Is a 9 MB JPEG from a 24-Megapixel Camera Suitable for a 20 x 30 Canvas Print?

To determine if a 9 MB JPEG from a 24-megapixel camera is suitable for a 20 x 30 canvas print, we need to consider both the resolution and the quality of the image.

Resolution

A 24-megapixel camera typically has a resolution of around 6000 x 4000 pixels. For a 20 x 30 inch print, the required resolution depends on the print quality desired. A common standard for high-quality prints is 300 DPI (dots per inch), but for canvas prints, 150 DPI is often sufficient.

At 300 DPI:

Width: 20 inches x 300 DPI 6000 pixels Height: 30 inches x 300 DPI 9000 pixels Total pixels needed: 6000 x 9000 54 million pixels, which is not feasible with a 24 MP image.

At 150 DPI:

Width: 20 inches x 150 DPI 3000 pixels Height: 30 inches x 150 DPI 4500 pixels Total pixels needed: 3000 x 4500 13.5 million pixels.

File Size

A 9 MB JPEG file can contain a good amount of detail, especially if it's from a 24-megapixel source. The file size is generally sufficient for print, but this also depends on the compression level used in the JPEG.

Conclusion

Resolution: A 24-megapixel image (6000 x 4000 pixels) is adequate for a 20 x 30 canvas print at 150 DPI and will yield good quality.

File Size: A 9 MB JPEG should be sufficient provided it is not overly compressed.

In summary, a 9 MB JPEG from a 24-megapixel camera should be suitable for a 20 x 30 canvas print, especially at a lower DPI like 150. For the best results, ensure that the image is not heavily compressed and retains good detail.

Additionally, the weight of a JPEG file is influenced not only by the file size but also by compression and the content of the image itself. Any modern camera of 24 megapixels (Mpx) will produce a JPG file around that file weight.

Can a 24Mpx JPG File Produce a Good Quality 230 Inches Canvas Print?

Let's work some numbers.

A 24Mpx image is a 6000 x 4000 pixel image. 6000 pixels / 30 inches is 200 pixels per inch (PPI). 200 PPI is more than enough for a great quality print. It is more resolution than the one you see on a printed magazine, which is typically 150 LPI. You can hardly see the pixels on a 100PPI image, meaning you could even print a 24Mpx file at 460 inches poster. Canvas is a rougher material than photographic paper, so you can even print a 460 feet print if you want. The premise is that the bigger the print, the further away you need to be to actually see it.

Quality Considerations

Of course, this depends on the quality of the original image. A good quality photo sent in JPG can be used to print almost anything. You may only have some issues if you need to edit it for example to change exposure. One slight problem of banding can occur when you have a smooth big gradient like some sky, but this banding is not due to JPEG compression but the bit depth of the file format.