How many Megapixels do you REALLY need?

In this episode I show how we often waste money on megapixels, showing simple calculations of human vision to our cameras. Having a high megapixel camera can in fact cause lower quality at times, which I also show in this video along with real world examples and recommendations. Below are pertinent links mentioned in the video:

My online courses to learn Real Estate Photography:

Learn Pro Interior Photography:

Expert Editing for Interior Photography:

Learn Pro Exterior Photography:

Learn Videography for Real Estate:

My books on real estate photography:

Mastering Color in Photography:

Baby Elephants, the children's book:

My Baby Elephants Collection:

[NathanCoolPhoto]

For those commenting about file size: It's a given (and common knowledge) that high megapixel cameras produce larger RAW files than low megapixel cameras. While that basic issue is important, what is more critical is the work you produce, its quality, and as shown in the video, the visual acuity. Storage is cheap and CPUs keep getting faster, so high megapixel counts shouldn't be your primary deterring factor. Instead, knowing if you have the right megapixels for the work you're doing should drive your gear-buying decisions.

[wielandsmith]

My background is more video, so to begin photography, I've been using my A7SIII at 12 MP. I thought it would be way too low of real estate photography, but while not perfect, people have been happy with the photos and really can't tell. This is mostly because they're not printing these and simply listing on their website and viewing on a cell phone. I realize I should have a bit more, but it's been good enough for a start.

[TomaszTwojFotograf]

As always - explained to the smallest detail! GREAT JOB!

[grahamleigh]

Much thanks. Honest and to the point. Salute.

[tanksalotgaming]

I have a Nikon D850 and shoot on the small RAW size, which is about 11 megapixels.

[vperalta]

Where can i find and download the spreadsheet you used showing Megapixels Per Distance?

[RenzorTheRed]

When you send final photos to your clients, what size are they? How many mb and what dimensions?

[andrukosti]

Finally megapixels well explained, thanks Nathan!

[miltonwelch]

Nathan, you're truly cool! Thanks.

[marcvloeberghs]

Your scientific approach on various topics is one of the reasons I am hooked on your Chanel, so thank you for the time spent on preparing this episode.

[SteadyFocusMedia]

For the past 5 years I’ve been shooting with a 42MP camera. Also I’ve been accustomed to FiberOptic internet.

Last week I moved to a new house that doesn’t have fiber as an option. I’m seriously considering a new camera to reduce the upload times (I’m getting 1/10th of what I had before) 😢

[cbelter]

With my 20+ years as a photographer and my first digital camera being 6 mp and my first pro camera being 4mp. With modern cameras today and mainly real estate where 90% of everything is on a screen 16-20 no is just fine. And I shoot m4/3 as well. In my opinion full frame sensors are over kill for this industry. There are some great benefits. But still over kill.

[antonoat]

Yet more proof why I consider you an expert Nathan. Very interesting film and Ive rarely seen the topic explained so well! Thank you Nathan.

[dismayedtrinket]

If your books are as useful and informative as your YouTube videos I am going to thank you in advance.

[Archontasil]

Pixel peeping is a disease, nobody would ever use magnifying glass to analyze a picture in a gallery.