Megapixels set the maximum detail a camera records. More isn't automatically better: it means larger files and, on smaller sensors, slightly more noise per pixel.
What resolution gets you
| Megapixels | Pixels | Print at 300 ppi |
|---|---|---|
| 12MP | 4,000 × 3,000 | about 34 × 25cm |
| 24MP | 6,000 × 4,000 | about 51 × 34cm |
| 33MP | 7,000 × 4,700 | about 59 × 40cm |
| 45MP | 8,200 × 5,500 | about 69 × 46cm |
| 61MP | 9,500 × 6,300 | about 80 × 54cm |
A 4K screen shows about 8MP, and large prints are viewed from further away, so 24MP covers most needs.
When more helps
- Cropping wildlife and sport for extra reach.
- Large landscape and commercial prints.
- Studio and product work.
The costs
Bigger files fill cards and drives faster and need a quicker computer. High-resolution bodies are often slower at burst shooting and show every flaw in older lenses.
Rule of thumb: 24-33MP for most people, 45-61MP for landscapes, wildlife cropping and commercial work, and 12-24MP for video-first and low-light specialists.