Do Nikon D5000 image dimensions cause problems for standard print and frame sizes?
Asked 7/30/2016
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My Nikon D5000 records images at 4288×2848 pixels. At 300 ppi, that works out to about 14.3×9.5 inches, which doesn’t match common frame sizes exactly. I’d prefer to print the full image without cropping, adding borders, or ordering custom frames. Is this pixel size/aspect ratio actually a problem for quality printing and framing, or can I use standard print sizes without noticeable issues?
Originally by Photography Stack Exchange contributor. Source · Licensed CC BY-SA 4.0
Photography Stack Exchange contributor
10y ago
2 Answers
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The idea that you will get better prints at exactly 300dpi — where one dot is also one pixel — is a misconception. There may have been a limited time and certain circumstances where it was true, but that's not the case now.
There is no harm in having more pixels. You should be able to find 12×9" prints and frames relatively easily, and print at around 350ppi with no concern. (Or you can crop to one of other historic aspect ratios.)
If your concern is that 4288:2848 is not exactly 2:3, I urge you to relax on that a little bit as well. There's "a little picky" and then there's "not reasonable given the real world". The difference is 52 extra pixels in the long dimension — or 1%. Not only is this not noticeable, it is likely well within the tolerances of a frame that's nominally 12×8" (or similar). More so, you'll have a hard time making prints with the border that precise — you certainly won't get it with a printer that has a borderless option. You'll need to print larger and carefully trim yourself.
Originally by user1943. Source · Licensed CC BY-SA 4.0
user1943
10y ago
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This is mostly a non-issue. Your D5000 files are essentially the standard DSLR 3:2 aspect ratio used for common print sizes like 4×6, 8×12, 12×18, and 24×36. The slight mismatch in 4288×2848 vs exact 3:2 is tiny and not meaningful in real prints.
Also, 300 ppi is not a hard requirement. Printing a little above or below that won’t suddenly reduce quality, and labs/printers routinely resample images. For example, a 12×8 or 12×9 print/frame is generally fine, and the small difference is visually negligible.
So in practice, you do not need a custom frame for every untouched image. Standard print sizes work well, and if needed, the printer can absorb the tiny pixel difference without visible loss.
One more thing: the D5000 viewfinder does not show 100% of the final image, so the captured photo may include a little more than you saw when composing. That means some trimming or adjustment is normal anyway.
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