Digital Q&A: How Many Megapixels Do You Need?
Today’s Post by Joe Farace
There was lots of e-mail about my statement—“Even today with the massive megapixel race going on, Micro Four-thirds cameras seem stuck at a maximum of 20MP.” from my Digital Q&A: Crop or Not Cro p post .
Q: If you don’t like the puny megapixels in the Micro Four-thirds cameras you love so much, why not upgrade to a 42MP Full-Frame Sony Alpha a7R II ($3,198) or $1599 Fuji X-T2 with a 24.3 MP APS-C sensor? Hmmmmm?
A: Dear reader you must have missed my statement later on in that same post where I said, “I am not upgrading to Photoshop CC on religious grounds; I’m a devout cheapo.” Well, that philosophy extends to my camera purchases too.
Maybe it will help if I explain a few things. In writing for Shutterbug magazine and this blog, I sometimes write about new cameras and lenses but (and here’s the important part) after reviewing them. I must return them to the manufacturer. Unlike what you may think, I don’t get to keep the equipment. There are no freebies—at least not for me.
That’s because I’m not employed, under contract, or personally sponsored by any photography or related company. The ads you see at right go to directly support this site. No company or their PR agency pays me to write about their products.
All of the cameras and lenses listed under my name in the Gear section were purchased using my own money; there are no “gifts” from manufacturers on that list. My last three new cameras were gifts from my wife Mary, who bought them from one of our advertisers with her hard earned money.
Because I am thrifyy, I like to buy cameras that are refurbs, used or at the end of their life, like my Olympus E-M5 Mark I, when they’re available at reduced prices after the manufacturers have skimmed the cream from buyers who must have the brand newest gear. One of my friends liked my E-M5 so much that he bought a Mark II, which was available at the same time. He paid more money, got a little better camera but I’ve made more photographs with my Mark I than he has with his Mark II. I’ve had more fun without spending lots of money and in case you missed it, the philosophy of this blog—as well as Mark and myself—is to have fun with your photography. And that, my friend, is my wish for you too.
For some time, Mark & I have been planning a podcast to answer reader questions but right now we can’t afford the upfront costs that were quoted. If would like to donate $5 to help support this blog, please click the Support Us button on the right hand side of the screen.
