why 300 dpi for printing?

[John Bradbury <johndbry@interlog.com>]

I've been doing some tests: scanning 6x6 negatives to print out at
approx. 11.5x15(ins) on Super B paper on an Epson 1200  scanning (on an
Epson expression 800) at the recommended 300 dpi creates something in
the order of a 60 mg file which takes forever to print.
I have a slide/neg scanner (HP photosmart) which when I dial in the size
of the output always defaults to a 150dpi file. Using that I have been
able to produce these full size super b prints from 35 mm negs & slides.

Using that experience I scanned a 6x6 neg. on the Epson at 300 and at
240 and 150 and printed all from PS.
All look the same to me.
So why does everybody in the know recommend these HUGE files the largest
of which the 1200 estimated would take 120 minutes to print!
The photographs are of gardens and portraits.
In the portraits I have sent some time looking at the skin tones
especially of children but, again at all resolutions they all look as
good as a photograph!
Is it a sign my eye sight is failing, or am I missing out on something
here?
John Bradbury

-
Please do not include an entire message in your response. Delete the excess.
http://www.leben.com/lists for list instructions.