I am an artist. I have a n olympus camera with 2.1 megapixel. The prints either from some web-based companies, or from my own epson colour 440 inkjet printer are not good.I take the photo, edit in photoshop type software and make a png file for printing.I am wondering if a higher spec camera, with min 6 megapixel would improve the quality. If you're wanting prints larger than 4 by 6 inch or 5 by 7 inch prints AND that'll hold up to a magnifying glass, you'll need a camera with more mega pixels, say 5 on up.
Also if you're doing a lot of cropping of the pictures you take, that'll degrade the print quality too. Try to fill the camera composing frame as much as possible with the painting you're trying to photograph
If you can save pictures only as *.jpg files, try setting the camera to the maximum mega pixel setting and "fine" storage mode. The finished picture will take up a lot more space to store, but better print quality will result.
Not all cameras will allow you to store pictures as a bit map or "RAW" file. Use that mode if it's available, though, the quality will be maximized and you can save the results as a *.jpg file later.
Check into your printer settings, too. Much printer software has settings for the type of paper you're using, such as glossy or matter or heavy or regular grade paper. That setting makes a big difference. Also maximize the number of dots/inch printing quality. Many printers default to 100 dots per inch to speed up the printing speed, but the final quality definitely suffers. I love my casio 7.2 megapixel exilim digi camera. It is the best!!! Really big photo files though Of course it would help. But, save some money and try different inkjet paper, and try different inks. Also, digital cameras are much more sensitive to light than film. Adding a 60 watt light bulb behind the camera will drastically change the color temperature of the painting. A flourescent light will also completely change the color temp.
Also, save the file as a BMP, as jpg and tiffs average the colored pixels. cannon power shot a75 takes good pics For fantastic 8x10 inch prints, you need a 6+ megapixel camera. (You're currently using an Epson 440, so I assume that's the maximum size you need. For full size prints of large canvases, you'll want a medium format film camera.)
Obviously, shoot with a tripod and with good light.
On your camera, turn off all forms of image enhancement. Most point & shoots, and even some digital SLRs have default settings that enhance contrast and oversharpen contours to make pictures 'pop'. You don't want that - you want true reproductions.
When you have prints made, make sure that THEY don't make automatic color 'corrections'. They usually do.
As for the Epson 440, I don't know that model but I do think highly of the Epson brand. I personally use their cheap R220. These newer printers are (made? and) specifically marketed for use as photo printers. Get some heavy, glossy photopaper for your printer. Epson sells that, as do many other brands. This kind of paper actually comes with an instruction booklet. Read the booklet carefully, for it tells you to change several printer settings for color accuracy!
Best wishes! You may need more megapixels, and/or better lighting. Take the painting outdoors and photograph it in diffuse sunlight, like on a hazy day or under some trees. See if that helps.
Suspect your printer! Take some well exposed images to a photo place to be printed on their good quality printer. If it looks like your printer needs to be replaced, I suggest doing that first, then decide whether you need to replace the camera.
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