camera
What is Megapixel?
Unit measuring camera resolution - one million pixels.
A megapixel (MP) is equal to one million pixels and is used to measure camera sensor resolution. Higher megapixels mean more detailed photos that can be cropped or printed larger.
| Common Camera Resolutions: | ||
|---|---|---|
| ------------ | ------------ | ---------- |
| 12MP | 4000 × 3000 | Proven, quality photos |
| 48MP | 8000 × 6000 | Detail + pixel binning |
| 108MP | 12000 × 9000 | Maximum detail |
| 200MP | 16320 × 12240 | Extreme cropping |
Why More Isn't Always Better
- Sensor Size Matters: Larger sensors capture more light
- Pixel Size: Bigger pixels = better low-light performance
- Processing: Software quality affects final image
- Pixel Binning: 48MP sensors often output 12MP photos
Pixel Binning Explained
Many high-MP cameras combine multiple pixels into one. A 48MP sensor might combine 4 pixels into 1, outputting a 12MP photo with better low-light performance.
Current Trends
- iPhone uses 48MP with sensor-shift stabilization
- Samsung leads with 200MP sensors
- Google focuses on processing over megapixels
- Most flagships use 50-108MP main cameras