Digital Camera – Choosing the Right Pixel Count

If you are buying a digital camera for the first time and are confused about the right megapixel size, here is all the information you need! The article gives you an understanding of what a pixel is and how the number of pixels in a digital camera determines the maximum print size you can make while retaining the picture quality.

What is a Megapixel (MP)?

Digital images are made up of thousands of tiny, tile-like picture elements called pixel. One million pixels make up one megapixel (abbreviated as MP). A megapixel is a popular unit of measurement in an image.

The number of megapixels in a digital camera determines how big the picture can be and still print out a photo quality picture. The higher the megapixel, the larger photo quality picture you can get. But, higher megapixel also means higher costs, so watch out your budget before you think what pixel count is right for you!!

How does Pixel work?

Digital cameras are equipped with a camera sensor which is usually a charged-couple device or CCD chip. This camera sensor turns light into discrete signals just as a film functions in traditional photography. The sensor is made up of millions of pixels or "buckets" that collect charge in response to light. Generally, pixels respond to only a narrow range of light wavelengths, due to a color filter over each. These pixels ultimately help to produce an RGB image.

Pixels and Resolution

Pixels in reference of digital cameras are generally understood as an indication of resolution capability. However, pixel count alone does not indicate resolution of a camera. There are several other factors that impact a sensor’s resolution like sensor size, lens quality, and the organization of the pixels.

Right Pixel Count for you

Digital cameras available in the market have resolution anywhere from 2 MP to 10MP and even higher. Your selection of pixel count should be based on how you plan to use your digital camera. If you only intend to take pictures for online use such as to email pictures to friends or place on website then a camera of 2 or 3 megapixels is enough for you. However, if you plan to print large photos or need clearer pictures for business use, you will need more pixels. It is recommended that one choose a digital camera with the highest resolution one can afford. At the very least, a camera with a minimum of 2 to 3 mega pixels is prescribed for the first timers or people who seldom require large pictures. A digital camera with a pixel size of 5 to 7 MP produce great results and is highly recommended for anyone who can afford.

Advantages of various pixel counts:

• 1.3 megapixel digital cameras are suitable for online viewing.

• 2 megapixel cameras can achieve print out less than 4x6 inches. The detail of such photo can be compared with photo taken by traditional cameras.

• Camera with a resolution of 3 megapixel and above makes computer editing convenient.

• 4 megapixel and above camera can be used to print larger photos – 6x8 inches or take print out with finer detail.

9 or 10 megapixel camera is required only when you have to take very large pictures such as posters or when you need to show very intricate details in a picture. This high range camera is suggested for professionals.