Poster size photo database
Poster size photo database
Author
Discussion

Driller

Original Poster:

8,310 posts

307 months

Wednesday 16th May 2012
quotequote all
I'm trying to find a database of photos that I can buy a few images from and have them blown up to poster size (at least 85cm by 60cm odd but preferably a meter high) and put in a backlit box.

The only databases I can find have image resolutions that only allow a picture size of 50cm or 60cm high at 300dpi which I believe is the limit for unpixelated images.

Anyone have any links for BIG images databases? I've Googled and found things like image shack but not enough res.

ETA At A1 size would you have to go up to 300dpi or would 200dpi be ok?

Edited by Driller on Wednesday 16th May 21:12

K12beano

20,854 posts

304 months

Wednesday 16th May 2012
quotequote all
Driller said:
ETA At A1 size would you have to go up to 300dpi or would 200dpi be ok?
Whilst trying to keep it simple, the dpi is relevant depending upon the distance from which the image will be viewed. For example, what dpi do you think those huge roadside advertising billboards are?

RobDickinson

31,343 posts

283 months

Wednesday 16th May 2012
quotequote all
300 dpi at 85cm is 10000px.

The Nikon D800 SLR , highest pixel count SLR on the market, brand new, is 7360 x 4912 resolution.

You need to either back off on your resolution requirements or find someone specialised in Medium format shooting, or get someone to stitch multiple shots.

Frankly 300dpi for posters is hugely excessive.


LongQ

13,864 posts

262 months

Wednesday 16th May 2012
quotequote all
As Rob says I think you will find that most large prints are viewed at a disatnace and 300dpi is somply not required, especially backlit.

Talk to whoever you plan to use for the printing and see what they say.

If you really need that level of detail the chances are that anyone with print facilities for the job will also have upscaling software to assist should it be required.

Simpo Two

92,708 posts

294 months

Wednesday 16th May 2012
quotequote all
A good way to think of this is to look at a ruler and consider whether you could actually see 300 individual dots in the space of one inch.

I think about 100dpi is the limit with the naked eye. OK so there are factors involved with printing to do with how the dots merge but it's a good starting point.

Driller

Original Poster:

8,310 posts

307 months

Wednesday 16th May 2012
quotequote all
Thanks for all the information guys, this place amazes me yet again with its fountain of knowledge! (if that doesn't sound too trite).

Always makes me think of "How do you know so much about swallows Sir?" hehe

I reckon these pics are going to be viewed at no closer than 1m and they'll be backlit (don't know if that makes a difference).

By what you're all saying, it sounds like between 100dpi (PPI?) and 200dpi should be fine then which means most of the pics on these image database sites will be ok.


RobDickinson

31,343 posts

283 months

Wednesday 16th May 2012
quotequote all
For a viewing distance of 1m I would suggest around 150-180 dpi

Driller

Original Poster:

8,310 posts

307 months

Wednesday 16th May 2012
quotequote all
Thanks Rob, very handy as was your comment about that Nikon camera above! In that case for 85x60 you're looking at about 6000x4320 DPI odd which falls nicely in the range of those websites.

Bit of a "duh!" moment really.