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This is an important question because at the time I write this, dSLRs are available with resolutions from 3.4 megapixels to 16.7 megapixels (and beyond, if you include some exotic camera types). Even more interesting, not all digital SLRs of a particular resolution produce the same results. It’s entirely possible to get better photos from a 6 megapixel SLR with a sensor that has low noise and more accurate colors than with a similar 8 megapixel model with an inferior sensor (even when the differences in lens performance is discounted).

Different sensor paradigms can create wildly differing results, too. For example, the Foveon X3 sensor actually has only 3.4 megapixels worth of resolution, but when you consider that each photosite can sense red, green, or blue light without interpolation, the results can theoretically be as good as those produced with sensors having a higher resolution. (In fact, Foveon touts this particular sensor as a 10.2 megapixel imager, though absolute resolution is 2268 × 1512 pixels.)

Looking at resolution in general, you’ll want more megapixels for some types of photography. If you want to create prints larger than 8 × 10 inches, you’ll be happier with a camera having 6 to 10 megapixels of resolution or more. If you want to crop out small sections of an image, you may need a camera with 10 to 12 megapixels. On the other hand, if your primary application will be taking pictures for display on a Web page, or you need thumbnail-sized photos for ID cards or for a catalog with small illustrations, you may get along just fine with a 6 megapixel SLR camera. However, keep in mind that your needs may change, and you might
later regret choosing a camera with lower resolution.