How big can I blow up 10.2 Mega-pixels?

Question

I am a keen amateur photographer and I have a DSLR camera with 10.2 mega-pixels.

I would like to hand one of my photographs up on the wall really big (maybe printed on canvas) and I want to know how big I could possibly get it without it looking pixelated or grainy.

Thanks :)

Answer 1

Pixels don't get larger.  They are a factor of the image, just like grain on film.  Far more important to the size of enlargement will be how well the picture was cropped and exposed and what algorithm was used (i.e. Canon differs from Nikon) as well as how the picture was saved.  It is far better to do any editing in .TIF format and save it in .TIFas well.

After you have done everything right, make sure you have the image printed by a qualified service bureau that offers professional quality.  They will work with you to make sure your image is compatible to producing the best quality and have experience to let you know the quality you will get for each image. It may cost a little more, but the results will certainly be worth the difference.  

I have used my Canon 40D and enlarged pictures to 30x40 and they are great at viewing distances from 5ft and beyond.  Don't expect anyone to be going up to your prints and examining them with a lupe as the pixels will certainly show up there.    

Answer 2

Dynamite is great for blowing things up.

Answer 3

16x20 or 18x24 will look very good. Larger than that and it might start getting a little grainy but you are not looking at it from really close so it should be fine.