pixelshifting

Pixel shifting is an imaging technique that captures or reproduces an image by sampling it at multiple sub-pixel positions and then combining the data. It is used in both photography and display technologies to surpass the native resolution of a sensor or panel and to improve color sampling.

In photography, pixel shifting typically involves moving the image sensor by small, sub-pixel amounts between exposures. The camera takes a sequence of frames, often four or more, with precise shifts in horizontal and vertical directions. A dedicated processor or software aligns and merges the frames to produce a higher-resolution image with enhanced color fidelity and reduced demosaicing artifacts. This approach can yield greater detail and smoother color transitions, but it requires a static scene or a stable tripod and longer capture times.

In display and projection, pixel shifting refers to techniques that alter the displayed image between frames by fractions of a pixel. By rapidly shifting a panel or optical path and combining multiple frames, some devices can deliver a higher perceived resolution or richer color sampling, particularly in 4K-class outputs. This method can improve sharpness and color accuracy, but it often increases frame time and can introduce motion artifacts in dynamic scenes.

Limitations include the need for still subjects, longer capture or processing times, and greater storage or bandwidth requirements for multi-frame sequences. Pixel shifting is implemented in various camera models and projectors, and is marketed as a way to achieve higher effective resolution without fundamentally changing sensor or display hardware.