Megapixels: Do you need more?

A brief, yet detailed video where I discuss the importance of megapixels - and why you should care!

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[GlobeHackers]

You really are the most reasonable and honest photography teacher out there. I like your straight forward style. Much appreciated.

[TerenceKearns]

You are the best at covering this stuff. You cover all the bases, and you're no dismissive about any aspects of the subject matter. I don't see anyone else giving such comprehensive explanations that bring the technical side into such a user-friendly explanation. Nice work.

[khalidsekander]

Love your lessons. I used to teach photography classes. So far your are the only one that consider all aspects and variables in a subject matter. Your technical knowledge WOW.. thanks.

[hidekigomi]

Having been using my 16MP for 2 years. Just started looking for a new one, this saved me from the MP myth trap. Bad composed photos with more dots are still bad. Thanks Tony!

[alexandros-markovits]

Great video, I have watched so many video of yours and by many other good photographers in youtube but i have to admit but you are the one with the most analysis and i like this, keep going

[omariomar]

As usual, an eye opening video from Tony. Thank you. I have great respect for you & you have taught me a lot

[davidg]

As usual Tony, a very sensible, level-headed point of view. Keep up the good work!

[rickbear]

Tony, you absolutely hit the nail on the head when you said, "300 dpi is the ideal image density for looking at something up close". The key words here are, "for looking at something up close".

In my experience, as a professional photographer who has been in commercial photography for over 40 years, the whole dpi or ppi idea is ludicrous. If the 300 dpi theory is correct, then how on earth did they produce 10 x 8 ft billboard posters from my 35mm film transparency images, back in the day?

The answer is (surprisingly) that the bigger the image you're printing, then the less dpi you actually need in order to produce what's perceived to be a 'pin sharp' print.

Put simply, that's because you view a billboard from about 30ft away. A 20x16" print from a few yards away. And a 5x4" print with your nose pressed against the paper. Only the minuscule 5x4 needs that 300 dpi.

If people really want to see their images at their best, then print big and don't be too concerned about the image resolution of your camera's sensor. The human eye won't notice. Indeed, as artists have known for centuries, we're not looking for exact mathematical precision ; the best figurative images are impressionistic. What appears to be a simple crude mark or brushstroke, when viewed from too close, is actually an elegantly expressive rendering when viewed from an appropriate distance.

Only "rivet counter" self-appointed photography judges will stick their nose into a 20x16" print -- probably with a magnifying loup -- to base their judgement on what they like to think of as "scientific" judgements. And who cares what such people think.

A truly great picture is best viewed in a large print size, where the viewer will stand well back, in order to appreciate the subject and its artistic rendering.

Keep up the good work, Tony. You are a brave man to attempt to educate people that great photography is about art, rather than anything that can be broken down into pseudo-science. You'll take a lot of criticism from the rivet counting zealots, but your efforts to educate the wider community are very much appreciated.

Rick Bear
(Professional, award-winning, photographer.)

[usadavid]

I love how technical and specific are your lessons. Thank you for so informative and useful classes in youtube.

[thecuretoinsomnia]

Love these videos where you really break it down to the technical info. Thanks for the video as always!

[ianbrown]

Another stunning video that helps photographers, and is presented in a methodical way and with great substance, thanks again

[AntPDC]

Thank you for this comprehensive, well-argued and informative video Tony. I especially liked that, by way of reassurance for those who might have been made insecure by the earlier parts of your presentation, you put things into perspective in your conclusion: namely that in the everyday world, viewing distance is a vital consideration. I'd only add that the same point applies to 4k TV's versus 1080p TV's (not 4k monitors, which one views at a far closer distance): the farther away from the screen, the less perceived benefit you will derive. Thanks again.

[jbuzzy]

I always learn so much when watch your videos. Thanks.
Jon

As a non-US viewer I would appreciate that you also add a column with metric equivalents. Perhaps there aren't that many of us, but from the comments in previous posts I get the impression that there are at least some. Well, just a suggestion for what is already splendid.

[madjpey]

Thank you for being smarter then me. Things I would never think would even interest me or have any concern with my photography and your way of explanation just has me hooked and understanding. Thank you again for all that you do!

[wfofz]

I forgot to add that I really enjoy videos that explain tech aspects. I'm just learning photography and you and Chelsea are my favorite resource. Thank You!

[jeffgoldberg]

Tony always does a great job on the technical descriptions.

[emilycross]

This video is great, especially the calculations for getting between print dimensions and pixels, and perceptual megapixels for the lens camera combination. Brought together things I had noticed and suspected, now I don't have to blindly rely on the table I've been using for print size. THANK YOU! Just started stalking birds in my back yard with my new Zeiss batis 85mm on my Sony a7riii with magnified peak focusing, phenomenal wing detail.

[Appelcaster]

"Sharpness is not everything" somewhere Jared Polin is crying ;)

[smaakjeks]

Youtuber: "I watched the first 10 seconds of your video, and here is why you are wrong about all the things I'm guessing you said!"