Files & editing / Learn by doing
Megapixel explained simply
What is “Megapixel”?
One million pixels. A 6000×4000 image has 24 million pixels, or 24 megapixels.
- 01Width × height
- 02Million pixels
- 03Check real sharpness
How do you use Megapixel practically?
A small exercise
Multiply the width and height of one photograph, then divide by one million. Compare with your camera’s file size settings.
- Make a starting version and keep it so you can compare fairly.
- Try the change in the exercise. Keep unrelated choices steady where the exercise allows.
- Compare the result at the size your viewer will actually see. Write down what changed and whether it helped.
How does Megapixel solve a problem?
It gives a quick indication of pixel count when planning cropping or large delivery files.
What can go wrong?
More megapixels do not automatically improve lighting, focus or composition.
How do you turn the idea into a useful solution?
Start with the specific problem in your image or brief, try the exercise, and keep the version that meets that need. If the result is worse, return to the starting version and change one choice at a time.
Quick check: can you explain the three ideas in the diagram?
Width × height → Million pixels → Check real sharpness. Explain how each relates to the exercise. Then compare the starting version with your result and choose the one that meets your brief.
Related video lesson
File formats — Canon
This related lesson gives wider context for the topic. Camera menus and software versions may differ from yours.
Loading the player connects to YouTube. You can also watch the lesson on YouTube.Keep exploring
Try the idea in a studio shoot
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