If it's primarily for your own use and showing family/friends (some of whom may become your initial customers), then a quality 5x7 is fine.  Especially given that 8x10s are more expensive to print.

But if you're doing it on a semi-professional basis, offering headshots or showing your work to industry pros, then 8x10.

Answer 2

Hmm..you should be able to print a very crisp 8x10 coming from a 5 mega-pixel camera. Perhaps your camera is set for the smallest file size? Make sure your camera is at the largest file setting and that it is also on superfine grain.

I have a 4 mega-pixel camera and when on the largest settings I get an 11MB file. (tif.) More than large enough for a crisp 8x10.