Busting the Myths About How Larger Pixels Affect Photos (VIDEO)

You’ve all heard the chatter that cameras with larger pixels deliver better image quality than those with smaller pixels, and probably wondered if this is really true and exactly how it works. The video below from one of our favorite outdoor photographers reveals what he says is the truth about this contentious matter.

Instructor Simon d’Entremont is a professional wildlife photographer and Canon Ambassador based in beautiful eastern Canada whose mission is “to lift the knowledge, skills and spirits of others around me so they can be at their best.” He’s also a sensible voice when it comes to dispelling common photography misconceptions as you’ll see in the next 11 minutes.

Here’s his promise for today’s eye-opening episode: “In this video I’ll explain how pixel size affects image quality, dynamic range, and the resolution of a digital camera.” He promises that by the time the lesson concludes you’ll have a much better idea about whether or not a camera with larger pixels than the model you currently own will make a significant difference in your work.

It’s important to understand that Simon isn’t talking about nuances like comparing sensor sizes of full frame vs. APS-C or micro-four-thirds cameras. Nor does the 11-minute episode discuss switching lenses to control how much light hits the sensor.

Rather, today’s video is all about answering this question: “Once you have a camera with a certain sensor size, should you consider upgrading to a model with larger pixels?” Unfortunately, Simon’s answer is both “yes” and “no” depending on your specific needs, the type of images you shoot most, and how you share or print your work.

Simon discusses several key ramifications, using helpful graphics to illustrate his points. He notes, for example, that “larger photosites collect more photons but the brightness of the image and the intensity of the light is the same.” In other words, larger pixels don’t make images brighter nor do smaller ones darker, because at the same f/ratio of the lens there’s no difference in brightness.

There are other key considerations as the video proceeds, including signal-to-noise ratio and other factors that help determine ultimate image quality because of “the random nature of light.” Thus, don’t expect an unequivocal conclusion because there are compromises to be made.

Be sure to check out Simon’s instructional YouTube channel, and then watch our earlier tutorial explaining why wide-angle lenses aren’t always the best choice for landscape photography, and how longer focal lengths may deliver compelling images with greater impact.