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.