How Many Megapixels Are Enough?

by Heather Marlman

Overview

As newer models of digital cameras appear on the market, the number of megapixels they produce is often highlighted as a key selling feature. In order to determine how many megapixels are enough in a digital camera, a person should take into account the primary use of the photos that will be produced and the size of prints that will be made. Knowing how many megapixels are enough to suit individual needs can make choices between digital cameras easier to make.
Range of Megapixels

The range of megapixels among models of digital cameras can vary from as little as a single megapixel, to 15 or more megapixels. As technology continues to develop, the number of available megapixels continues to grow at a rapid pace. This rapid growth may lead consumers to falsely believe that they must constantly upgrade their equipment to meet the most current digital camera standards. The number of megapixels that a digital camera offers has an effect on the quality and size of the image it produces. However, an excessive number of megapixels can make resulting photographs large in both their dimension as well as their file size.

Determining Personal Needs

It's important for consumers to take inventory of their personal needs when determining how many megapixels are enough. By determining what they intend to use digital images for, it's easier to calculate the number of megapixels that are enough to suit their needs. For instance, if the average consumer simply wants to achieve the goal of sharing photographs on the Internet or creating photo prints 10 by 13 inches or smaller, then the maximum number of megapixels the digital camera would need to provide is only five. The general misconception of the consumer is that a greater number of megapixels will increase the quality of their resulting images. While this is true to a point, it's not a factor that's noticeable in images used on the Internet or standard print sizes.
Making Camera Choices

The current standard for consumer-level digital cameras is between eight and 10 megapixels, which may lend some confusion when trying to select a digital camera that is the best value. Based on the idea that the current standard is already well above the minimum for achieving quality digital images up to 10 by 13 inches, digital cameras should be purchased based on the additional features that they offer as opposed to the number of megapixels they are capable of. Features such as high powered zoom lenses, video capabilities, and expandable storage are far more valuable than a few additional megapixels.