Different DSLRs offer resolutions ranging from about 6 up to
24Mpix (with higher resolutions to come). Higher-resolution
sensors offer more detail, but their smaller pixel size often
leads to higher noise levels, and consequently to lower dynamic
range, tonal range, and color sensitivity. When printing under
identical conditions, however, the performance differences can
be either mitigated or accentuated by the choice of print size.
When one compares an 8Mpix image with a 32Mpix image printed on
identical 20x30cm paper at 300dpi, the measurements for the
original image do not give a good indication of the final
result. The 8Mpix image will require no interpolation (2300
pixels for 20cm, or roughly 8 inches), while the 32MPix image
will have to be reduced significantly, with 4 original pixels
averaged into a single pixel. This averaging operation will
significantly reduce the noise in the 32Mpix, and accordingly
improves the measurements provided for the original resolution.
Original measurements can help gaug