12megapixel

12megapixel refers to an image sensor resolution of approximately 12 million effective pixels. It is commonly used to describe the resolution of digital cameras, smartphones, and other imaging devices. A 12-megapixel sensor typically produces images around 4000 × 3000 pixels on a 4:3 aspect ratio, though exact dimensions vary with aspect ratio and any pixel binning used by the device.

Historically, 12 MP became a common target for consumer devices in the 2010s as sensors improved while processing and storage costs declined. It offered a balance between detail and file size for everyday photography and sharing, while still allowing high-quality video capture on many models.

Limitations and considerations: The megapixel count alone does not determine image quality. Sensor size, pixel pitch, lens quality, lighting, and image processing have major effects on noise, dynamic range, and sharpness. Some devices employ pixel binning or cropping to adapt to lighting or video formats, which can affect the final resolution.

In practice, 12 MP remains a common specification on mid-to-high-end cameras and smartphones, though some manufacturers now prioritize larger sensors with fewer megapixels or rely on computational photography to improve detail. The term "12megapixel" is sometimes used in product names or descriptions but does not indicate overall image quality by itself.