Originally posted by smc Probably for the k20d as well, but for pics that I won't be printing larger than 8x10, what happens quality wise when I drop the pixel size down for raw? In theory nothing should happen (presumably if I leave the quality setting high), but how does the camera drop the recorded setting down? Do fewer pixels on the sensor get used or does in camera firmware drop it down?
I'm chewing through disk space like there is no tomorrow and I'd like to drop the size down for quite a few of my shots...but wasn't sure if there was a drop in quality due to the technology used to make the change.
Thanks!
You can't shrink the size of the RAW file - its always captured as a 14MP file on the K-7.
Which gives you a clue to one question - all pixels on the sensor get used.
When you record JPEG at lower megapixels, the camera reduces the amount of information recorded by averaging information from adjacent pixels.
So you always lose detail when you reduce the MPs recorded, but it is immaterial if you match it to the size of the print you will be making.
..e.g. 6MP prints very well on A4 paper, or viewed fullscreen on an average PC monitor.