Returning a Canon 1DsMk3

How many pixels do you need? Is more better?

4 megapixels is definitely not enough, 6 megapixels is really on the low side. What about 8 megapixels? Depending on the camera and what you are shooting, 8 mega pixels may be more than enough, especially for portraits, weddings,...

Right now, August 2008, the sweet spot for DSLRs is around 12 mega pixels. This seems to be where the best compromise seems to be. Look at the Nikons D300, D700 and D3, great success technically and even greater commercial successes, Nikon is making a mint.

I was speaking to a guy who does mostly portraits, he tried the Canon 1DsMk3. He is already "Canon guy" with expensive Canon glass and was looking at upgrading. After 2 portrait sessions, he had to return it.

What? 8,000 dollars and he had to return it? Yes, 22 megapixels are far too sharp for portraits. 22 megapixels shows all the person skin defects. 22 mega pixels are great for portraits when you have a make-up artist with you.

On the other hand, he was thrilled by the quality of the landscapes. 22 megapixels allowed him to be a A2 print without any interpolation. He still returned the Canon 1DsMk3 because most of his business is portraits and weddings.

Lets' not talk about Hasselblad with 50 megapixels, Phase one at 55 megapixels or Leaf with 56 megapixels.

I know a guy with a successful wedding photography business, and he uses a Canon 20D with 8 megapixels. He does not want to upgrade because it would be too sharp and he does not need a faster auto-focus since his subjects are almost always static.