DIY Photography

Hacking Photography - one Picture at a time

  • News
  • Inspiration
  • Reviews
  • Tutorials
  • DIY
  • Gear
Search

Submit A Story

The megapixel count: how much does it really matter?

Jun 1, 2018 by Dunja Djudjic Leave a Comment

  • Share
  • Tweet
  • Flipboard
  • WhatsApp

If you remember the beginnings of digital photography, then you probably remember that it was all about the megapixel count. Today, the market still offers us cameras with 10 MP, but there are those with 50 – 100MP, too. And how much does it really matter? In this video from B&H, David Flores discusses how important the megapixel count really is, and why there can be some advantages even to lower-resolution cameras.

Why you need more megapixels

Professional-quality photos are generally printed at 300 dpi, and higher resolution camera enables you to make larger prints. On the other hand, billboards and other large prints are printed at 100 or even 50 dpi, because you will not be looking at them from up close. If you want to read more about printing, you can do it here.

Another advantage of a high megapixel count is that you have more flexibility in post-production. So it can come in handy when you’re cropping, retouching and compositing images.

Generally speaking, the high megapixel count is important for fine art, landscape, and commercial product photographers. Designers also appreciate the higher flexibility they get from high-resolution photos.

Downsides to working with ultra-high resolutions

Probably the most obvious downside to high-resolution cameras is the need for higher capacity memory cards and disk storage solutions, considering that the images take up a lot of space.

Another disadvantage of high-resolution cameras is that more megapixels mean more “heavy lifting” during image acquisition. This means slower continuous shooting and slower AF performance. Also, low light performance is better with lower resolution cameras. Still, all this doesn’t mean that some manufacturers haven’t found the way to bring together the best of all worlds. For example, Sony A7RII offers great low light performance and speed in a pretty high-resolution camera.

If you’re shooting video, a lower resolution camera can provide you with faster image processing. And when it comes to low light video, you’ll have the same advantages as in low light photography.

So, do megapixels really matter?

Well, the answer to this question isn’t straightforward. Basically, it all depends what you use your camera for. If you do a lot of printing, shoot in a studio or want landscapes with exceptional detail, a high-resolution camera is an obvious choice. On the other hand, if you’re looking for good low light performance and improved video performance, then the lower resolution camera could be a better choice for you.

So tell me, how much is the megapixel count important to you? I use a 16.2 MP Nikon D7000 and since I’m a hobbyist, it’s quite enough for me. Does it make a difference in your work? Or you find some other features more important?

[How Important are Megapixels Really? via FStoppers]

FIND THIS INTERESTING? SHARE IT WITH YOUR FRIENDS!

  • Share
  • Tweet
  • Flipboard
  • WhatsApp

Related posts:

Gear Does Matter, But Not How You Thought It Does What does bit depth even mean? And does it matter? Instagram now lets you hide or reveal public like count as you please A7RIII 80 megapixel rumor – Let’s talk about why I love the Megapixel race (not what you think)

Filed Under: Inspiration Tagged With: b&h, David Flores, Megapixel Race, Megapixels

About Dunja Djudjic

Dunja Djudjic is a multi-talented artist based in Novi Sad, Serbia. With 15 years of experience as a photographer, she specializes in capturing the beauty of nature, travel, and fine art. In addition to her photography, Dunja also expresses her creativity through writing, embroidery, and jewelry making.

« PNY has just announced a massive new 512GB “Elite” microSD card
Photographer turns bullied kids into Avengers in this empowering project »

Submit A Story

Get our FREE Lighting Book

DIYP lighting book cover

* download requires newsletter signup
DIYPhotography

Recent Comments

Free Resources

Advanced lighting book

Recent Posts

  • Sony’s ZV-E1 is a cut-down FX3 in a vlogging form factor
  • Watch: How good (or bad) is an $8.50 tripod?
  • How to light and photograph Lego building interiors
  • Lighting Setup: How to light your portraits with £50 LED tubes
  • Review: Insta360 announces its first gimbal – The AI-tracking Insta360 Flow

Alex Baker is a portrait and lifestyle driven photographer based in Valencia, Spain. She works on a range of projects from commercial to fine art and has had work featured in publications such as The Daily Mail, Conde Nast Traveller and El Mundo, and has exhibited work across Europe

Dave Williams is an accomplished travel photographer, writer, and best-selling author from the UK. He is also a photography educator and published Aurora expert. Dave has traveled extensively in recent years, capturing stunning images from around the world in a modified van. His work has been featured in various publications and he has worked with notable brands such as Skoda, EE, Boeing, Huawei, Microsoft, BMW, Conde Nast, Electronic Arts, Discovery, BBC, The Guardian, ESPN, NBC, and many others.

John Aldred is a photographer with over 20 years of experience in the portrait and commercial worlds. He is based in Scotland and has been an early adopter - and occasional beta tester - of almost every digital imaging technology in that time. As well as his creative visual work, John uses 3D printing, electronics and programming to create his own photography and filmmaking tools and consults for a number of brands across the industry.

Dunja Djudjic is a multi-talented artist based in Novi Sad, Serbia. With 15 years of experience as a photographer, she specializes in capturing the beauty of nature, travel, and fine art. In addition to her photography, Dunja also expresses her creativity through writing, embroidery, and jewelry making.

Copyright © DIYPhotography 2006 - 2023 | About | Contact | Advertise | Write for DIYP | Full Disclosure | Privacy Policy