megapixel

One million pixels. Megapixels are the measurement of the resolution of still and video cameras, monitors and scanners. For example, a 16-megapixel (16MP) still camera captures a picture composed of some 15.9 million pixels, each pixel containing a red, green and blue color dot. The image resolution would be 5312x2988 (5,312 pixels across; 2,988 down).

The Megapixel Myth
Because quantity is easier to measure than quality, numbers reign supreme in the high-tech world, and megapixels are no exception. Although the number of megapixels is important, especially if the image is printed 8x10" and larger, the quality of the camera's lens, sensor, zoom capability and processing circuitry is equally meaningful. The only true measure is hands-on. See MPps, pixel, digital camera features and DPI.

Four Hundred MP Camera

While regular cameras range from 10 to 20 MP, Hasselblad debuted the H6D-400C in 2018 with 400 MP. Created to photograph small objects with extreme precision, its Multi-Shot technology takes several exposures that are combined into the final image with Hasselblad's desktop software. Not exactly aimed at the amateur, the camera was introduced at USD $48,000. (Image courtesy of HASSELBLAD, www.hasselblad.com)

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