Camera resolution, Print Size and DPI question

[Helvegr]

I'd like to make sure I understand something a bit more about printing. Hopefully I can explain my question clearly.

Lets say for example I have to identical cameras (for arguements sake), although one is 21MP and the other is 12MP. They both take the same capture of some subject.

Now lets say I want to print a 11 x 17 print, at 240 dpi. If I did my math right, both resolutions should have no problem with this. The 21MP is like 5616x3744 and the 12MP is 4256x2832.

However my real question is if both images are printed on the same printer at the same DPI. Does the image with the higher resolution somehow come out better? Or can it simply maintain the 240dpi at large sizes?

[run_kmc]

Under the scenario you're proposing, you wouldn't see any difference regarding quality just based on the pixel count of the original image.

Your last statement is the key one. You'll have more detail for big prints if necessary. That said, 12mp will print just fine at some of the largest sizes a lab like Bay Photo prints at.

[David_S85]

What run said above and I'll add I've had pics from my old Canon 20D (8MP) printed at 20 x 30 inches and I was amazed by the detail, even at that size. 12MP, 21MP - you're good to go.