Printing 20x30 on my HP Z3200PS 24" from a Nikon D700

[kuau]

Just wanted to get some "expert" advice on the best way to print a 20x30 print from my D700 on my HP Z3200PS 24"printer.
Native resolution from the D700 when I specify 20x30 in PS CS4 is 140 ppi

Workflow right now is.
Convert nef using Capture NX2 16 bit pro photo no sharpening.
Use PhotoKit Capture Sharpening
then comes my question.
Should I up res the image to 180ppi, 280ppi 300ppi or just leave it at 140ppi
Then I do a PhotoKit Output Sharpen.


I guess I would ask the same thing for 16x24 prints native res is 177ppi.
Should I leave it or up res it?


Thanks

[Colorwave]

For my $.02, I'd say that you should go ahead and upres the larger output to 300ppi and output sharpen that.  If you were above 180ppi I'd recommend leaving it.  If you are upresing anyway, you might as well pick a resolution that requires no interpolation within the printer.  I don't think it is overwhelimingly significant, but HP's thermal heads are based on 300ppi frequency, vs. Epson and piezo heads multiples of 360.  Some of the variables, and your likelihood of being pleased with the results will depend on the nature of the image.  Crunchy, high frequency images with a lot of fine detail will be less forgiving than softer and more subtle images.  You are right on the bubble with the smaller print size, and will most likely be just fine without altering the file size.  I use Genuine Fractals, and would make a judgement call on it based on the type of image and quality of the file for the smaller print.

[kuau]

Ron

Thanks for the advice I will give it a try.
BTW, whats your favorite paper on your HPZ3100 these days for both Color and B&W images?

Steven

[Colorwave]

Lots of subjectivity here, but Hahnemuhle Bamboo (eggshell texture, photo ragish) or Hahnemuhle Sugar Cane (textured, watercolor paperish) for more artistic, moody images.  HP Professional Satin or Harman Gloss for straight color photos, and Hahnemuhle Photo Rag Baryta for B&W and not overly vivid color images.  I also like Hahmemuhle Photo Rag Satin for impressionistic images that don't have too strong a shadow contrast (it looks posterized when the contrast is too strong).