Megapixels..... Is it Really important?

Most of you who are reading this are mobile photography enthusiasts and your latest dream may be the all new 12 megapixel monster Nokia n8

But do more megapixels mean great images ?????


The answer is NO
Megapixels define resolution or "size" of an image. The resolution of a normal TV screen is 640*480 pixels yet pictures look very clear. The same is the resolution of a photo from a VGA camera (the most basic phones have them) but image is  blurry and ugly to look at. The difference is mainly because of the image sensors used. The VGA camera sensor is unable to resolve each pixel clearly. Many pixels are clumped together giving a blurry washed out image.


BUT


Megapixels are important. HOW???
Suppose you are trying to photograph a tree from say... 5 meter distance. Then the larger megapixels you use the more clear will be your image. This difference may not be apperent untill you zoom. A 2 mp camera may not me able to resolve each of the leaves clearly; a 5mp camera will have good resolution of the leaves; while an 8mp or 12mp will probably resolve the edges of leaves with clarity


In other words megapixels define the "detail" of an image. However other factors like sensors, lenses, focus, lightning, flash and holding the camera are equally important. I will discuss about these in my later posts. Happy clicking !!!