Largest prints out of a D40?

[3In2Out]

Sorry for the noob question, but I am looking to print up a pic I snapped of the night my financee and I got engaged. I want to suprise her with it, as this would be the first picture of mine I am going to have printed. Then of course frame it and all for her. Was just curious the general largest size I should stay around to keep IQ as good as possible. 8"x10"?

[K1W1]

It really depends on the actual image. How sharp is it? If it's a bit out of focus the larger you print the worse it will look.
In general 8"x 10" is easy for a D40 but just remember that 8x10 is not the native aspect ration so you will need to crop to fit that size. 8 x 12 retains the proportions of the original photo.
Many people have successfully printed 13" x 20" from 6MP images.

[toriaj]

I've printed 20x30, and although I wouldn't do that with anything that had lots of detail (like a cityscape) it looks fine for something smoother (like a sunset.) My next print will be more than 12x18, probably 14 or 15 inches on the short side.

Basically, you don't need to limit yourself.

[3In2Out]

It really depends on the actual image. How sharp is it? If it's a bit out of focus the larger you print the worse it will look.
In general 8"x 10" is easy for a D40 but just remember that 8x10 is not the native aspect ration so you will need to crop to fit that size. 8 x 12 retains the proportions of the original photo.
Many people have successfully printed 13" x 20" from 6MP images.

Good to know, thanks for both of yalls info. :)

[XaiLo]

I've printed half of an image that was underexposed used Blow Up to upsize it back to 3008x2000 and printed it at 20x30 for what was a bad image to begin with... I would never have believed the results that were obtained had I not done it myself. :D

[TheWengler]

It's probably a good idea to stay between 200 and 300 ppi.

[hokeyguy]

This company has been real good to deal with for me for getting quality prints. link (http://www.americanframe.com/artshop/digitalprinting/index.html)
After you upload an image, they have a kind of scale with sliders that keeps it in proportion. They will print up to 40" x 60". It's a bit pricey so I only use them for largish framers, but if you order several images it's more cost effective as the shipping does not go up (to a point). Anyway, you can at least check out the sliding scale.

[Turo]

I printed a few images 20"x30" that I had taken with my D50 @ 6.1MP through shutterfly and they came out incredible. I did quite a bit of post processing with the images first, reducing any noise available and getting the contrast/sharpness perfectly. But in the end the images came out GREAT!

[TNB]

It's a bit pricey so I only use them for largish framers.Although I can't compare the quality and don't know if there are any Costco's in Omaha, Costco 20x30 prints are $9.99, can be ordered online, and shipped directly to one's door. A big difference in price.

[BionicSniper]

i did a 20x30 of a tree http://flickr.com/photos/twmiv/1753819772/ and it turned out great. I wouldn't get close and stare at the print but on the wall in a room it looks great

[SpecialK]

Remember that the correct viewing distance is focal length (35mm equivalent) x the degree of enlargement.

Because distance-for-size is a direct relationship, all prints will look identical when viewed at the correct viewing distance. It's only when you are closer to a larger print that will you notice the difference.

[hokeyguy]

Although I can't compare the quality and don't know if there are any Costco's in Omaha, Costco 20x30 prints are $9.99, can be ordered online, and shipped directly to one's door. A big difference in price.
I'm willing to try it, but I'm telling you the quality of the one's from the place I linked to are simply amazing. I used to print my own b&w from film and these really remind me of heavy Portriga paper. Also, I've had bad experiences with places that take it upon themselves to crop and/or do contrast or color adjustments. Many are the times where the b&w shots I pick up are too contrasty with blown out highlights.
I've only used the "smooth fine art" paper (heavy cotton based feel) from my link so I have no experience with the others, though the canvas looks interesting.