Comments on Amateur Nikon: "How many Megapixels Do I Need?"

I've been looking into this for my next camera...

2014-02-12T07:45:45.035+02:00

I've been looking into this for my next camera purchase and I've read that the megapixel count isn't as important for a quality large print as things like having a properly lit, well exposed, and sharp image to begin with. See here for example: http://www.disturbancesinthewash.net/journal/how-many-megapixels-do-i-need

These are highly textured and detailed images, so ...

2014-01-30T09:17:46.519+02:00

These are highly textured and detailed images, so yes, if you really wanna make 40x40" prints, 12MP will be on the low side. I would again argue that viewing distance should be taken into consideration (you can't even *see* properly a print that big from up close and personal!). But, if you wanna be on the safe side of erring, then a 24MP camera is a better choice than a 12MP one.
The choice of lens depends on the size of the item. Set up your items, then experiment with your existing zoom lens (I assume you have one) and see which focal length best allows you to fill your frame with them - *but* avoid wide andle. Basically you're looking at either a 50-60mm or something closer to 85mm-105mm.
Your best lens choice (in terms of the quality required for a detailed 24MP print) will be a macro lens. Again, depending on the item size and the results of your testing round (with the zoom lens), go for e.g. either the AF-S DX Micro-NIKKOR 40mm f/2.8G, the AF-S Micro Nikkor 60mm f/2.8G ED from Nikon, or maybe even something like the Tamron 90mm f/2.8 SP AF Di Macro. All these are excellent, it all boils down to your focal length need (which depends on your optimal working distance = the size of your items)
The camera doesn't matter, really, because these are controlled, still life shots. The cheapest 24MP Nikon is fine - that would be the D3200 I guess. If you wanna upgrade from your D90 to have similar (and more) features, you'll have to go for the much more expensive D7100.
And don't forget the shooting technique and discipline!
Read my macro photography advice here:
http://www.amateurnikon.com/2013/05/5-simple-tips-for-better-macro-photos.html

Thanks, Chris. Here's an example of what I&...

2014-01-29T23:18:08.504+02:00

Thanks, Chris.

Here's an example of what I've been shooting- http://paulabrettart.com/?page_id=12

I'm now branching out of candy and doing all sorts of objects. These are either small enough I can stand over and shoot or bigger so I have to get up on a ladder and hold very still horizontally directly above.

So far, I've been hiring a photographer to shoot with a Canon Mark D II, not sure which lens. But, I'd like to get my own set up to be able to do this. I have a Nikon D90, but thought I had too few megapixels to be able to enlarge to 40x40". Any suggestions for camera and lens best suited for my application? Thanks again!!

First of all, there is no difference between full ...

2014-01-28T08:00:50.592+02:00

First of all, there is no difference between full frame and crop sensor in terms of resolution output. An image taken with a 24MP crop sensor camera is identical in terms of resolution output with one taken with a 24MP full frame camera.

As to your question: In practical terms, a 24MP sensor will be more than enough. Sure, a 36MP would be (ONLY theoretically) even better, but unless you put some really good lenses in front of that camera, and unless you have a really strong shooting discipline, you will not see the difference. Mind you, the same applies to the 24MP sensor. If your images will be scrutinized from as closely as possible, and if you want to take advantage of a 24MP sensor vs a 12MP one, you need to use good lenses and you need to know what you're doing. The higher the megapixel count, the easier it is for your shortcomings to be revealed (e.g. holding technique, tripod stability, etc)

Thanks for this. I need to print my art photos at...

2014-01-28T04:10:35.575+02:00

Thanks for this. I need to print my art photos at 40"x40" on photo paper,, at the largest. And yes, they will be viewed as closely as the observer wishes. How many megapixels do you recommend? And full frame or crop sensor? Thank you for your response in advance!