Final answer:
Megapixels (MP) refer to the resolution of a digital camera, specifically the number of pixels (dots) used to make a photo. Higher megapixels result in more detail and clarity, but beyond a certain point, too many megapixels can lead to poorer photo quality. To correlate megapixels with print size, use the formula: photo size in megapixels = pixel width x pixel height ÷ 1 million.
Step-by-step explanation:
Megapixels (MP) refer to the resolution of a digital camera, specifically the number of pixels (dots) used to make a photo. The higher the number of megapixels, the more detail and clarity the photo will have. When it comes to printing photos, a higher number of megapixels, such as 8 MP, will result in clear and sharp prints.
To correlate the number of megapixels to the print size, the formula is used: photo size in megapixels = pixel width x pixel height ÷ 1 million. For example, a photo with a resolution of 5 MP would have a pixel width of 2560 and a pixel height of 1920.
It's important to note that having too many megapixels can actually create poorer photos, especially with low- to mid-priced digital cameras with small sensors that can't handle the high resolution. So it's essential to consider the camera's specifications and how the photos will be used before deciding on the number of megapixels needed.