Megapixels

[MichiganFarts]

Megapixels only matter for small enlargements, not for huge enlargements. Once you get to, oh, say, 40' x 60', megapixels start mattering a lot less again.

 

[12sndsgood]

Although megapixels is not the total picture so to speak, it does make a difference if you are comparing apples to apples, rather than apples to oranges.

A newer point and shoot with 12megapixels will most likely produce better quality photos than an older point and shoot with 6 megapixels. You will see the difference in enlargements or side by side on a computer. More editing can be done on a 12 megapixel image than a 6 megapixel image before pixellation or noise occurs, too.

The same holds true for DSLRs. A lot more editing can be done on a 15 megapixel image, than on an 8 megapixel image and you can easily see the difference in sharpness and detail, especially if you are shooting something with a little texture in it. Even between a 12 and 14 megapixel photo it is possible to see the difference.

So, although megapixels may not be the only factor in comparing cameras, it is an important one for many shooters that are after detail and texture, as well as doing enlargements or editing.

I would note that of those that deride megapixels, I am sure that none of them are pros using an older 6 megapixel Canon Rebel.

skieur

to a certain degree. i was once using a 1 megapixel point and shoot. when the wife wanted a camera we went out and bought one that was 2 megapixel but the quality of the camera wasn't anywhere near as good and took worse pictures. its just 1 piece of the pie so to speak.

 

[skieur]

Megapixels only matter for small enlargements, not for huge enlargements. Once you get to, oh, say, 40' x 60', megapixels start mattering a lot less again.

HD and 3D television have changed the way people look at enlargements. Instead of backing up to look at the whole photo which was common when viewers were looking at film enlargements, they are now moving in closer to look at the crispness and detail in the digital enlargement.

There are software approaches to maintaining sharpness but of course, you can only work with the pixels that are there in the first place or add pixels through software guess work.

So, most enlargements go on a wall where a viewer can see it up close and in that situation megapixels matter.

Any pro doing extremely large prints would likely be using Red Epic or the large format digital module for Red One.

skieur

 

[JohnS.]

I never meant to imply megapixels don't matter at all.

I just find it sad and somewhat frustrating that some people base their camera buying decisions on megapixels. Or people like my uncle that proudly boast, "buy a camera with the most megapixels because it's going to be the best"... Especially to other people and have them start believing it and have them starting telling other people which tell more people, etc.

 

[MichiganFarts]

HD and 3D television have changed the way people look at enlargements. Instead of backing up to look at the whole photo which was common when viewers were looking at film enlargements, they are now moving in closer to look at the crispness and detail in the digital enlargement.

There are software approaches to maintaining sharpness but of course, you can only work with the pixels that are there in the first place or add pixels through software guess work.

So, most enlargements go on a wall where a viewer can see it up close and in that situation megapixels matter.

Any pro doing extremely large prints would likely be using Red Epic or the large format digital module for Red One.

skieur

Next time you're in arms reach of a 40' by 60' print, let me know how much it matters...

Also, I hope you're fine with heights...

 

[Tarnished]

Oh the battle of the megapixels xD When I told my mother I was in the business of shopping for a new camera for personal play she went on this big lecture about how I shouldn't be spending the money on an expensive camera and if I wanted anything good I needed to pay into the thousands. I laughed and let her think what she wanted but I got my little dinky Nikon digital camera for $150 which came with the camera, a case, and a memory card as a bundle. It has 14.2 megapixels and I think it just about blew her mind. It's only a digital camera, not a big fancy one but it does it's job for me and sure surprised her.

 

[skieur]

HD and 3D television have changed the way people look at enlargements. Instead of backing up to look at the whole photo which was common when viewers were looking at film enlargements, they are now moving in closer to look at the crispness and detail in the digital enlargement.

There are software approaches to maintaining sharpness but of course, you can only work with the pixels that are there in the first place or add pixels through software guess work.

So, most enlargements go on a wall where a viewer can see it up close and in that situation megapixels matter.

Any pro doing extremely large prints would likely be using Red Epic or the large format digital module for Red One.

skieur

Next time you're in arms reach of a 40' by 60' print, let me know how much it matters...

Also, I hope you're fine with heights...

The average person as you know, does enlargements to fit on a wall at home or in a small gallery and in those situations megapixels count.

Now, if you do shoot 40 feet by 60 feet prints, we would all be certainly interested in what camera and format you use, as well as what type of subjects you shoot for this size.

skieur

 

[MichiganFarts]

The average person as you know, does enlargements to fit on a wall at home or in a small gallery and in those situations megapixels count.

Now, if you do shoot 40 feet by 60 feet prints, we would all be certainly interested in what camera and format you use, as well as what type of subjects you shoot for this size.

skieur

Obviously it's not your average size. My original comment was just a little fun fact...megapixels stop mattering even for enlargements, at some point.

Only advertisers and corporate sponsors are going to use these sizes, and then it'll be crane lifted onto the side of a skyscraper...or parking ramp, or some structure.

But, if you're interested in knowing, camera equipment and file format are of little meaning with these sizes, because no matter what file I receive for printing, I'm going to convert it to a .tiff around 24dpi.

 

[cliffy13]

Its the age old Size Is Everything arguement the camera companies boast about their latest number of megapixels and consumers with little knowledge of photography take it all in.I have been asked to advise a mate buying his first DSLR and I know this will come up

 

[Ken Rockwell Fan]

Lets see who can fill up the memory card the fastest. You go first.

 

[grandpawrichard]

Josh,

Carry around a strip of film that was not developed, hand that to them next time they ask :lmao:

Allan

:lmao: Allan,
You and I think a lot alike! :lmao: When I am out and about with my old Minolta 35 mm XD I always carry an old film roll that I can pull out of my pocket to show people. I grab the tag end and pull it, out comes the film. You should see the looks on people's faces! :lmao:

Dick

 

[loopy]

Younger people that missed the whole film thing catch on quicker. Usually I don't even have to tell them - they notice that there's no LCD on the back of the camera, and there's this weird looking door thing, lol.

I was shooting pictures of my friend's kid (I think he is around 5?), he wanted to see the photos after. I told him it was film, so it was a surprise. He looked at the back of my camera and said "oh, its broken".