Choose the optimal resolution for a camera
The optimal resolution for your camera varies depending on the purpose for which you want to use the pictures you take later. In this practical tip, we explain which scenario is best for which resolution.
Optimal resolution for professional pictures and very large prints
- For large images, you should choose the maximum resolution of your camera, but at least ten megapixels. However, cameras with 20 megapixels or more have no added value even for professional photographers.
- In addition, the file format of the images is very important for the quality. Save your photos in a format such as TIFF or RAW or choose a low compression level for the JPG format so that you do not lose any quality.
- With this resolution, you can also zoom far into the image without having to fear major quality losses.
- However, if you see noise in your images, you should reduce the resolution somewhat - especially in a dark environment. This is often the case with digital cameras with a very high megapixel number. With more megapixels, the quality of your pictures may even decrease.
A medium resolution is sufficient for holiday pictures and hobby photographers
As fast storage times and capacities are particularly important here, you should also adjust the resolution accordingly.
- In order for you to be able to edit the images sufficiently later and print them out well, you should use a resolution of four to seven megapixels.
- Here you can select the JPG format and set a medium compression level.
- Thus, the photos do not take up too much space on your home computer later on and can be easily burned to CD and shared with friends.
Best resolution for the website or presentations
- Here you can set a resolution of 0.5 to two megapixels - depending on how much subtlety must still be recognizable on the images.
- Select the JPG format and set the compression level to medium to low.
- However, the recordings are hardly suitable for editing or printing. For the loading time on your website or a longer archiving, however, this is the optimal resolution.
Choosing the right camera is more important than resolution to ensure that you get really good photos. In our camera leaderboard we show you the top models for every occasion.