How many megapixels are required for poster size prints?
Because poster size prints are generally viewed from an arm’s length or farther, less pixels per inch (ppi) are required to produce a quality image. For good quality posters, 150 ppi is recommended. At this resolution, the camera should have the following megapixels (MP): • 11×14″ prints require at least 4.1 MP • 16×24″ prints require at least 9.7 MP • 20×30″ prints require at least 15.1 MP The larger sizes may produce good results at 100 ppi, requiring less megapixels. If you will be doing significant cropping of the photos (digital zooming), more megapixels will be required to make up for discarded pixels. For additional details, see Megapixels for Digital Photo Printing.
