Resolution Required for Perfect Print Results
One of the important things in printing high-quality photos is adequate image resolution. A low resolution can make the image look blurry or choppy, while a resolution that is too high does not always guarantee better print quality, especially if the printer has resolution limitations. Therefore, it is important to know the exact image resolution for each print size.
Image resolution is measured in PPI (Pixels Per Inch), which indicates the number of pixels per inch in a digital image. The higher the PPI, the more detail can be displayed in the printout. To get high-quality prints, the recommended resolution is 300 PPI. If the image resolution is below this number, the print may appear blurry or pixelated.
Minimum Resolution Recommendations for Different Photo Paper Sizes
Here are the minimum resolutions recommended for printing the best-quality photos:
- 6 x 4 inches (15 x 10 cm) → Minimum 1800 x 1200 pixels (equivalent to 2.2 megapixels).
- A4 (21 x 29.7 cm) → At least 2520 x 3564 pixels (equivalent to 9 megapixels).
- 8 x 10 inches (20 x 25 cm) → Minimum 2400 x 3000 pixels (about 7.2 megapixels).
If the image has a resolution below the recommendation, the print quality may deteriorate, especially if it is enlarged beyond its original size.
Difference between Image Resolution (PPI) and Print Head Resolution (DPI)
Most of the time, people think of PPI (Pixels Per Inch) and DPI (Dots Per Inch) as the same term, when they are different:
PPI (Pixels Per Inch)
Shows the number of pixels in an inch of a digital image. This determines the clarity of the image before printing.
DPI (Dots Per Inch)
Indicates the number of ink dots printed per inch by the printer. DPI has more to do with the printer’s ability to print details. For example, a printer with a resolution of 1440 DPI does not mean printing an image at 1440 PPI but prints more ink dots to produce smoother color gradations.
Photo Paper Brand Recommendations
Choosing the right photo paper is essential for quality prints. Some well-known manufacturers provide different types of paper with different characteristics, such as glossy, matte, satin, and fine art paper. Here is a summary of some of the best photo paper brands on the market along with the advantages and disadvantages of each.
| Brand | Excess | Deficiency | Suitable for |
| Epson | – Premium quality, optimal for Epson printers. – Available in a variety of finishes (Glossy, Matte, Semi-Gloss). – Sharp and durable color. | – More expensive. – Best results only when used with Epson printers and original inks. | Epson printer users who want high-quality prints. |
| Canon | – Compatible with Canon printers for optimal results. – Equipped with fade-resistant technology for long-lasting colors. – Photo Paper Pro Platinum variant for professional results. | – Prices are higher than third-party brands. – Some variants are only available in certain sizes. | Canon printer users who want prints with sharp colors and durability. |
| Ilford | – The top choice for professional photographers. – Offers a variety of unique finishes (Pearl, Lustre, Satin). – Suitable for fine art prints and galleries. | – High price compared to other brands. – Less suitable for everyday or mass printing. | Professional photographers or artists who want the quality of fine art prints. |
| Fotospeed | – A choice with high quality. – Has an archival paper variant for durable prints. – Compatible with a wide range of printers without any problems. | – Not as popular as Epson or Canon, making it harder to find. – Some variants have a premium price. | Users who need high-quality paper for art or collections. |