Re: How Much Resolution Do You Need

Jerry,

I assume that at 500mm, you are probably shooting off a tripod, is that correct? I know that the VR is really good on the latest generation of Nikkor lenses, but out at 500mm, I'd probably be giving in and pulling out the tripod.

WRT how much resolution one needs/wants, I think the answer (at least in my case) depends upon the answers to several questions:

I think the biggest question is what the photographer intends to do with the image. Normal magazine and calendar photos don't require that kind of resolution. Large, poster-size prints would certainly benefit from it.

Another question is whether or not you have enough focal length in your lenses to get the images you want. If not, is heavily cropping a reasonable solution, or do you really need longer glass? I think the answer there is whether or not your existing lenses are up to the task. As we discussed in the thread last week, the new, high-res sensors like the D800/810 and D850 now have sufficient resolution to find flaws in older generation lenses. Nikon has even begun re-releasing some of its top-of-the-line, pro lenses, which were already pretty darn good, for just that reason. They've even published a list of "recommended lenses" for the new D850.

The large file size on the newer cameras raises the questions of processing and storage. Does the photographer have a new generation computer with a high-speed processor, fast hard drives and plenty of RAM to support the processing program as it deals with the big files? Is the photographer the type of shooter who shoots and keeps a lot of frames.....or just a few keepers? Every photographer will need to assess whether or not they need a new computer to go with their new camera, and what sort of file storage and back-up scheme they will use to deal with the large volume of data these new cameras will generate.

And last but not least, the photographer has to ask him/herself if their technique is up to the task. I shoot hand-held 98% of the time and I can get "softies" at 16 MP. With a D850, my run-and-gun style might need some "modification."

/Kevin Madore



Edited 2 time(s). Last edit at 01/20/2018 06:56AM by KevinM.