Megapikselimäärä

Megapikselimäärä, often abbreviated as MP, refers to the total number of pixels in an image sensor or digital camera, expressed in millions. It is a key specification that indicates the resolution capability of a camera. A higher megapixel count generally means the camera can capture more detail in an image. However, it's important to note that megapixels alone do not determine image quality; factors such as lens quality, sensor size, and processing capabilities also play significant roles.

The term "megapixel" is derived from the combination of "mega," meaning one million, and "pixel," which is a portmanteau of "picture" and "element." The first digital camera with a megapixel sensor was introduced in 1999, marking a significant advancement in digital photography.

In practical terms, a 1-megapixel image contains one million pixels, while a 20-megapixel image contains 20 million pixels. The megapixel count is calculated by multiplying the width and height of the image sensor in pixels. For example, a sensor with 4000 pixels in width and 3000 pixels in height would have a megapixel count of 12 MP (4000 x 3000 = 12,000,000 pixels).

While higher megapixel counts can capture more detail, they also result in larger file sizes, which can be a consideration for storage and processing. Additionally, the benefits of higher megapixels may be less noticeable when viewing images on smaller screens, such as those on smartphones or tablets. Therefore, the appropriate megapixel count for a camera depends on the intended use and the viewing environment.