I think we are finally seeing the end to the megapixel wars…though I think we will still have some megapixel regional conflicts for many years to come. For years, few people have thought about sensor size, image quality, high ISO noise, or any other issues before they found out the number of megapixels of the newest and greatest cameras.
I give the biggest kudos possible to Nikon for “writing the peace treaty” in the megapixel wars by coming out with the 12MP D300, D700, and D3. As is seen by the number of pros using these cameras, many people are more concerned with other features like shooting speed and high ISO noise. Now, I can add Canon to the list of enlightened camera makers by making their new top of the line compact camera less megapixels than the last generation of the same camera! Sweet.
Now, I am not trying to say more megapixels is bad. It all depends on your needs. To some, more megapixels does not slow down their workflow at all, they have plenty of space to back up the larger files, and some just flat need the extra megapixels. For many, there is not a need for more megapixels, and fewer means they can gain speed in processing (shooting speed and editing on the computer) and lose noise at high ISOs. It all depends.
For the average Joe or amateur photographer, though, there is rarely a need for ultra high megapixels. They already haev all they need. My Mom has a 10 or 12MP camera, and I set it to a smaller setting for her, because it eats up space so fast. Regardless, I like the trend, which seems to be saying, “we camera makers are willing to work on other issues besides jump forcing more megapixels into the camera.” Bravo!
