Originally posted by ihasa What this proves is that you downsample the results from a higher res camera to the same as a lower res camera, they look pretty similar.
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Actually you can see the resolution benefits greatly after simple downsampling as well, especially with higher-ISO images. The 'grain' in higher-res images is finer, which results in higher perceived detail and tends to stand up to NR a bit better, while retaining detail.
I've posted this before in a different part of the forum
reference image:
Top is a deep crop of an ISO 6400 36MP image downsampled to 12MP, below that is a native 12MP crop of the same area:
36MP downsampled to 12MP and cropped, ISO 6400
12MP native, cropped, ISO 6400
Look at the noise above the $10 bill, where the page meets shadow - blotchy in 12MP, fine-grained and almost acceptable in downsampled 36MP. Notice how the crease of the book in that shadow is defined differently. The better, more realistic definition in the noise pattern in the 36MP shot translates directly to a slightly more refined, 'real-looking' image when downsampled or printed. Especially when printed.
I expect some of this benefit to be seen as well with the K5II vs
the new 24MP Pentax aps-c flagship. Don't fear the Megapixels!
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