Digital Camera Resolutions?

Question

Hi I was just wondering about the different options of resolutions (in megapixels) that some digital cameras offer. There is the usual 6, 7, 8, 9 up until the max. of your camera. But then there is the 16:9 option. I realize that its a wide screen format but what is the picture resolution in terms of megapixels. In my camera it comes after 8 megapixels in the options list so does that mean its of the highest possible quality? Should I always be choosing this option? Thanks for your answers.

Answer 1

Sure resolution means more pixels, but that doesn't guarantee quality. Remember quantity doesn't mean quality!!! Just any get a 6-10 megapixel camera. Any thing more and it's overkill. Are you planning to make poster prints? If not, forget about a 10+ mp camera. Trust me, megapixel is like horsepower in cars. Doesn't mean the car is better, or is suited for you.

Answer 2

On most cameras, the 16:9 choice would have less resolution. That's because the sensor typically has a 4:3 aspect ratio. The only way to take the information received from a 4:3 sensor and wind up with a 16:9 image is by throwing away the information at the top and bottom of the picture (assuming you're holding the camera in the horizontal orientation). You'll wind up with a file with just as many pixels horizontally as in the 4:3 format, but fewer vertically.

The only exception (at least that I'm aware of) is the Panasonic LX series, which I believe has a 16:9 sensor - hence it is sometimes referred to as having a "native" 16:9 aspect ratio. If that's what you have, the 16:9 will have a little bit more resolution.

As an aside, at least some video cameras have a native 16:9 format as well. Also, if you were using an anamorphic lens (as is sometimes used in shooting theatrical movies on film), it would be a whole different story, but I don't know of any cameras that use anamorphic lenses.

Answer 3

16:9 is an ASPECT ratio and has nothing to do with resolution. It means wide and narrow.  Like a LCD television