With 8 megapixel SLRs today, we can already produce 300 DPI prints on 8×12″. The vast majority of the population would not need a print any larger. As the megapixel race continues, we will reach a point where the print size at 300 DPI will satisfy practically everybody. Personally, I would like 300 DPI prints on 12×18″, so once a 20 megapixel camera comes out, am I done? Nope. I will still chase for more megapixels.

Bayer sensors interpolate filters to produce a color image. It works out to be 1/3 rgb samples per pixel due to interpolation. This produces images that are not completely sharp when viewed at 100% crop. However, we can increase the number of rgb samples per pixel by downsize the image. By combining the color value of many pixels into one, we add all those rgb samples into one pixel. Therefore, given a 32 megapixel image, I would downsize the image to 20 megapixel image, since it would still give me 300 DPI on 12×18″. But by going from 32 to 20, we have gone from 1/3 rgb samples per pixel to over 1/2 rgb samples per pixel. This improves color accuracy and image quality.

At the rate todays technology, the future will soon hold a million rgb samples per pixel, or a megasample. Then marketing will take us on a megasample war.