Megapixel Digital
Digital Cameras – How Many Megapixels Do you Need?
The more pixels used to represent an image, the closer the result can resemble the original. The number of pixels in an image is sometimes called the resolution, though resolution has a more specific definition. Pixel counts can be expressed as a single number, as in a “three-megapixel” digital camera, which has a nominal three million pixels, or as a pair of numbers, as in a “640 by 480 display”, which has 640 pixels from side to side and 480 from top to bottom (as in a VGA display), and therefore has a total number of 640 × 480 = 307,200 pixels or 0.3 megapixels.
When looking at the sales blurb for digital cameras, you will see endless mention of megapixels – and this is indeed a critical feature of your camera. So here we’ll explain what they are – and how many you’ll need.
A digital camera contains a special device, know as a sensor (sometimes referred to as the CCD), to capture light. This replaces the photographic film used in a traditional camera. The sensor is comprised of numerous tiny ‘photosites’ that collect light, convert it into an electric form and feed it to the camera’s on-board computer. Once the digital information is stored in your camera’s memory, it can be reassembled on a computer monitor, on your camera’s colour screen, or printer to make your photo. A pixel (from the term ‘picture element’) is a tiny, discreet location on the sensor that contains the photosite, a micro lens to focus light onto the photosite and other electronics. The number of megapixels refers to how many millions of pixels the sensor in your camera has. A megapixel is the common term for one million pixels, often abbreviated as ‘IMP’. A two-million pixel camera will be referred to as 2MP, and so on.
The number of pixels is important because the more a camera has, the more detail it can capture – and the higher its resolution is said to be. Additionally, the more pixels there are, the larger you’ll be able to print your pictures. But don’t forget, the more megapixels a camera has, the more expensive it will be too.
So how many megapixels should you get when you buy a digital camera? The answer to this depends largely on your budget and what you want to do with your images. You need fewer pixels to post images. You need fewer pixels to post images on the internet and send them as emails, than to print standard 6×4 inch prints. But you’ll need more pixels than that if you want to create enlargements. For example, you will get perfectly good 6×4 inch prints from a 2MP digital camera and still be able to enlarge the shot to a print size of around 8×10 inches. With 3MP cameras, you’ll be able to enlarge your photos up to a full A4 sheet.
If you buy a digital camera with more than 4MP, then you’ll be able to print at sizes up to A3 and even larger. So while a less expensive low-resolution camera might look like a bargain at first, if you want to create large prints then it’s not the camera for you. Happily, all digital cameras can be set up to use less than their full complement of pixels, so you can tailor shots to their end use, such as the lesser number of pixels needed on an image to be emailed. This is even true with a very high-resolution model.
Another thing to remember is that the more pixels your camera has, the more memory the shots will use up – per photo – because each image will then be made up from more pixels and so contain more digital information.
Thank you for reviewing this article, I hope you found the content useful and of great help
About the Author
We hope you’ve found this article on digital camera megapixels educational and informative. Tabitha Mwendo: A website consultant, publisher, and marketer. She is at the moment focusing on Thin digital camera theme. click here for more digital photography tutorial and inspiration http://www.edigitalcamera.org
|
|
Nikon 10-Megapixel (10 MP) 1 J1 Digital Camera w/ 10-30mm VR / 30-110mm Kit $707.49 |
|
|
Nikon Coolpix S30 10 Megapixel (10 MP) Waterproof Digital Camera – Pink $115.55 |
|
|
White Pentax Optio P70 Digital camera – compact – 12.0 Megapixel – 4 x optical $234.45 |
|
|
Kodak EasyShare DX6490 10X 4.0 Megapixel Digital Schneider-Kreuznach 30-380mm $51.00 |
|
|
Canon 1D 4.15 Megapixel Digital SLR **Camera Only (#023743) $309.00 |
|
|
Vivitar Vstyle Swivel Shot 5.1-Megapixel Digital Camera, VS58G $16.95 |
|
|
Canon EOS 1Ds Mark II 16.7 Megapixel Digital Camera Very Good with box. $1,363.00 |
|
|
Olympus Stylus 1010 10.1 Megapixel Digital Camera-Black $29.99 |
|
|
FUJIFILM MX-700 COLOR DIGITAL CAMERA 1.5 MegaPixels $75.00 |
|
|
Sony Cyber-shot DSC-W90 8.1 Megapixel DIGITAL CAMERA ++ $228.88 |
|
|
Sony Cyber-shot DSC-T70S 8.1 Megapixel DIGITAL CAMERA $228.88 |
|
|
Sony Cyber-shot DSC-W90 8.1 Megapixel DIGITAL CAMERA ++ $248.88 |
|
|
NIKON COOLPIX S3000 12.0 MEGAPIXEL COMPACT DIGITAL CAMERA $150.00 |
|
|
Olympus D705 D-705 14.0 Megapixel, 5x Optical Zoom, Digital Camera $89.72 |
|
|
Nikon D2XS 12.4 Megapixel Digital SLR Camera (#6020532) w/Battery & Charger $1,339.00 |
|
|
Canon EOS 60D 18 Megapixel Digital SLR Camera (Body … $1,199.00 |
|
|
Digital Concepts 2.1 Megapixel Digital Camera 3-in-one PC webcam video camera $3.00 |
|
|
Sold As Is DXG 552 5.1 megapixel Digital Camera Sold As Is $1.99 |
|
|
Sanyo VPC S120 12.1 Megapixel Digital Camera $11.50 |
|
|
Nikon Coolpix S9300 Black 16-megapixel Digital Camera $296.95 |
|
|
Nikon 1 J1 Pink 10.1-megapixel Digital Camera with 10-30mm & 30-110mm VR lenses $726.95 |
|
|
Fuji FinePix XP150 Orange 14-megapixel Digital Camera $249.00 |
|
|
10 Pcs New Mini Camera Shaped 8.0 Mega Pixel USB Digital Webcam with Microphone $54.87 |
|
|
Moultrie Game Spy D-40 and D-50 Megapixel Flash Digital Trail Camera $1.04 |
|
|
SONY DSC-W5 5.1 Megapixel Cyber-shot(R) Digital Camera $199.99 |
|
|
Sony Cyber-shot DSC-V3 7.2 Megapixel Digital Camera $255.00 |
|
|
Moultrie Game Spy D-40 and D-50 Megapixel Flash Digital Trail Camera $71.50 |
|
|
Casio Exilim EX Z750 7.2 Megapixel Digital Camera AS IS ZOOM $104.99 |
|
|
SONY Digital Mavica 1.6 Mega Pixel Camera Lot 3 & Bag $65.00 |
|
|
Canon PowerShot A480 Digital Camera – 10.0 Megapixels – 2.5 inch LCD – Blue $100.00 |
|
|
Nikon Coolpix S200 7.1 Megapixel Digital Camera BOXED $134.99 |
|
|
NEW 5.0 Mega Pixel Digital Game Hunting Camo Camera.LCD Menu Screen.Track Deer. $159.99 |
|
|
New Pyle PSAC4G 1.3 Megapixel Waterproof 4GB Digital Video Recorder $82.49 |
|
|
FUJIFILM FINEPIX Z70 12 MEGAPIXEL 5X OPTICAL ZOOM 2.7 LCD SCREEN DIGITAL CAMERA $49.95 |
|
|
Vtech KidiZoom 1.3 Megapixel Digital Camera Pink Color Model 80-122750 $19.95 |
|
|
NEW Open Box: VuPoint M5056 Digital 5.0 Megapixel Camcorder w/ SD Slot MSRP $150 $9.99 |
|
|
USB Digital Microscope 1.3 Mega Pixel Video Camera 200X $16.49 |
|
|
Sharper Image DV518 32 MB Camcorder Black Digital Video Camcorder 12 Megapixels $34.99 |
|
|
Canon EOS Rebel T3i Kit 18-megapixel Digital SLR with 18-55mm IS II Lens $749.00 |
|
|
Nikon L810RD CoolPix, 16 Megapixel, 26x Optical Zoom, Digital Camera $249.00 |
|
|
14.2 Megapixel Wi-Fi Digital Camera Samsung ST80 LCD Display + Touch screen NEW $34.99 |
|
|
Kodak Easyshare Digital Camera C 180 10.2 MegaPixels 3 X Zoom FREE SHIPPING NEW $38.00 |
|
|
OLYMPUS STYLUS TOUGH -3000 12 MEGAPIXELS DIGITAL CAMERA $37.03 |
|
|
DigiGr8 3.1 Mega Pixel Digital Camera/Video Camera Combination $0.99 |
|
|
Mini Built-in 32 MB SDRAM video function USB 30 Megapixels Digital Camera $20.92 |
|
|
Olympus C-720 8X Ultra Zoom 3.0 Megapixel Digital Camera-(Excellent Condition) $24.99 |
|
|
Canon PowerShot SX120 IS 10.0 Megapixel Digital Camera $150.00 |
|
|
Olympus D-550 3.0 Megapixel Digital Camera Includes Accessories $24.99 |
|
|
Intova IC500 5.0 Megapixel Digital Sports Camera with Waterproof Housing New $87.00 |
|
|
Intova IC700 7.0 Megapixel Digital Sports Camera with Waterproof Housing New $219.95 |
|
|
Brand New Casio Exilim EX-H30BK EX-H30 Black Digital Camera 16.1 Mega Pixel $199.99 |
|
|
Olympus C 3030ZOOM 3.3 Megapixel Digital Camera With Lots of Accessories $44.99 |
|
|
Jazz DV180 11 Mega Pixel Digital Camera & Camcorder LNB $55.00 |
|
|
Kodak 10.2 Megapixel RED Digital Camera with 1GB SD Card $49.99 |
|
|
JVC Picsio GC-FM1AUS 8 Megapixels 1080p Pocket Flash Memory Camera – 4x Digital $48.40 |
|
|
Canon PowerShot G12 10-megapixel Digital Camera $435.00 |
|
|
Sony Cybershot DSC-HX200V/B 18-Megapixel Digital Camera $478.00 |
|
|
NEW! Moultrie Game Spy M65 Digital Game Camera 6.0 Megapixel With Viewing Screen $244.99 |
|
|
Olympus C-5500 5.1 Mega Pixel Gray Digital Camera $64.98 |
|
|
Samsung EC-MV800ZBPBUS MV800 16.1 Megapixels Digital Camera – 5x Optical $187.46 |
|
|
Sony Cyber-shot DSC-T90/P T90 12.1 Megapixels Digital Camera – 4x Optical $175.04 |
|
|
JVC GZ-MG505 1.33/5.0 Megapixels Camcorder – 10x Optical Zoom/300x Digital Zoom $569.65 |
|
|
Sony Cyber-shot DSC-W190/R 12.1 Megapixels Digital Camera – 3x Optical Zoom - $83.49 |
|
|
Samsung EC-CL65ZZBPS CL65 12.2 Megapixels Digital Camera – 5x Optical Zoom/5x $211.31 |
|
|
NEW Olympus SZ-10 14 Megapixel Digital Camera with 18x $249.00 |
|
|
3.1 megapixel DV-136ZB Color LCD Screen Digital Video Camera 128MB $50.00 |
|
|
Kodak Easyshare DX6440 4.0 Megapixel Digital Camera Non-working For Parts Repair $0.99 |
|
|
Olympus Camedia C 3000 3.3 Megapixel Digital Camera (Extras) Nice Camera!!! $22.99 |
|
|
Panasonic D-Snap SV-AV50 SD Digital Camcorder 2.1 MegaPixels 2.5x Optical zoom 2 $99.00 |
|
|
Canon PowerShot A560 7.1 Megapixel Digital Camera USED !!! $55.99 |
|
|
Emerson EVC125HD Digital Video Camera / Camcorder – Black 12 Megapixel MP $17.50 |
|
|
GE / M140 / 14.1 MEGAPIXELS / DIGITAL CAMERA / W SMILE DETECTION / BRAND NEW $54.99 |
|
|
SAMSUNG SL50 10.2 MEGAPIXELS AND A 5X OPTICAL ZOOM RED DIGITAL CAMERA $11.05 |
|
|
Canon PowerShot ELPH 300 HS 12.1 MegaPixels Digital Camera Brand New In Box $140.00 |
|
|
CANON 6036B001 16.1 MEGAPIXEL POWERSHOT(R) ELPH(R) 110 HS DIGITAL CAMERA (SILVER $450.00 |
|
|
Pentax Optio S6 6.0 Megapixel Digital Camera AS IS $49.99 |
|
|
usb digital microscope up to 20 Mega Pixel Video Camera $19.98 |
|
|
USB Digital Microscope 1.3 Mega Pixel Video Magnifier Camera 200X 4 LED $41.98 |
|
|
Bushnell Image View 8×30 2.1 Megapixel Digital Camera Binoculars $60.00 |
|
|
Galileo .3 MegaPixel Digital Binocular Camera NEW! $83.98 |
|
|
Olympus T-100 digital camera 12 megapixel 3x optical zoom 2.4″ LCD monitor $70.00 |
|
|
Canon PowerShot S100 12 Megapixel (12 MP) Digital Camera – Black $393.79 |
|
|
Sony Cyber-shot DSC-TX66 18 Megapixel (18-MP) Digital Camera – Silver $355.91 |
|
|
Canon EOS 60D 18 Megapixel Digital SLR Camera (Body … $899.00 |
|
|
Canon Rebel xti digital slr camera professional 10.1 megapixel $91.11 |
|
|
Digital Concepts 4.1 Megapixel Digital Camera with Memory Card ::Super::Sale:: $0.99 |
|
|
Nikon Coolpix 5000 5.0 megapixel Digital Camera $40.00 |
|
|
COBRA 8 MEGA PIXEL DIGITAL CAMERA MODEL DC8000 NEW IN BOX $39.29 |
|
|
Canon EOS 5D 12.8 Megapixel **Full Frame Sensor** Digital SLR Body (#1020708253) $959.00 |
|
|
iCarly 2.1 Megapixel Digital Camera with Preview Screen New in Package $17.99 |
|
|
Olympus Stylus 1010 10.1 Megapixel Digital Camera-Black $29.99 |
|
|
Canon PowerShot SX30 IS SX-30 14.1 MegaPixels Digital Camera Brand New + Case $499.99 |
|
|
FUJIFILM FINEPIX JX370 14 MEGAPIXEL PINK DIGITAL 720p HD PICTURE VIDEO CAMERA $109.76 |
|
|
Sony DSCHX20 DSC-HX20VB 18.2 Megapixel, 20x Optical Zoom, Digital Camera $398.00 |
|
|
Sony MVC-FD90 Digital 1.6 Mega Pixel Mavica Camera $15.00 |
|
|
Nikon Coolpix S52C Digital 9 Mega Pixel Camera W/Case (For Parts & Repair) $50.00 |
|
|
Worlds Smallest Spy HD Digital Video Camera Mini DVR/Still Cam – 5.0 Mega Pixel $49.00 |
|
|
WILDVIEW STC-TGL2M 2.0 MEGAPIXEL DIGITAL TOGGLE SWITCH GAME SCOUTING CAMERA $120.00 |
|
|
Hello Kitty KT7015A 5.0 Megapixel Digital Camera $110.00 |
|
|
SAMSUNG MV800 16.1 Megapixel MultiView DIGITAL CAMERA CASE #1 ON EBAY! $12.99 |
