Classic 5D aspect ratio question?

[dbcann1962]

Howdy again y'all ...

First, my apologies if I posted this either in the wrong place or if it's a repeat. I did a search on maximum image size and returned jack AND squat. (That was applicable anyway)

So, here's my deal: I shoot a classic 5D as well as a Rebel XT backup. (Put down the tomatoes ... it works quite well.)

I've normally dealt with images only in digital form, never having to be concerned with making prints.

However now that I am selling prints, I'm trying to discover my maximum image size sans cropping. Did that make sense?

I've had requests for images in sizes where I would lose most of my image to a crop in order to make them the requested size. I'd like to be more proactive in this area taking the sizes into consideration.

If I read correctly, the 5D creates a RAW (that's how I shoot) image of 4638 x 2912 ... or 18.5" x 11.64" at 250? (8 bit) However I have printed 24x36 images with absolutely minimal loss. (And that math is probably WAY off - my best subject was lunch .. well, that and recess.)

Wow, now I can't even wrap my nugget around my own question. LOL

Bottom line here is I am trying to figure out what image sizes I can offer with minimal/no cropping necessary. I've been taught to 'fill the frame' but then when I do, I lose subject. So ... to fill or not to fill. Hmmmmmmm

Does anyone have a 'formula' that they use for these types of issues?

Did that question make sense?

Does a cube have 12 edges?

And ... does anyone care? LOL

Peace and Grace Y'all.

D

[brad]

I had an image from a 5D cropped down to less than 40 percent of the original image... and then printed on a billboard.... and it looked great.

So what was the question?

[KJ Smith]

Yes, makes sense.

The full frame is 24mm x 36mm, or 2-3. there is your formula.

Minimal crop images can be multiplies of that.

IE: 4x6, 6x9, 8x12, 10x15 ect.

How big can you go..... That's a whole different animal.

Brad said he did a billboard and it looked good.
But you view billboards from 100' away.

So that part is up to you and your client.

[engstrom]

Personally I try not to go below 150ppi which for the 5D is ~ 30" x 20". Can you print bigger? Sure, but the question is not only what size of print but also as Kevin said the viewing distance. Like I said, I try to no go below 150 ppi. As for filling the frame that's what I try to do but sometimes there's extenuating circumstances (lack of reach with a lens, unsure of the width/heigh ratio the customer wants, margin of error, etc.) that cause me to leave a little room around the edge of the picture.

[dbcann1962]

Thanks y'all for your time and answers!

Kevin hit it on the nose, exactly what I was lookin for. 2-3 is the key. I dunno why I couldn't remember that for the life of me. Maybe one of those 'thinkin too hard' things. *shrug*

I've seen 9' tall silks that were printed from a 5D ... so I know that I can go BIG if I need to. I was just really having issue with cropping and trying to figure what sizes to offer.

I guess leaving some 'wiggle room' in the image would be a good idea as well - just in case I do have to crop into it.

Thanks again!

Peace.

D

[Tom]

It all depends on how close to the print it is going to be viewed. I've got a few billboards up around Houston that were taken with the 10mp 1D3 and had the hell cropped out of them. But you don't go near them, so they look nice and sharp.

[brad]

Ya.. you have to remember that the larger it is, the farther away from which it is intended to be viewed... (YMMV).

But the OP apparently was talking aspect ratios, not actual size limitations.

[dbcann1962]

Originally Posted by brad

Ya.. you have to remember that the larger it is, the farther away from which it is intended to be viewed... (YMMV).

But the OP apparently was talking aspect ratios, not actual size limitations.

That's what it is ... 'zactly.

I just could not, for the life of me, remember some of these basics.

[dbcann1962]

If I could go back n change the subject title, I would. :/

[KJ Smith]

Originally Posted by dbcann1962

If I could go back n change the subject title, I would. :/

You can. go to edit on your first post.

Click the go advanced, lower right of edit box.

From there you can edit your title.

[dbcann1962]

Originally Posted by KJ Smith

You can. go to edit on your first post.

Click the go advanced, lower right of edit box.

From there you can edit your title.

Done - hopefully that won't mislead anyone further than my initial rambling question.

[Jake]

Originally Posted by dbcann1962

....

I guess leaving some 'wiggle room' in the image would be a good idea as well - just in case I do have to crop into it.

...

D

That's a good idea.
People love 8x10's and that really crops the heck out of a photo so I always try to leave room for the crop.

[brad]

Originally Posted by thejakestir

That's a good idea.
People love 8x10's and that really crops the heck out of a photo so I always try to leave room for the crop.

The only time you can appreciate an 8x10 is when you dust it. Its such a useless size.

[venchka]

It's time to throw off the shackles of the antique 8x10 format. Unless you make 8x10 negatives.
12x18 looks real good on my wall. 5x7 works very well with minimal cropping and looks very good and was a traditional print size way back when.
Does your 5D allow aspect ratio crop lines shown on the LCD? My 1D Mk III does. I like it.

[Tom]

Originally Posted by brad

The only time you can appreciate an 8x10 is when you dust it. Its such a useless size.

I agree. I educated all my customers about print sizes.