The Megapixel Myth

[ZWolfe21]

I found this page some time ago and only recently rediscovered it. I can only image how many do wonder what exactly that megapixel rating on their cameras really means, as did I. So I thought i'd throw this link out there and hopefully help a few out. While I can't swear to it's validity, he certainly seems to know what he's talking about. Anyway the link is below.

Just for the heck of it, lets see if anyone learned anything. (Poll)

The Megapixel Myth, click here.

 

[Photoadder]

You can send it to Myths Busters hehe.

 

[Sw1tchFX]

Most amateurs don't understand it, because they've been educated by marketing, which tries to push the megapixels.

 

[Photoadder]

Exactly! Who will buy a cellphone, which is less than 3MP?

 

[tsaraleksi]

All other things being equal, more resolution is a good thing. However, Ken makes a good point that manufacturers/consumers run into trouble when they sacrifice other things for more resolution.

 

[Sw1tchFX]

All other things being equal, more resolution is a good thing. However, Ken makes a good point that manufacturers/consumers run into trouble when they sacrifice other things for more resolution.

I disagree that more resolution is a good thing. A P90 might have 12MP, and the D2h has 4. You interpolate the D2H to 12MP, and it will still have less noise, more acuity, and better color.

Compacts really shouldn't be more then 4 or 6 MP, and the manufacturers should concentrate more on getting better color and less noise at those resolutions anyway.

 

[DScience]

Most amateurs don't understand it, because they've been educated by marketing, which tries to push the megapixels.

LOL amateurs? I knew this before I even owned a digital camera.

 

[WTF?]

^ he said most.

 

[c0ps]

True that MP count is really about how big do you want to print? and how far are you viewing it from. (300 PPI is nice) But he doesent speak about cropping. I do alote of cropping and prefer to have higher MP count.

 

[bdavison]

More junk science from the junk science master. Spends a whole page telling us MP dont matter, and then in the end says that 25mp matches 35mm film....well make up your mind. Sheesh.

 

[Parkerman]

More junk science from the junk science master. Spends a whole page telling us MP dont matter, and then in the end says that 25mp matches 35mm film....well make up your mind. Sheesh.

Sensor size is way more important than MP

 

[TUX424]

Exactly! Who will buy a cellphone, which is less than 3MP?

Who would by a cell phone for the camera?

 

[prodigy2k7]

I disagree that more resolution is a good thing. A P90 might have 12MP, and the D2h has 4. You interpolate the D2H to 12MP, and it will still have less noise, more acuity, and better color.

Compacts really shouldn't be more then 4 or 6 MP, and the manufacturers should concentrate more on getting better color and less noise at those resolutions anyway.

I thought when he said "All other things being equal", that would include noise and whatnot..

True that MP count is really about how big do you want to print? and how far are you viewing it from. (300 PPI is nice) But he doesent speak about cropping. I do alote of cropping and prefer to have higher MP count.

He did talk about cropping, did you not read the whole article?

 

[ZWolfe21]

[Scribbles Note] Do not start anymore technical discussion threads.

 

[tsaraleksi]

I thought when he said "All other things being equal", that would include noise and whatnot..

Yes that is in fact what I meant.