Megapixels Explanation
The first specification often considered when purchasing a digital camera is the number of megapixels it offers. Most consumers are confused about what a megapixel is, and what effect it will have on the photos produced by the digital camera. Understanding what megapixels are can allow for a more educated buying decision.
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The Facts
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The term megapixel refers to one million pixels. Digital images are comprised of squares of data. Each of the squares of data is referred to as a pixel. The calculation of the total number of pixels is determined by multiplying the width of the image by the height of the image. Based on this calculation method, images which are 3,651 pixels wide by 2,739 pixels tall would result in 10 million pixels, or 10 megapixels.
History
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In 1991 Kodak introduced a 1.3 megapixel sensor available in the Nikon F-3. In 1998 the first megapixel point-and-shoot cameras were made available by Kodak and Fuji at a price point under $1,000. By 2008, 10 megapixel digital point-and-shoot cameras were available at price points under $200.
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Significance
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The number of megapixels directly relates to the resolution of the digital image produced. The greater the number of megapixels, the higher the resolution of the resulting image. As digital technology advances, the ability to produce more megapixels in a single image is growing. Consumer understanding of these technological advancements lends the ability for making educated buying decisions based on their specific needs.
Effects
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As a greater number of megapixels in an image increases the resolution of the image. Images with a higher resolution result in larger digital images both in print and file size. Digital images that are captured using the maximum number of megapixels can result in files which are larger than necessary for normal consumer use. Using the maximum number of megapixels can also decrease the number of digital images that can be stored on camera memory cards.
Misconceptions
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As digital camera technology increases, and the number of megapixels continues to grow, a common misconception is that it is necessary for the consumer to constantly upgrade their equipment. While a large number of megapixels are necessary in order to produce large sized prints, the maximum number of megapixels necessary for general photography purposes is only five. At the setting of five megapixels, digital cameras can capture high resolution photographs that are suitable for most standard print reproductions.
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