12MP vs 24MP: What's the difference? How to choose?

When we are choosing a phone or camera, the word "megapixel" (MP) always appears in our field of vision, and it is common to see cameras with 12MP, 24MP and even higher. So what is the difference between a 12MP and 24 megapixel camera? Choosing the right pixel resolution has a clear impact on image quality, but does more pixels really mean better photos?

As a camera engineer who is well versed in megapixel performance, I will analyze the technical details for you in an easy-to-understand way, providing you with in-depth insights so that you can make a more suitable choice for your needs.

In this article, we will learn about the main differences between 12 mp camera and 24MP, including how megapixels affect file size, image clarity and sensitivity.

What are megapixels?

First, let's understand what megapixels (MP) are. MP is the abbreviation of "Megapixel", which refers to the total number of pixels that make up an image. One million pixels is one megapixel. It refers to the number of photosites on the image sensor, which make up the photos we see. The higher the number of megapixels, the more pixels there are in the image, and the more image clarity and details can be expressed.

In simple terms:

• A photo from a 12MP camera contains approximately 12 million individual pixels (e.g., 4000x3000 pixels).
• A photo from a 24MP camera contains approximately 24 million pixels (e.g., 6000x4000 pixels).

From the numbers, it seems that a 24MP image does contain more pixels than a 12MP image. However, more pixels does not necessarily mean better image quality. Pixels affect the size and clarity of an image, but other components of the camera also affect the quality of the photo, such as sensor size, lighting, and lens quality. Sinoseen does not have these problems because both the design and manufacturing are carefully checked to ensure satisfactory results.

Understanding 12mp

As you can see from the numbers, a 12MP camera can take 12 million pixel photos with rich details, which can meet most daily uses, including social media photos, videos, and other daily needs. Although there is still a certain difference between 12MP pixel photos and high-pixel photos, it can strike a good balance between image quality and file size, which is sufficient for daily use.

Understanding 24MP

A 24 megapixel camera can capture 24 million pixel images, which has highest megapixel in camera resolution and richer details than a 12MP camera. It is the most suitable choice for applications that require richer details and clearer images, especially when they need to be enlarged or printed at a larger size.

The main difference between 12 million pixels and 24 million pixels

Let's compare the differences between 12MP and 24MP pixel cameras from the following aspects:

1. Detail capture and magnification capabilities
2. File size and storage space
3. Low light performance and image noise
4. Image processing speed and device performance
5. The impact of video recording

Let's analyze them one by one.

1. Detail capture and magnification capabilities

Due to more pixels, a 24-megapixel camera can theoretically capture finer details. This is especially obvious when you need to enlarge the photos for viewing or make large-format prints. When you crop a photo, a 24MP photo can retain more available pixels, so that the cropped image can still maintain good clarity.

For daily sharing to social media, viewing on mobile screens, or printing at standard sizes, a 12-megapixel camera photo resolution is usually sufficient. In these scenarios, the difference in detail performance between 12MP photos and 24MP photos is not so easy to detect.

2. File size and storage space

More pixels mean larger file sizes. A 24MP photo is generally about twice the size of a 12 mp camera photo. This will take up more device storage space, cloud storage space, and consume more data traffic and time when uploading or downloading.

The file size of 12MP photos is relatively small, which makes them easier to store, transfer, and share. For users with limited storage space or users who need to share photos frequently, 12MP has more advantages.

3. Low-light performance and image noise

This is a place that is often misunderstood. Many people think that high pixels mean better low-light performance, but this is not always the case.

With the same sensor size, the more pixels there are, the smaller the size of a single pixel. The larger the size of a single pixel, the more light information it can capture, which produces less noise in low-light environments and maintains better image purity.

For example, on the same full-frame sensor, the size of a single pixel on a 12-megapixel camera may be much larger than that on a 24-megapixel camera.

Nevertheless, modern high-pixel sensors can improve low-light performance by combining multiple small pixels into one "large pixel" through technologies such as "pixel binning". For example, some 48MP or 64MP mobile phone sensors can output 12MP photos while taking low-light performance into account through 4-in-1 or 9-in-1 pixel binning technology.

Traditional 12MP sensors, if the area of ​​a single pixel is larger, may have a better signal-to-noise ratio in low-light environments and produce purer images.

Therefore, when judging low-light performance, in addition to the number of pixels, it is more important to look at the physical size of the sensor and the manufacturer's image processing technology. Even the highest-megapixel camera may not always perform best in low light.

4. Image processing speed and device performance

Processing and storing highest megapixel in camera resolution photos like 24MP requires a more powerful processor and a larger cache. This means that the device may take more time to process photos, take bursts, or there may be slight delays during playback.

12MP photos have a smaller amount of data and are usually processed faster, which is more conducive to smooth operation and fast response of the device.

5. Impact of video recording

The number of megapixels mainly affects the resolution of photos, but has a relatively small impact on video resolution. Video resolution is usually measured in K (such as 4K, 8K).

• 4K video: 4K video requires about 8MP sensor resolution to record. Therefore, whether it is a 12MP camera or a 24 megapixel camera or even a higher-megapixel sensor, it can easily record 4K video.
• 8K video: 8K video requires about 33MP. Only sensors with 33MP or more can record 8K video natively.

Choose 12MP or 24MP? 5 practical tips for you to consider

After understanding the main differences between 12MP and 24MP, you may still be unsure which one is better for you. Here are 5 practical tips for you to consider when making a choice:

1.Identify your main use

Daily sharing and screen viewing: If you mainly share photos on social media and view them on your phone or computer screen, then 12MP resolution is usually more than enough. Most screens have a resolution much lower than 12MP, and the extra pixels will not bring a visible improvement in image quality.

Large-format printing and professional-level post-production: If you need to print photos in A3 or larger size, or often make large cuts and require rich details in the cropped image, then a camera with 24MP or higher pixels will be a better choice.

2.Consider your storage space and network conditions

Storage pressure: 24MP photos are twice as large as 12MP files, which will quickly fill up your device's memory or cloud storage if you have a lot of photos to store.

Upload and download speed: Larger files take more time and data traffic to upload to social media, the cloud, or download. If you often share photos on mobile networks, 12MP will be more convenient.

3.Understand the physical size of the sensor, not just the number of pixels

High pixels do not always mean high image quality. When choosing a device, in addition to the number of pixels, be sure to check the physical size of the sensor. Generally, at the same number of pixels, the larger the sensor size, the larger the area of ​​a single pixel (pixel point), the stronger its light absorption ability, and the better low-light performance and image purity.

4.Pay attention to the manufacturer's image processing technology

Modern mobile phones and cameras can largely make up for the differences in hardware through powerful image processing algorithms. For example, even a 12MP mobile phone camera can take amazing photos through computational photography techniques (such as HDR, night scene mode). Don't just look at the pixels, look at actual samples and professional megapixel review.

5.Budget and device performance

Generally, higher-pixel sensors and the more powerful processors needed to handle these large files may result in higher device costs. At the same time, high-pixel photos also require higher device performance, and older devices may appear to be sluggish when processing 24MP or even higher pixel photos. Make a reasonable choice based on your budget and the performance of your existing devices.

Which one suits you better?

Conclusion

In short, higher pixel counts do not mean better. I hope this article can help you understand the real difference between 12mp and 24mp. The final choice depends on your specific use, budget, and your needs between photo details, file size, and device performance. When purchasing equipment, in addition to paying attention to megapixels, you should also consider the physical size of the sensor, the quality of the lens, and the manufacturer's image processing algorithm, which are also critical to the final image quality.

Sinoseen's 12mp and 24mp camera modules

If you are looking for a camera module that meets your specific specifications, Sinoseen can help you. When your needs are clear, we provide fast same-day quotes to ensure that your project goes smoothly. If your needs are not clear, it doesn't matter, our engineers will provide you with full assistance. If you need it, please contact us as soon as possible.