Quitting The Megapixel Race

2006.03.20

The first signs of defeat were apparent this year when Canon anounced flagship models of lower-resolution than before. Indeed, both the Canon Powershot SD700 and Canon Powershot A700 are 6 megapixel cameras succeeding over 7 megapixel models.

Optics and physics show that the megapixel race has an end. This end is defined by the diffraction-limit and is related to usable apertures given a set sensor size. Based on current sensor sizes, digital cameras are near that limit. So either cameras get bigger or the megapixel race ends for consumer-class cameras. Only consumers prefer smaller cameras

Racing to get more megapixels has been a sign of technological advancement. As that race comes to an end, a new race must be start. In all likelyhood, the race which is shaping ahead of us is the high-ISO race. It is an equally valid race, with megapixels allowing greater print sizes and high-ISO improving low-light photography.

Fuji started that race last year with the introduction of the Fuji Finepix F10, current high-ISO champion of ultra-compact cameras. It then continued with the introduction of the E900, S5200 and S9000, having usable ISO sensitivities up to 1600. Previously, most consumer-level cameras topped at ISO 400.

Olympus quickly followed with several models, like the Stylus 800, with ISO up to 1600. Then, Pansonic did the same with its newer models, like the Lumix FZ7. Currently, high-ISO images from these cameras are very poor. Fuji has a solid lead in this race but we can expect the competition to fight back.

Like most enduring technology races, the consumer is expected to win by having more high-ISO capable cameras to choose from.

• Technology