A discussion on pixel count for the new S model

[erlingmm]

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David Farkas of Leicashop Miami recently published an interesting article on the new S and the decision to stay at 37,5 Mpix here:

http://www.reddotforum.com/content/2014/11/why-leica-is-staying-at-37-5mp-for-the-s-typ-007/

 

Another article elaborates on this from a more technical/optical angle discussing how diffraction limits the theoretical resolution of different types of systems and sensor types:

LEICA Barnack Berek Blog: THE PIXEL RACE - DOES IT REALLY MAKE SENSE?

[pico]

Good stuff. Thank you.

 

There is probably a Leica S in my future, perhaps next year as I finish the 8x10 film and sell the 8x10 camera gear and old Leica M bodies.

[peterv]

I don't consider myself to be a particularly technically knowledgable photographer, but I think Heinz Richter's reasoning is flawed.

 

It seems to me he is only looking at diffraction where as his own 'table of limits based on sensor size' shows the S sensor size could yield ~ 150 useful MP's @ f4.5. That's kind of going 180 degrees in the opposite direction of his basic assumption, which suggests that more than 37,5 MP's doesn't make much sense.

 

I'm not against the new S having 'only' 37,5 MP's mind you. I think Leica chose wisely, given the tech that is available to them at the moment. I just feel that Mr. Richter's page gives a very limited view on a very complicated subject.

 

Anyway, here's another thread kind of about the same subject that I find contains some really helpful info through the contributions of some very knowledgable people:

 

Do Sensors Outresolve Lenses?

[stephan_w]

I was first also a bit worried about the resolution of the new 007, but I think to get a noticable difference to the existing S, they should have gone somewhat north from 60 m pixels. And then managing the files (just think of layers in photoshop) starts to be a real problem.

 

The excelence of the S-system is made of the impecable combination of precision, from the lens to the viewfinder and autofocus.

 

Also, the CMOS of the 007, will add much versatility to the system. my only regret is the price.

[Doc Henry]

Erling, very interesting second link. Thanks

It reminds me of what Olympus says there is already a few years

Olympus: 12 megapixels is enough for most folks - CNET

Another proof is the Sony A7S that can also make beautiful pictures with only its 12 Mpx

Best

Henry

[basse]

Sometimes I wish a higher resolution, eg for landscape. In this case I´m photographing upright using a panoramic head. Three shots side by side result with sufficient overlap 11250 x 5000 pixel resolution = 84 MB in the ratio 3: 2 or widescreen correspondingly more MB. That's enough with the support of PTGUI for very large prints. But that is only because the S lenses are so good that no substantial edge drop is detected. So I can live with the restriction to 37 MB per photo. For portraits I do not need more resolution rather more speed. I think Leica has made a wise decision.