You don’t need a high-resolution camera… trust me.
Summary
TLDRThe video discusses the surprising realization that lower resolution cameras, such as 12 or 16 megapixel models, can produce high-quality images suitable for various screens, including 4K monitors. The presenter shares personal experiences of using older, lower-resolution cameras and highlights how these can improve photography skills by focusing on composition rather than resolution. The video emphasizes the importance of sensor size and photo site size in capturing light, and challenges the need for high-megapixel cameras for everyday photography. It concludes with practical examples and advice on making the most of lower-resolution sensors.
Takeaways
- 🔍 The script discusses the realization that higher camera resolution isn't always necessary for quality photography.
- 📸 The speaker shares their personal experience of using lower resolution cameras and finding that it improved their photography skills.
- 🤔 Contrary to initial beliefs, the speaker found that the threshold for acceptable resolution was lower than expected.
- 📚 The speaker used to focus on camera specs and resolution but later shifted to valuing the creative process more.
- 📱 It's highlighted that common devices like smartphones have relatively low-resolution screens, impacting how high-resolution images are perceived.
- 🖥 The script mentions that even high-quality 4K monitors have a resolution of only 8.29 megapixels, suggesting that extremely high-resolution cameras may be overkill for most uses.
- 📷 The speaker experimented with various cameras, from micro four thirds to older models, and found enjoyment and success in using lower resolution equipment.
- 💡 A key lesson is that photographers should focus on composition and moving closer to subjects rather than relying on cropping post-shoot.
- 🌙 The script explains that lower resolution sensors can perform better in low light due to larger photo sites capturing more light.
- 💰 The speaker suggests that photographers can save money and still achieve great results by choosing cameras with lower megapixels.
- 📈 The takeaway emphasizes the importance of balancing megapixel count with sensor size for optimal photography results.
Q & A
What was the initial realization the speaker had about camera resolution?
-The speaker realized that the threshold for resolution was significantly lower than expected, and they found better photography quality with lower resolution, older cameras.
Why did the speaker start using cameras with lower resolutions?
-The speaker started using lower resolution cameras after discovering that the quality of their photography improved, despite using older and less advanced technology.
What was the speaker's experience with a 30 megapixel camera?
-The speaker owned a 30 megapixel camera but primarily used it for video and did not focus on its resolution capabilities at the time.
What is the screen resolution of the iPhone 15 mentioned in the script?
-The iPhone 15 has a screen resolution of 2556 by 1179, which equates to a three megapixel display.
How does the speaker describe the screen resolution of a typical 4K monitor?
-The speaker describes a 4K monitor as having a resolution of 3840 by 2160, which is an 8.29 megapixel display.
What is the speaker's view on the importance of high-resolution cameras for street photography?
-The speaker suggests that high-resolution cameras may not be necessary for street photography, as lower resolution images can still be effective when viewed on common screens.
What is the cropping capability of a 16 megapixel micro four thirds mount camera according to the script?
-A 16 megapixel micro four thirds mount camera can be cropped up to two times before noticing a loss in image quality on a large 4K display.
What does the speaker suggest about the purchase of a high-resolution camera like the Sony A7R?
-The speaker suggests that one should reconsider the need for a high-resolution camera like the Sony A7R and consider the benefits of lower resolution cameras for saving money and improving photography skills.
What lesson did the speaker learn from cropping a 12 megapixel image?
-The speaker learned the importance of moving closer for a better composition and that even with a significant crop, the resulting image resolution can still be sufficient for various displays.
Why do lower resolution sensors perform better in low light according to the script?
-Lower resolution sensors perform better in low light because each individual photosite on the sensor is larger, allowing them to capture more light due to their increased surface area.
What is the significance of the size of the photosites on sensor performance?
-The size of the photosites on a sensor is significant because larger photosites can capture more light, which improves performance in low light conditions and reduces noise at higher ISO levels.
Outlines
📸 Reevaluating Resolution for Photography
The speaker reflects on their initial focus on high-resolution cameras and the realization that lower resolution cameras, such as older models with 12 or 16 megapixels, can still produce quality images. They discuss the surprising discovery that the threshold for acceptable resolution is lower than expected and share their experience with various cameras, including a 30-megapixel camera and micro four thirds cameras. The speaker emphasizes the importance of experimentation and creative use of lower resolution sensors, leading to a stress-free approach to photography and sometimes even better results. They challenge the viewer's preconceived notions about the necessity of high-resolution cameras for street photography and hint at demonstrating this through examples viewed on common devices like smartphones and monitors.
🔍 The Impact of Resolution on Image Quality and Composition
In this paragraph, the speaker discusses the practical lessons learned from cropping images taken with a 12-megapixel camera. They stress the importance of getting closer to the subject for better compositions and the value of taking a 'safety shot' from a distance before moving in. Despite significant cropping, the resulting image still maintains a resolution suitable for various devices, including MacBooks, 1080p monitors, and iPhones. The speaker also touches on the misconception that lower resolution sensors perform better in low light due to larger photo sites, which capture more light. They clarify that sensor size and photo site dimensions are crucial factors in low-light performance, and not just the overall megapixel count. The paragraph concludes with a teaser about adjusting camera settings to mimic the look of Fujifilm photos, suggesting a deeper exploration in a future video.
Mindmap
Keywords
💡Resolution
💡Megapixels
💡Canon EOS R
💡Micro Four Thirds
💡CCD
💡Cropping
💡Smartphone Displays
💡4K Monitor
💡Low Light Performance
💡Photo Sites
💡Sony A7R
Highlights
Enhancing image resolution isn't always necessary for high-quality photography.
Experimenting with lower resolution, older cameras can yield surprising results.
A 30 megapixel camera used primarily for video can shift perspective on photo quality.
Using lower resolution cameras can sometimes improve photography by reducing stress.
12 megapixel and 16 megapixel cameras can produce excellent images on standard screens.
iPhone 15's display resolution is only three megapixels.
4K monitors offer only an 8.29 megapixel display.
Lower resolution sensors can perform better in low light and with less noise.
Micro four thirds cameras are affordable and produce high-quality images.
You can crop images from lower resolution cameras without losing quality.
Higher resolution cameras are not always necessary for great photography.
Older tech can help photographers focus on creativity rather than technical perfection.
Smaller megapixel cameras can still produce impressive street photography.
Size of photosites on sensors impacts light capture and image quality.
Balancing megapixels with sensor size is crucial for optimal photo performance.
Transcripts
Okay, I need to see closer here. Enhance.
What? That's awful.
I have wasted so much time studying spec
sheets, comparing cameras
based on their resolutions.
It was only when I started experimenting
with lower resolution,
older cameras, that I found
the threshold for resolution was
significantly lower
than what I'd expected.
Many years ago, I owned
a 30 megapixel camera.
At the time, I never even thought about
it, because I was using
this Canon EOS R primarily
for video.
Since then, I've actually been using
cameras with lower and
lower resolutions, but at the
same time, I'm finding the quality of my
photography to be improving.
Whether it's many micro four thirds
cameras I've tested, or
old CCD canons with only 12
megapixels of resolution, I often had fun
knowing that I was using
kind of like an inferior
out of date format.
Sorry four thirds sensors, but getting to
use older tech
actually made me sort of let
go of the stress of getting
the perfect images sometimes.
It was always this endearing factor of
thinking, "Ooh, what can I
make with such a low quality
sensor?
What if I actually made an okay photo?"
But honestly, from doing this and then
using higher resolution
cameras as well, what I
found has been surprising
and actually quite reassuring.
You might think that 12 megapixels or 16
megapixels is nowhere near what you need
for street photography,
but after what I'm going to show you in
this video, I think
you'll change your mind.
I want to show you some examples of where
you're likely to view
images today, say from
a smartphone or from a desktop monitor or
a laptop or a standard
1080p or 1440p monitor.
Your smartphone.
For an example here, we're going to use
the iPhone 15 as the benchmark.
I know Android have better resolution
screens, but hear me out.
The iPhone 15 has a screen
resolution of 2556 by 1179.
That comes through as a
three megapixel display.
Bit of a shocker.
And then think how small an Instagram
image is on that screen.
I thought, okay, okay, like smartphone
resolutions are going to be lower.
It's a smartphone.
Some androids are going to
have higher resolution screens.
It's typically pretty lackluster, but
phones out of the way,
it's going to be my large
4K monitor where the difference is made.
This monitor is from LG.
It's 4K IPS and really,
really good in my opinion.
And it's where I edit all my photos and
all my videos while I'm
not using just my laptop.
But quickly talking about my 13 inch
MacBook first, which has a
screen resolution of 2560
by 1600, which when we convert that to
megapixels is 4.1 megapixels.
That number is almost laughable.
My 4K monitor on the other
hand is 4K, so it's 3840 by 2160.
Have you ever converted
4K to megapixels before?
That is only an 8.29 megapixel display.
Like what?
So okay, resolutions are low on screens.
Why should you care?
Well, let's say you bought a 16 megapixel
micro four thirds mount
camera, of which there
are many and they're all
really fun to shoot with.
They're super
affordable and have great lenses.
When you take a photo on one of these
cameras, you can crop that
image up to two times before
you notice any discernible loss in image
quality when looking at
it on a large 4K display.
Likewise, a 12 megapixel image from a
camera like this Canon
G9 from my A7S III from an
original Canon 5D, you can crop these up
to 1.5 times before
you notice that same loss
in quality.
I ask you this, do you
still want to buy a Sony A7R?
If you do, continue watching.
So if you're currently eyeing up a 33
megapixel flagship camera
or even a resolution beast
like a Sony A7R with like 40 plus
megapixels, hold on to your
hats, people, because I want
to show you what you can get out of a 12
megapixel sensor while
saving you a ton of money and
actually improving your photography.
What am I going to do?
All of my photos, they look terrible.
But this guy actually
makes quite good videos.
Guys, click subscribe.
Nice, I feel good about that.
In the past, even when shooting on
something with quite an
average level of resolution
on my A6700, I've shot at 26 megapixels,
kind of like a wide shot.
And if I didn't like it, I would just
crop in to get like an
Instagram crop of the center
of the frame.
And that was totally good enough.
This is an example of the bad habits that
can form from not lazy,
it's not lazy sometimes,
there are some amazing photos that came
from crops, but came
from like just a, you know,
pretty unintentional photo attempt.
I want to show you an
image that I shot recently.
I was too busy looking at the subject and
the details that I
was trying to line up to
remember you're on a 12 megapixel sensor
and we're currently
probably a few meters too
far back to make this work.
So because I didn't get that closer
composition, I then
decided to crop in post.
And doing this has taught me two very
important but very different things.
The first is that I should always take
the time to move
closer for the better photo.
Take that safety shot a bit further out
while you've got time,
but then take the time to
actually move in and taking a few more
photos as you get closer
until the scene changes.
And the second is even with the crop I
did on this 12
megapixel image, which is quite
a big crop by my standards, I still got a
resolution of 2835 by
1894, which gives me
a 5.37 megapixel image, which is good
enough for my MacBook,
good enough for any 1080p
monitor, good enough for my iPhone.
So now I put this up to full scale on my
4k monitor that I
noticed an issue, but even
then you have to look for it.
You might have come across an assumption
kind of like a school of
four that lower resolution
sensors typically perform better in low
light and with lower levels of ISO noise.
This is part of the reason that the Sony
a7s line of cameras,
this is the Mark III, had
the reputation of being the
low light king of cameras.
This is because the size of each
individual photo site on
that 12 megapixel sensor is
larger compared to each individual photo
site on a 48 megapixel sensor.
In fact, they should be four times bigger
than those same photo
sites on a 48 megapixel
sensor, and therefore they have four
times the surface area
to capture more light.
So it's the size of the photo sites on
the sensor being larger
allows them to perform
better in lower light.
It's not about the size
of the sensor in general.
12 megapixels on full frame, however, is
not equal to 12
megapixels on a compact CCD sensor
camera like this.
Due to the size of the sensors on these
cameras and the size of
the photo sites on each of
these 12 megapixel sensors, they're not
both going to collect
light in this same way.
So it becomes a balancing act of total
number of megapixels
versus the size of the sensor.
And then what do you
do with each of these?
But that's a whole other video.
Oh wow.
And so I can use those settings to make
the photos on this camera
look like Fujifilm photos.
Wow, this specific video I'm talking
about is actually amazing
and you should watch it.
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