What Is A Megapixel And Isn’t More Always Better?
Most novices and beginner photographers, when purchasing their first digital camera, do not have the slightest idea what a pixel is. Their curiosity is justified because cameras makers today categorize digital cameras on the basis of megapixels. To understand megapixels it is first important to understand what is a pixel. Technically, it is the single point in a graphic image. It can be reproduced at any size without the appearance of visible dots or squares. The word pixel stands for “(PI)cture (El)ement, with the common abbreviation PIX for PICTURE”. Having a numerical value between 0 and 255, each pixel is made of three-color channels.
A digital image that has more pixels is considered to be of a higher quality when compared to a picture of the same size but with less number of pixels. The quality of the picture becomes even better when there are more pixels compressed over every square inch of space. However, a higher megapixel count may not always translate into better images. In cheaper digital cameras with a high megapixel count, the sensor may not be large, or the size of the pixels may be smaller. This can reduce the quality of the pictures.
The computer screen is a good example of what a megapixel is like. A standard computer screen size today is 1024 by 768 pixels. This means the number of pixels in this area is 786,432 pixels (1024 pixels multiplied by 768 pixels). This is quite close to a million pixels. If you notice, the resolution of this screen is better than a computer screen, which can be an 800 by 600 pixel.
The term megapixel refers to a million pixels. This means that a 1 megapixel camera, also sold as 1MP camera, can shoot a picture with one million pixels. In today’s photography world such a camera is meant for beginners. The professionals use high-end cameras whose megapixel count ranges from 14 MP to 22 MP. The megapixel count is also used to decide the size of a print. A 3MP camera can provide excellent 4×6 inch prints, while a 4 or 5MP digital camera can deliver high quality 8×10 inch prints. This is because the resolution of a print is directly proportional to the number of pixels. Another interesting metric is the pixel ratio. You will find the camera makers talk of a 1:3 ratio. This means that for every 1 one pixel down, there are 1.3 pixels across. This ratio is to give an idea of the dimensions of the photograph.
Apart from the megapixel count, you may want to compare the picture quality, optics, menu system, storage capacity, and responsiveness of different models before deciding a digital camera’s efficacy. Just looking at a pixel count does not answer all the questions that need to be answered about the new camera.
About the Author
Check out
http://www.digicamland.org/
for more articles on
digital camera memory
and
buying digital camera
.
Digital & Video Cameras : How Important Are Megapixels?
|
|
Crosley Pictograph Standalone Film Scanner (CR5503A-BK) $22.36 Accessing your warm memories of holiday gatherings andfamily vacations from years ago can be a daunting task.Forgo expensive services and instead get nostalgic as you digitizeyour favorite forgotten images with Crosley’s easy-to-use, standalone filmscanner. Crosley’s Pictograph scans and converts all 35mm slides and negativesinto high resolution digital images. Whenever it’s convenient, connectyou… |
|
|
Olympus Stylus TOUGH-6000 Shockproof & Waterproof Digital Camera (White) + 2GB xD Card + Spare Li-50B Battery + Case + Cameta Bonus Accessory Kit Kit includes: |
|
|
1.3 MEGAPIXEL CAMERA, 12800X1024, W/ $650.00 1.3 MEGAPIXEL CAMERA, 12800X1024, W/… |
|
|
Q1755 network camera (2.0 megapixel hdtv with 10x) $1,669.33 Axis q1755 network camera 2.0 megapixel hdtv with 10x… |
|
|
Wingscapes WSCA04 Timelapse Outdoor PlantCam $79.95 Watch your plants grow in fast-forward with the new Timelapse PlantCam. The PlantCam is rugged and weatherproof, and automatically takes photos and videos at set time intervals. It then stitches the photos together to create a video showing in minutes or seconds what usually can’t be seen with the naked eye. The result is a seamless movie of your plants growing! Fast-forward your plants with thi… |
|
|
Toshiba IK-WB30A IP/Network Camera with 2 Megapixel 1600×1200 Resolution $560.00 2MP IP/NTWK CAM DAY/NIGHT POE… |
|
|
MLCS 9465 1/2-Inch Shank Router Collet Extension and Wrenches (router bit not included) $33.05 … |
|
|
Olympus LI-30B Rechargeable Battery for Stylus Verve Digital Cameras $0.50 The high-capacity Olympus LI-30B rechargeable lithium-ion battery works for Stylus Verve digital camera. It features lithium technology, which ensures maximum battery life and maximum power. It also features no memory effect that lets you recharge partially drained batteries without reducing performance.Keep the battery as an extra power source for your digital or replace your current aging batter… |
|
|
Coby CAM4000 SNAPP Mini Digital Camcorder/Camera $138.98 The product is not eligible for priority shipping… |
|
|
New-LG GT540 GSM Unlocked Cell Pho – LGGT540 LG GT540 GSM Unlocked Cell Phone. LG Optimus GT540 is LG’s second Android phone. It attracts the attention with its design with very round edges and metal like trim around the corners. The controls are a combination of two touch sensitive buttons (back and menu), while the home, call and end are regular ones. Specs-wise, there is not a lot to talk about 3 mega-pixel camera, video player with DivX … |
|
|
Kodak ES Z1485 14MP Pink Digital Camera (Refurbished) $109.99 Capture stunning pictures with the Kodak Easy1485 digital camera14 megapixel for stunning prints up to 30 x 40 inches All glass 5x optical image stabilized zoom lens |