This is why you don’t need more than a 20MP camera

How many megapixels is your camera? What about your phone? What about the camera you used ten years ago? If you’re anything like me, you might feel pressured to keep up with the latest technology and be on the lookout for ever-higher pixel counts. After all, that is one thing the big camera brands use to sell their latest upgrades of camera bodies.

However, have you ever stopped and considered exactly how many megapixels you really need and why going for the maximum pixel count may not be in your best interests? In this video, Nigel Danson raises this controversial topic. It’s related to the entry-level Nikon Z50ii, but it is relevant to any of the major camera brands.

Why these 20MP cameras are pretty good

Nigel takes a closer look at the Nikon Z50ii, a 20MP mirrorless camera aimed at vloggers. Canon has similar offerings, such as the EOS R8 and R10, which have 24MP. Honestly, all of these cameras are extremely good, particularly when you factor in the price versus quality ratio. All of these cameras deliver consistently colourful, sharp images and video and offer plenty of megapixels for the majority of photographers.

How many megapixels is enough?

The question is, then, how many megapixels do we really need, and why are we being convinced that 20MP isn’t enough? I remember my first DSLR, a Canon 400D, which had a grand total of 10.1MP. I was absolutely overjoyed with this little camera, and I took many images with it that I’m still proud of today. The megapixel count was never an issue for me.

Over the years, I upgraded to more professional full-frame cameras, eventually ending up with a Canon EOS R with 30MP. Unfortunately, due to a recent mishap, that camera is no longer functioning, and I’m finding myself looking at new cameras. However, I’m torn between an EOS R6ii with 24MP and an EOS R5 with 45MP. I feel like 24MP would be a downgrade, but is it?

Nigel rightly states that most of us don’t need a 45MP camera for the work that we do. For social media posts and printing anything up to A3 size, 20MP is enough. Of course, there are photographers who need the extra megapixels, but it’s important to know if you’re one of them before splashing out on the extra megapixels.

A side-by-side comparison with a 45MP camera

Nigel helpfully compares the 20MP camera with a 45MP camera (a Nikon Z8 in the video). He printed them in A3 and A2 sizes. The results showed minimal visible difference at A3, highlighting that unless you’re heavily cropping or printing at very large sizes, 20MP can offer plenty of detail.

At A2, the higher-resolution Z8 image had a slight edge in sharpness and detail, yet the difference remained subtle. This comparison reinforces that, for most photographers, megapixels beyond 20 aren’t crucial for capturing beautiful images.

Honestly, a higher megapixel can cause more headaches in terms of file size and storage. The files are considerably larger, meaning that you’ll need both more computer processing power and more storage space.

Technique over tech

While high-resolution cameras have their place, particularly for large-format prints, Nigel proves that thoughtful composition, good lighting, and creative vision matter more than megapixel count. A 20MP camera can deliver professional results, making it a fantastic choice for photographers focused on capturing great shots without the added expense or bulk of a high-megapixel camera.

In the end, 20MP is more than enough for most photography needs. For beginners and enthusiasts, investing in these sorts of cameras could be a smart choice. While all this is true, I still can’t quite get away from the allure of the 45MP camera. The struggle is real.