What is a Megapixel?

When buying a digital camera the most important variables to consider is the quality of the image senson, not the megapixel that so many people focus on. But that doesn't take away from the importance of a megapixel. So what exactly is a megapixel? Simply put, a megapixel is equal to one million pixels.

Megapixels directly relates to file size, but in terms of color channels. The primary colors that are directly related to digital photography are Red, Green & Blue (RGB), with each color assigned its own channel. So, when you are told you have a camera that renders a 6 megapixel file that each color channel is assigned approximately six million pixels. But how does this relate to the digital file your camera produces? To determine the approximate size of a files take the number of megapixels and multiply by 3 (once for each color channel) and you will arrive at the approximage full size file. The reason I state approximage size is that each camera has different size and quality sensors that factor into the file size.

When push comes to shove you need to determine how large you plan to make prints and then determine how many megapixels the camera you plan to purchase must have.  At Larmon, you will find our consultants knowledgeable and helpful when it comes to assisting you determine your needs.

Minimum megapixels for quality prints: *

Printed at 300 dpi

Max Print Size	Minimum Megapixels	Resolution
4x6	2	1600 x 1200
5x7	3	2048 x 1536
8x10	5	2560 x 1920
11x14	6	2816 x 2112
16x20	8	3264 x 2468
16x24	12	4200 x 2800

* Unless you buy a used digital camera, it’s almost impossible to find a new camera that offers less than 10 megapixels.

Micro Four Third Cameras for the Holidays

MFT (Micro Four Thirds) cameras are going to be the rage for photo enthusiast this holiday season.  What exactly is so special about the MFT cameras that make them so great? Micro Four Thirds cameras have larger sensors that offer better image quality, and interchangeable lenses. Some lenses feature a greater range of aperture setting that will allow you to control depth-of-field.

Micro Four Thirds cameras tend to be a bit larger than compact cameras and yet considerably smaller than DSLRs making them the camera that offers the best of both worlds.

Advantages of Micro Four Thirds over Four Thirds DSLR cameras
· Smaller and lighter
· The shorter flange focal distance means that most manual lenses can be adapted with C-mount lenses.
· Because the flange focal distance is shorter it will allow for smaller, lighter lenses.
· Phase shift's forward or back focus does not occur with contrast focus.
· Lenses do not have to be individually calibrated to each camera.
· You can use the MFT viewfinder when shooting videos.
· The autofocus performance is the same for stills and videos; therefore the speed is much faster than a DSLR in video mode.
Advantages of Micro Four Thirds over Full Frame DSLR cameras
· Because the sensor size is smaller the crop factor will allow for smaller and lighter telephoto-lens equivalents.
· MFT Cameras offer higher quality images with the portability factor of compact cameras, therefore they allow for discretion when you are using them.
· The smaller sensor size gives deeper depth-of-field for the same equivalent field of view and aperture.
· The MFT cameras offer you the combination of near-professional quality with both video and still imaging in   one camera.
Advantages of Micro Four Thirds over compact digital cameras
· MFT camera sensors are 5–9 times larger and yield a higher image quality and reduced digital noise;
· MFT cameras offer Interchangeable lenses which allow you more lens choices.
· MFT cameras offer more control of depth of field.
At Larmon Photo, we currently recommend and stock two Micro Four Thirds cameras, the Nikon J1 and Nikon V1.  Both cameras are superior MFT cameras.  When put side by side both cameras have advantages. Stop in for a visit and we will be delighted to give you a personal tour of both cameras.


Advantages of the Nikon J1 vs the Nikon V1
· The J1 offers a slightly better image quality  
· The J1 is about 50% smaller                            
· The J1 has slightly less noise at higher ISO 
· The J1 recognizes 10% more colors          
· The J1 is more than 30% thinner            
· The J1 is about 10% lighter          


Advantages of the Nikon V1 vs the Nikon J1
· The V1 has more than 2x higher screen resolution   
· The V1 has a viewfinder and the J1 does not    
· The V1 offers 50% more shots per battery charge    
· The V1 has an external mic jack, the J1 does not       
· The V1 supports an external flash the J1 does not  
· The V1 offers more than 90x longer exposures 

Cystic Fibrosis Foundation's Breath of Life Gala a Big Hit

Larmon Studios was proud to be a sponsor for the 6th Annual Breath of Life Gala hosted by the Delaware Valley Chapter of the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation on Saturday, October 29, 2011 at the Downtown Sheraton. 

ABC 6 Meteorologist,  Adam Joseph, was the Master of Ceremonies for the evenings events. Cystic Fibrosis Foundation Executive Vice President and COO, C. Richard Mattingly delivered amazing news that included how CFF and major pharmaceutical companies have been working closely together and as a result, he announced, a new drug was being sent to the FDA for approval that can begin improve the quality of life for approximately 3 percent of those with CFF. Approval is expected sometime in early spring of 2012.  He also announced that another drug will soon be on its way to the FDA for approval.  Once both drugs are approved, Mr. Mattingly announced that when combined the drugs will be helpful in improving life for nearly 90% of individuals who have CFF.

The evening included 5 Hospitals being honored with the Breath of Life Recognition Award.  And featured a riveting speech from Colette Bleistine, who is endearing earned the nickname "Miracle on 34th Street". Colette, who has CFF, spoke about her life experience living with CFF.  Upon conclusion I don't think there was a dry eye in the house.

Dan Hilfery, President and CEO of Independence Blue Cross, presented the Breath of Life Award to the evening's guest of honor, Jerry Maginnis, Managing Partner of KPMG. Mr. Maginnis has donated hundreds of hours to CFF and other worthy foundations working tirelessly and selflessly to help other.

The evening concluded with the close of a Silent Auction to which Larmon Photo and Larmon Studios both generously donated items and portrait sessions.

Halloween at Dreshertown Shop n Bag

I want to thank everyone who toughed it through the storm yesterday to join us at George's Dreshertown Shop n Bag for their Halloween celebration.  Although our day was cut short due to the untimely power outage, I had a great time meeting everyone and bumping into several friends!

Keep your eyes on the George's circular for future in store photo promotions. Remember at George's and Larmon, your family comes first!

Breath of Life Gala for CF

The Cystic Fibrosis Foundation,  Delaware Valley Chapter is hosting it's 6th annual Breath of Life Gala on Saturday, October 29th at the Sheraton Center City Hotel (17th & Race Streets) in Philadelphia.

Larmon Photo and Larmon Studios are proud to be sponsing the event.  Larmon Photo has donated a camera and an enlargement, while Larmon Studios has donated 6 studio portrait sessions to be auctioned off during the silent acution at the event.  In addition to donating the portrait sessions, Larmon Studios is donating its services and will be on hand to photograph the evenings events.

Halloween at Dreshertown Shop n Bag

Bring your little ones dressed in their Halloween best to George's Dreshertown Shop n Bag on Limekiln Pike in Dresher on Saturday October 29th between 10 am and 3 pm for an early Halloween celebration!  Larmon Studios  will be set up to photograph all kids that arrive in their Halloween costumes.  Receive a free 4x6 keepsake photo of your child and your child will receive a small bag of goodies courtesy of George's Dreshertown Shop n Bag!


We look forward to seeing you on Saturday!!

Toys For Tots at Larmon Studios

Toys for Tots was founded in 1947 and is run by the United States Marine Corps Reserve which donates toys to children whose parents cannot afford to buy them gifts for Christmas. As you know, holiday season is upon us again and that means Toys for Tots needs your donations so they can distribute toys as Christmas gifts to needy children in the community in which the campaign is conducted

Larmon Studios is proud to announce its official affiliation with Toys for Tots. During the month of November through December 10th Larmon Studios will accept new unwrapped toy(s) with a minimum value of $25.00 to be donated to Toys for Tots in exchange for an In-Studio portrait session and a 5x7 Master Retouched Portrait (valued at $80.00) in our Abington studio.

Make this holiday season memorable for an underprivileged child. Call Jeff at Larmon Studios at (215) 642-0062 to reserve your session today, or visit us at  LarmonStudios.com and enter promo code TOYS when you request a session online.