Sensor size?

[maddy]

I’m not totally clear on sensor size and pixel count of DSLR’s. Looking at a camera with full sensor at 12 mega pix and one with 1.5x lens crop factor at 15 mega pixs. I like the 1.5 factor cause I get more zoom with the 70-200 lens. But I want to have the best quality print resolution for prints up to 60”. If not shooting at high ISO might I get better prints from the 15 meg sensor?

Thanks for the info!

[Noel_Carboni]

There's no one easy answer.

In practice, a lot of folks think the images from the modern APS-C sized sensor dSLRs have similar quality to those shot with dSLRs with larger sensors.

Can you capture more detail with a 15 MP 1.6x sensor than with a full frame 12 MP sensor. Depends on the lens. Might even depend on whether you got a particularly good or bad copy of the lens.

Other factors need to figure into your choice, for example what lenses you want to be able to use. Camera bodies are typically quite secondary to the investment in lenses.

Lots of folks have more than one body, so they can get the advantages of each.

-Noel

[maddy]

I have a D80 with fair glass but when printing images large I see pexelation which I don't like. The image is shot well in RAW. The lenes are doing a good job.

To tell the truth, I'm considering a switch to Canon 50D before buying the glass I long for.

[Martin_Doudoroff]

Originally Posted by maddy

I have a D80 with fair glass but when printing images large I see pexelation which I don't like.

Maddy, what is a "large" print for you? (The kind you see pixelation on.)

[maddy]

Up to now 32x40, but I'll want to go larger. Say 48x60.

You can see the work I'm doing at Bucu Mirage - Abstract Expressionist Painting & Photography By Edward Gilmore and Mark Addy

[michaelnotar]

in theory, the smaller sensor will have worse high iso performace due to smaller pixels, but technology in processing the image is always advancing and counteracting this to a degree.

for enlargements, MP is king. dont squabble over a few MPs here and there, you have to double the MP count for a significant improvement.

i would say those 2 cameras are about the same, its a toss up. personally i would go for the slightly lower res camera. the larger pixels will also be easier on your lenses for resolving detail.

hello from CDA, havent seen u guys around much.

[ChrisPerry]

depends somewhat on your subject matter, PP routine and print method.

Portraits don't need (or want) the same level of detail you'll want for an urban landscape.
There are programs like Genuine Fractals that claim to enlarge pics for just such a use - large prints. Some folks claim upping the size in PS in 10% increments works well.
I don't think there is a substitute for pixels - the more pixels the more fine detail you can capture - all else being equal. ISO will be factor, and while crop facttor isn't in itself a factor a smaller sensor uses the sweeter spot of the center of the lens (assuming a FF lens).
I would think the new 5D2 or a used 1Ds2 (which can be had for less than a new 5D2 at the moment) might be the best choice.