Got Pixel Confusion? Here’s a Clear Answer

Let’s get straight to the point, er, pixel.

In the growth of the digital image, it began with a coloured point or square (spot, pixel, etc.) on a stage. More points jumped up on stage, then thousands, then millions. Sometimes the stage was expanded, other times the budget only allowed for a tiny platform.

And so began the confusion.

Two different camera models could state they were 8 mp, but the image quality was far from the same. How come?

Enter the image sensor size. Remember this tip: choose the larger sensor size.

In a nutshell, point-and-shoots have smaller sensors and jam a whole bunch of pixels onto them. Theoretically, they should make do with just enough pixels to reach their saturation points. Beware of cameras that brag about being 15 mp (for example) and don’t have the sensor sizes to comfortably accommodate this number.

Would you rather attend an event in a stadium that says it can hold 75,000 people or in a dance club that also says that same amount could fit in?

A DSLR has more room and therefore results in superior dynamic range, signal-to-noise ratio and is more receptive to low light.

My Canon 50D of 15 mp has a sensor size of 22.3 x 14.9 mm (3.32 cm2). This converts into a pixel density of 4.5 mp/cm2 (smaller density is better in this case). The pro Canon EOS-1D Mark III has 10 mp on a 28.7 x 18.7 mm (5.36 cm2) sensor and a density of 1.9 mp/cm2. The point-and-shoot Canon PowerShot D10 is 12 mp, 6.16 x 4.62 mm (0.28 cm2) and 43 mp/cm2.

Of these three models, the Mark III has the least amount of pixels, but the best density. This converts into the best quality of the trio. Make a print at poster size and you’ll see the difference. The Mark III’s print will exhibit less grain and not as much pixelation/blockiness as the other two examples.

Pixelation happens when the image is magnified to the point where you can view the actual pixels. It then looks blocky and undesirable. Be careful when enlarging point-and-shoot images. Be confident when blowing up DSLR photos.

Pixels aside, you’ll prefer the DSLR’s over the point-and-shoots when shooting movement, as in sports. How many times have you pressed the button and waited for the point-and-shoot to focus and finally take the picture? Exactly. Choose a good DSLR.

If you’re concerned about bulkiness and would like a camera that easily fits in your coat pocket or car’s glove compartment, most point-and-shoots fit the bill.

Jamie Roach is a professional photographer and graphic designer in Sussex, New Brunswick, Canada, with more than 20 years experience in the business. He is the author of http://www.hdr-photo.org — a Website born out of his passion. It gives you an inside look at High Dynamic Range imaging with valuable tips and tutorials.

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