Originally posted by: DBL
Originally posted by: AndrewR
A simple answer to what you're spouting, which makes no sense.
Sure it does, if you read what I actually wrote.
The resolution of a camera's sensor does not change in some magical way based on the light sensitivity setting. I'm not an EE, but I don't see the connection. Seriously, correct me in detail if I'm wrong.
The actual resolution does not change. But that is not what I said. The "effective" resolution or the resolving power or the amount line pairs resolved etc.. does change based on the sensitivity setting of the sensor. As noise increases, these ability of the sensor to resolve fine detail goes down.
I agree with your last statement, but that's hardly a bombshell. However, the reason why P&S sensors have trouble with high megapixel count is the same reason why DSLR sensors are hitting a wall with regard to pixel count -- pixel density which causes noise as you increase light sensitivity (ISO).
I have not seen DSLR sensors hit a wall yet. Their pixel density is many times less than a p&s. I would not worry about DSLR hitting a wall any time soon. Whether the increased resolution is beneficial to the average DSLR consumer is another matter though.
Meant no offense with the "spouting" comment, incidentally.
Ok, now I understand. However, I think a significant limiting factor with a P&S in effective resolution (or extinction resolution) is the lens, not the sensor. I see where you are coming from now, and I see how that makes sense. However, I would think that the tiny lens on the front has more of an effect than the ISO setting of the sensor, or the lesser quality of the lens exacerbates the problem of the ISO setting. In other words, you use a high quality lens, and the impact of the ISO increase on the effective resolution is not as great.
As for DSLRs, the APS-C sensor is seeing problems right now because of the increasing pixel counts. Around 8MP seems to be the sweet spot for APS-C based on current technology to keep minimal noise for a CCD, and the 10MP ones are showing increased noise for everyone without aggressive noise reduction. It's not critical, despite what some people say about Sony's Alpha, but it is becoming a factor. Everyone isn't concerned about it, but the fact that there is a sizeable portion of people who are is something to consider.
It is critical for P&S right now, though -- I had a 7.2MP compact, and the noise was ridiculous. I can't imagine what it's like for a 10MP with a similar size sensor -- I bet the noise reduction is horrendous, and the higher ISO shots (if they even put it on the cameras) are washed out of detail to compensate. I guess most people wouldn't care, but dimly lit shots can't be anything but snapshots (ie., they don't look very good at all).
The key point might be at the next line of DSLR cameras with CCD sensors when we see if manufacturers continue to increase the pixel count for APS-C or stick to the same density but improve other aspects. I have a feeling they will increase pixel count, and we'll see what happens to noise and/or resolving power.
The solution may be CMOS since Canon has a much better record against noise right now, which Sony is apparently looking into (rumor has them releasing a CMOS-based DSLR, but there are a LOT of rumors coming out about Sony right now). We'll see.
Anyone seen any comparisons of resolving power/extinction resolution for RAW shots? DPReview has comparisons but only using JPG, which is frustrating. I haven't seen them anywhere else.
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