Megapixels in leaps and bounds

[2WK]

I had to read it over a few times "Nokia Pureview 41 megapixel camera" and now the Sigma DP2 with 46mp sensor. Can someone please explain this? I know more isn't neccesarily better. But how is it that these tiny sensors are pushing such big numbers when the full frame 5Diii only upped the ante by one million pixels over the mkii?

 

[mbisc]

Reason 1: It sells better ("bigger is better") to unwitting consumers?

Reason 2: the designers failed physics in high school maybe?

 

[mikestacey]

More pixels often means more fake pixels; interpolation in other words.

 

[Photo_Smith]

Also double the pixels doesn't mean double the resolution.

 

[2WK]

I know. It just seems like such a big leap into the 40+ territory. When hardly any consumer level sensors have left the 20's. To me, even a 16mp cameraphone would be a big leap. But 40?! Come on now.

 

[Spanik]

Read the white paper how the Nokia camera actually works. It is a very clever way of using pixels. Believe me, the "reason 2" above does not apply. The designers knew their stuff.

 

[LKeithR]

I'm not sure about the Nokia but there has always been lively discussion about the (Sigma) Foveon sensor. Because of it's three layer (?) approach some consider it to be a 40 mp while others look at it as a more conventional 13 mp system. The debate continues...

 

[flip]

Also double the pixels doesn't mean double the resolution.

Right. If my lens isn't up to snuff, the last think I need is more pixels to show off its failings.

Pixel wars... Deja vu for those still using tube amps.

 

[DrTebi]

Deja vu for those still using tube amps.

Tube amps kick ass. Believe me.

 

[RattyMouse]

Absolutely. You have NOT heard music until you have heard it through a well designed tube amp.