Printed Image is not as clear as screen image

[debaroo]

I have a Rebel EOS SL2 and I have a picture that I was submitting to an exhibit and the pixels under properties for this image is 3555 x 3983 pixels.  I used GIMP to confirm that the dpi for my 8 x 10 printed picture would be at least 300 dpi and it should be based on the conversion of pixels to dpi (3555/300 = 11.85 & 3983/300 = 13.28).  Basically I should be able to print up to an 11 x 13 picture with this image and still get a 300 dpi quality print.  However, when I received my printed image, it just doesn't look as good as it did on my screen, which I understand is 72 DPI.  I am not sure why my picture does not look as good when printed.  What am I missing?  Could it be related to my background blur or something else I am not considering?  I ordered my print from an online source and had it mailed to me, so I am not processing/printing images myself.  Can anyone provide any insight into what I might be missing. 

[ebiggs1]

"...what photo printer should I consider purchasing?"

I like and use the Canon Pixma Pro series and have for many years now. I have had five or six of them. I have the Pixma Pro 100 currently.  It is a 13x19 full on photo printer. It is big and heavy.  Keep in mind it is not an office printer and does not do well if you try to make it one.  It is a photo printer!  I am not sure what model number they are up to now but you can check it out.

The one thing you need to consider is ink.  When you have a photo printer you don't print all day every day. Even when I was working full yime, I only printed once a week or so.  Now it may be a month or two between printing sessions. The Pixma Pro takes very good care of its ink when YOU ARE NOT printing.  Most, or at least some, photo printers do not.

[ebiggs1]

"I like lustre rather than glossy prints most of the time."

Lustre is nice and best for some types of photos.  Wanting the sharpest photo is not a good use for lustre.  Gloss or high gloss or for outstandingly sharp and dramatic prints try metal. The paper you choose is one if not the most important parts of color or B&W printing. Paper can be expensive and the very best paper is very expensive.

[jrhoffman75]

The Pixma Pro-200 is the current equivalent of the Pro-100. Unfortunately it looks like the great deals that existed with the Pro-100 are no more. 

Right on about sharpness and glossy paper. Canon Photo Paper Pro Platinum is excellent. Reminiscent of Cibachrome in analog film days. 

[ebiggs1]

[debaroo]

I use Costco Photo Center for my processing. 

[debaroo]

I have downloaded the Canon Digital Photo Professional and if I feel it does not meet my needs, I will look at purchasing Photoshop or Lightroom. Thanks for all the advise. I think I will see if using Sharpen helps while still using Costco Photo Center as my photo processing center and if not, perhaps try another photo printer.

[debaroo]

I have double checked and my Microsoft Surface is 72 DPI for screen and I have downloaded the Canon Digital Photo Professional app to see if sharpen will help. Thanks

[debaroo]

Thanks

[jrhoffman75]

---

@debaroo wrote:
I have downloaded the Canon Digital Photo Professional and if I feel it does not meet my needs, I will look at purchasing Photoshop or Lightroom. Thanks for all the advise. I think I will see if using Sharpen helps while still using Costco Photo Center as my photo processing center and if not, perhaps try another photo printer.

---

What need do you feel that DPP does not address? It's not the most user friendly product out there, and it doesn't have all the special tools that Lightroom has, but for a first time processor it is very capable.

[ebiggs1]

"I have double checked and my Microsoft Surface is 72 DPI ..."

Printers have DPI. Monitor screens do not.