Detail vs IQ: All things being equal, should a sensor with 12MP give a higher IQ but less detail than the same sensor with 20MP? If so, which is best

Delderby Loc: Derby UK

All things being equal, should a sensor with 12MP give a higher IQ but less detail than the same sensor with 20MP? If so, which is best - maximum IQ from larger pixels or maximum detail from smaller (more crowded) pixels?

Just Fred Loc: Darwin's Waiting Room

There's more to it than just megapixels, but consider: Each pixel contains ALL of the information needed to produce an image. So, sheer numbers suggest more is better. Still, you have to take into accout pixel size, data contained within each and so on.

Ysarex Loc: St. Louis

Delderby wrote:

All things being equal, should a sensor with 12MP give a higher IQ but less detail than the same sensor with 20MP? If so, which is best - maximum IQ from larger pixels or maximum detail from smaller (more crowded) pixels?

The ability to record detail is an aspect of IQ.

BebuLamar

Ysarex wrote:

The ability to record detail is an aspect of IQ.

Yes that is one aspect. Noise level is another. Tonal gradation is still another.

CHG_CANON Loc: the Windy City

The processor matters too, given any 12MP sensor is at least 15-years older than anything available on the market today in the 20MP and higher range. An older 12MP camera may be 'great', even today, but a new sensor and processor will be clearly and comparatively better than the older -- still great -- results.

MrBob Loc: lookout Mtn. NE Alabama

Can someone more informed than me please define " IQ " in the context of this post ? I take it to mean ALL of the above mentioned individual elements combined to render a pleasing image. I would imagine that as each of these elements improve , IQ improves... Am I being too elementary ?

Delderby Loc: Derby UK

But I am correct in thinking that there will always be a trade-off between IQ and detail when comparing pixel numbers and pixel size in any given sensor? I'm thinking that less pixels means larger pixels, which logically means more room for more detail?

mikeroetex Loc: Lafayette, LA

Delderby wrote:

But I am correct in thinking that there will always be a trade-off between IQ and detail when comparing pixel numbers and pixel size in any given sensor? I'm thinking that less pixels means larger pixels, which logically means more room for more detail?

It occurs to me that detail and resolution are not always analogous. For instance, I can see the sharpness of the details better with the output of a higher megapixel sensor, depending on monitor, viewing distance, print parameters, etc. But, if I blow the highlights and lose the data, neither 12mp or 45mp will matter and IQ suffers.

Or is that a whole new can of worms?

Delderby Loc: Derby UK

mikeroetex wrote:

It occurs to me that detail and resolution are not always analogous. For instance, I can see the sharpness of the details better with the output of a higher megapixel sensor, depending on monitor, viewing distance, print parameters, etc. But, if I blow the highlights and lose the data, neither 12mp or 45mp will matter and IQ suffers.

Or is that a whole new can of worms?

Yes - when you consider the $$$$ we spend to improve IQ plus sharp, then suffer with atmosphere, shutter shake, mirror slap, subject movement etc!

JohnR Loc: The Gates of Hell

BebuLamar wrote:

Yes that is one aspect. Noise level is another. Tonal gradation is still another.

Can a pixel vary in color across its dimensions or must each pixel be a single discrete color/shade?

R.G. Loc: Scotland

You've raised a very relevant point IMO. All things being equal (also a very relevant point), larger pixels are better than smaller ones, for various reasons. However, the benefits only become obvious in conditions that a photographer would describe as "difficult". But more dynamic range and better (i.e. less noise) low light performance improve more than just IQ. They also give a lower failure rate.

Higher resolution means more detail, but that benefit is obvious only when you do side-by-side comparisons. Sometimes we miss things only when we know they are missing. When viewed in isolation a low resolution image won't look wrong until you view it alongside a higher resolution version of the same image.

Another relevant point is that if the resolution is more than adequate for the viewing medium, increasing the resolution above that point has negligible benefits.

BebuLamar

JohnR wrote:

Can a pixel vary in color across its dimensions or must each pixel be a single discrete color/shade?

a pixel has only 1 single discrete color/shade.

R.G. Loc: Scotland

JohnR wrote:

Can a pixel vary in color across its dimensions or must each pixel be a single discrete color/shade?

Just one colour and brightness value, but the more pixels you have the smoother the gradations will be across the image as a whole.

User ID

Delderby wrote:

All things being equal, should a sensor with 12MP give a higher IQ but less detail than the same sensor with 20MP? If so, which is best - maximum IQ from larger pixels or maximum detail from smaller (more crowded) pixels?

"BEST" ??!?!!?! You actually asked that ??!?!?
ROTFLMFAO ! You are truly such a fun person. Hawgsterville needs more citizens like you !!!

(Download)

User ID

R.G. wrote:

Just one colour and brightness value, but the more pixels you have the smoother the gradations will be across the image as a whole.

Amen to smoothness. 99% of UHH can only think of resolution, and therefor best-of-best lenses, when it comes to high MP. But then, hey ! Its only a hobby ;-)