There is no doubt that the electronic consumer market is heavily bombarded by the smartphones, and developers are spouting new displays, processors, and OS improvements. To a conscious consumer, phone manufacturers tout the ever-so-popular megapixel. Apple, Samsung, and other curators throw out 10 megapixels, 12 megapixels, and even 20 megapixels. What do these numbers mean? It is presumed the higher the number, the better the camera. The megapixel count alone, rarely, if at all make a camera great. Lenses, image sensor, image processor, shutter speed, and aperture all play an intricate role in the image quality.
Megapixels
The simplest way to explain what megapixels are, is to describe it as the size of the image produced by the camera. To keep with the theme of simplicity, say there is a 5,000 x 3,000 pixel image. Multiply the width (5,000px) by the height (3,000px), and that equals 15,000 pixel picture. Move the decimal point to the left by three spaces, and that is the megapixel count. This theoretical image would be 15 megapixels.
The frame size of the image can be incredibly significant. Cropping is a popular function in all-things design, and cropping an image is a paramount popular function. For professionals, a desirable image size may be vital to a physical design piece for print. If the image lacks the appropriate megapixel size, the graphic/design will appear pixelated and washed out. For a more in-depth guideline, here is a chart that offers recommendations for acceptable megapixel sizes.
Image Sensor and Processor
Arguably, the most dire aspect of any camera is the image sensor. The image sensor captures light and allows the camera to produce the image. The higher quality the image sensor, the more light captured by the camera, and therefore, a clearer well produced image. In many cases, the megapixel for one device is significantly better than the other, but because of the lack of an appropriate image sensor, the image quality suffers.
Depending on the degree of work and professionalism, a 332.27mm image sensor on the Canon EOS 7D is moderate for a modern day DSLR. Sony's A900 and Nikon's D800 pack a massive 861.6mm image sensor. As troubled and improper as it is, many people are comparing the iPhone 7 Plus to DSLRs. The iPhone 7 Plus has 28.7679mm image sensor for the main camera; while the telephoto lens packs a 56.8mm image sensor. Impressive for a smartphone, but impractical as a substitute for a DSLR.
Camera Sensor has a nifty search function that compares different camera models. Makes camera shopping much easier and quicker.
Camera Sensor has a nifty search function that compares different camera models. Makes camera shopping much easier and quicker.
The image processor is more relevant to the features of speed burst shots, and easing the lag between the duration the user captures the image, and the shot being saved to the device's memory. This process is becoming more pronounced and welcomed addition to photographic technology.
It Is All Coming Together
Which is the best method to discern which device is the best option? Remember, megapixels are a marketing point. It is advised to have a higher resolution image, but the piece of technology needs a supportive image sensor to compliment the size of the image. Do the research and find out the image sensor specifics. For example, Samsung reduced their megapixel count; while improving the image sensor and introducing a dual image sensor function. Innovation and iteration will continue with mobile and DSLR camera technology development, and more possibilities will become endless.
Research and good luck shopping!
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