Megapixels: what they really mean (they are not everything)
It's often the first thing we look at when choosing a camera. And yet, the number of megapixels doesn't tell the whole story. It catches the eye and can be reassuring, but it can also be misleading.
Should you really go for the highest number? How many megapixels do you need to print a beautiful photo or share it on a screen? And above all, what other criteria should you consider to make the right choice for you?
In this article, we take the time to explain what megapixels really are, what they can do, and why they are only one factor among many. The aim is not to give a technical lecture, but to help you make an informed decision with concrete, accessible, and useful examples.
What a megapixel really is (and what it isn't)
When talking about cameras, the number of megapixels almost always comes up. It has become a classic selling point, as if it were the only criterion to consider. However, behind this somewhat technical term lies a much more nuanced reality. To choose the right camera, it is important to understand what this number really means and what it does not say.
What exactly is a megapixel?
Let's start with the basics. The word ‘megapixel’ refers to a million pixels. Each pixel is a tiny dot that makes up an image. The more pixels there are, the larger the image is, and potentially the more detailed it can be. For example, a 21-megapixel photo contains approximately 21 million of these tiny dots.
But be careful! More pixels don't automatically mean a better photo. It's a bit like enlarging a painting without touching the brushstrokes. For a sensor to deliver a high-quality image, several other factors must also be taken into account. Its size, its ability to capture light and the optics that accompany it.
A camera may boast impressive specs, but if the rest isn't up to scratch, the image is likely to be flat, noisy or blurry. That's why a good balance is often preferable to simply increasing the number of megapixels.
More megapixels is not always better
On paper, you might think that a 24- or 30-megapixel camera will necessarily be better than one with 18 or 21 megapixels. In reality, beyond a certain threshold, the extra pixels don't make much difference. This is especially true if you view your photos on a screen or print them in a standard format (such as 10x15 or A4).
From 16 or 18 megapixels onwards, the vast majority of uses are already covered. You can print your photos or share them on social media in very good quality. What matters is not having ‘the most’, but having ‘what you need’.
For example, the Realishot DC5200 from AgfaPhoto has a resolution of 21 megapixels. This is more than enough to capture a weekend with friends or holiday landscapes. Its ease of use and reasonable price (£50.03) make it a sensible choice. This is particularly true for those who are looking for good image quality without getting lost in technical specifications.
In summary, megapixels are important, but they are not everything. They are one criterion among many and are not a guarantee of quality on their own.
How many megapixels do you really need for good photos?
It's a simple question that many people ask themselves. We want clear memories, images that we can print, share or keep for later. But do you really need 30, 40 or even 50 megapixels to get a good-quality photo? Not necessarily. The key is to adapt the resolution level to your intended use.
It all depends on how you use your photos
The number of megapixels you need depends on what you want to do with your photos.
For standard display on a screen (smartphone, computer, television), 8 to 12 MP is more than enough. Platforms such as Instagram and Facebook compress images, which already reduces their actual size. Having more megapixels won't make much difference to the naked eye.
For standard 10x15 or A4 prints, between 12 and 20 MP is ideal. This guarantees good sharpness without visible grain. Below this, details may appear blurry when printed. Above this, the difference becomes minimal, unless you are printing in very large formats.
And if you want to do creative photography, scrapbooking or computer editing, a camera between 16 and 24 MP offers a good compromise between precision and convenience.
A concrete example with the Realishot DC5100
The Realishot DC5100 (£41.69) from AgfaPhoto is a good example of this happy medium. With its 18 megapixels, it offers enough resolution to cover all common needs. Holiday photos, portraits, landscapes, everyday moments. It allows you to capture details effortlessly, even for a novice user.
Its sensor is well balanced, ensuring sharp images in a variety of situations. The camera automatically manages light and focus, avoiding complicated settings. Whether you're capturing a seaside view or a birthday party, the camera delivers sharp, bright shots.
That's what makes it so great. It doesn't try to impress with numbers, but offers enough quality for memories that matter. And all for a reasonable price under £50, with no unnecessary accessories. If you're just starting out or simply want to take photos without any hassle, this is a smart choice.
Other (often more important) criteria to consider when choosing a camera
When choosing a camera, it's tempting to focus solely on the number of megapixels. However, other factors have a much greater impact on photo quality, such as the lens, zoom, stabilisation and light management. These details really make a difference, especially for everyday use.
The quality of your camera's optics and zoom
A good lens captures light better, reproduces colours accurately and limits distortion. This is often underestimated, yet it plays an essential role in the overall sharpness of photos.
Take the AgfaPhoto Realishot DC8200 (£100.06) for example. This camera has an 8x optical zoom, allowing you to get closer to your subject without any loss of quality. Unlike digital zoom, which artificially enlarges the image and causes a loss of sharpness, optical zoom preserves all the definition.
This is very useful when travelling, at a show or when photographing an animal from a distance. You can zoom in without moving, without the image becoming blurred or pixelated. It's this kind of well-designed optics that really makes a difference in use.
Stabilisation, autofocus, light management
Even affordable modern cameras now come with valuable features to help you take great photos. Electronic image stabilisation (EIS) is one of them. It compensates for small hand movements to reduce blurry photos. This is particularly useful for portraits or scenes taken on the fly.
Fast autofocus is also an important feature. It allows you to capture a moment without waiting for the camera to focus, which is essential when photographing a moving child or a spontaneous scene.
Finally, automatic light management allows the camera to adapt to the environment. Dark interiors, bright sunlight, backlighting... The more effective this feature is, the better exposed your photos will be, without having to intervene manually.
Combining these elements results in true image quality, even with an 18 or 21 MP sensor. It's these often subtle features that make the experience smooth and enjoyable, especially when you're just starting out.
How to choose the right camera in 2025?
The photography market is evolving, but users' needs remain simple: to take beautiful photos with ease. With technical specifications full of numbers, it can be difficult to know where to start. However, making an informed choice is not complicated. In 2025, the key to a good purchase will be finding the right balance between performance, simplicity and budget.
Example of a high-performance camera
The Realishot DC9200 is a good example of what a well-calibrated camera can offer. It combines a 24-megapixel sensor, a 10x optical zoom and 4K video recording. This effective trio allows you to capture memories in high definition, whether you're travelling, with your family or at an event.
This type of camera allows you to improve your photography without having to upgrade after a few months. The interface remains simple, the autofocus is fast, and the options are there to support a smooth learning curve. You can frame, zoom and film without having to learn the technical details. It is this combination of accessibility and versatility that makes the DC9200 a reliable solution for those who want to take their photography a step further.
Focus on value for money
With so many options on the market, it's tempting to be seduced by spectacular features. However, a high number of megapixels or an impressive burst mode don't guarantee better photos if the rest of the camera isn't up to scratch.
A good purchase is a camera that suits your needs. If you want to capture your holidays, photograph your loved ones or share everyday memories, it's best to focus on consistency. A decent sensor, a useful zoom and a good grip. These criteria have more impact than a single figure.
AgfaPhoto offers a range designed with this in mind. No frills, no exaggerated promises. Just well-designed cameras at a fair price to meet everyone's needs. Making a smart choice in 2025 means finding the right balance between desire, simplicity and performance.
What you need to know about megapixels
When looking for a camera, we think about megapixels. That's normal, because this number is everywhere. But as you've probably realised, it doesn't tell the whole story. What really matters is the balance between the sensor, the lens, the stabilisation, the light and how you want to use the camera.
There's no magic number to aim for. For clear, high-quality memories, even a 21 or 24 MP sensor can be more than enough. The most important thing is to have a reliable camera that is easy to use and suited to your needs.
This is where AgfaPhoto stands out. By offering well-designed models without unnecessary frills, the brand focuses on reliability, simplicity and good value for money. All the more reason to choose with your heart as well as your head.