Camera Types and Megapixels, Explained
Mirrorless cameras swap the DSLR's mirror and optical viewfinder for a live electronic view; a megapixel is one million pixels, and 7 MP covers an 8x10 print.
By Andrian ChengContributing writer.
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The short answer
Most cameras for sale today fall into a handful of types. Mirrorless and DSLR cameras take interchangeable lenses; compact cameras have a fixed lens; action, instant, video and film cameras serve narrower uses. The megapixel count tells you how many pixels each photo has, which sets how large you can print or crop. Past a modest number, other specs such as sensor size matter more.
Mirrorless vs DSLR
A DSLR has a mirror behind the lens that reflects light up into an optical viewfinder. When you press the shutter, the mirror swings out of the way so the light reaches the sensor. A mirrorless camera has no mirror: light falls on the sensor all the time, and you see the scene on an electronic viewfinder or the rear screen.
| Mirrorless | DSLR | |
|---|---|---|
| Viewfinder | Electronic; can preview exposure and show focus aids | Optical; a direct view through the lens |
| Body | Generally smaller, lighter, quieter | Larger, with a mirror box |
| Autofocus | On the sensor itself | Separate AF sensor below the mirror |
| Battery life | Usually shorter per charge | Usually longer |
The market has moved. Wikipedia's summary of industry data says mirrorless cameras passed DSLRs in shipments in 2021. Canon and Sony said that year they would stop releasing new DSLR models, and Nikon followed in 2022. The same summary says that by 2025 all major makers except Pentax had stopped making DSLRs, though millions are still in use.
What a megapixel means
A megapixel (MP) is one million pixels. Multiply a photo's width by its height in pixels and divide by a million: a 2,048 by 1,536 image has about 3.15 MP. On a camera, the figure counts the sensor's light sensitive sites that form the picture. Some spec sheets list both total and effective pixels; the effective number is the one that ends up in your photo.
How many megapixels do I need
The main use for extra pixels is printing large or cropping hard. PictureCorrect gives these rough figures:
| Print size (inches) | Good (200 dpi) | Very good (300 dpi) |
|---|---|---|
| 4 x 6 | 1 MP | 2 MP |
| 8 x 10 | 3 MP | 7 MP |
| 11 x 14 | 6 MP | 14 MP |
| 16 x 20 | 12 MP | 28 MP |
| 20 x 30 | 24 MP | 54 MP |
By that table, a 7 MP image already makes a very good 8 x 10 inch print, and 412 of the 535 cameras on Wiki Shopping that state a resolution list 20 MP or more. Paper, lighting, compression and the subject all change the result, so treat the numbers as a guide. Higher counts make the biggest difference for large prints and for cropping into a distant subject.
How we count
Camera type and resolution are read from each camera's store listing on Wiki Shopping on October 26, 2026. Of the 2,105 cameras listed that day, the chart shows each stated type. By resolution, 123 list under 20 MP, 177 list 20 to 29 MP, 101 list 30 to 49 MP and 134 list 50 MP or more. Counts change as listings are added or removed. Start from all cameras or go straight to mirrorless cameras.
Shop by spec
Cameras
Compact, 1-inch, 4K
- Compact Powerhouse: Canon PowerShot V10 vlogging camera features a sleek, pocket-sized design; perfect for on-the-go creativity; enjoy the ultimate, compact digital camera in portability and ease of use
- Versatile Vlogging Camera: Incredible low-light capabilities with a 15.2-megapixel 1-inch back-illuminated CMOS sensor; features a retractable front-facing screen, built-in subject detection, micro-HDMI output port, external mic auxiliary port and USB-C charging
- Adaptable Built-In Stand: Comes with an innovative stand that folds in both the front or back; content creator camera with a flexible stand allows for versatile shooting angles and hands-free operation in a variety of settings
- Wide-Angle Brilliance: PowerShot V10 digital video camera is equipped with a fixed 19mm wide-angle lens (35mm equivalent), perfect for expansive landscapes, tight interiors and everything in between
- Image Stabilization: With recent updates (version 1.2.0 or later), the PowerShot V10 4K camera has three image stabilization modes while shooting videos, IS Off, IS On and IS Enhanced
- High-Speed Shooting: Superb 4K camera for video recording; 8-bit 4K video capture at up to 30 fps; Full HD video capture at up 60 fps; 14 movie color filters available to help you set the mood and ambiance
- Crystal Clear Audio: Capture every detail with a pair of high-quality stereo microphones; a third microphone in the middle helps remove any unwanted background noises
Mirrorless, Micro Four Thirds, 20 to 29 MP, 4K
- THE ICONIC GH5, NOW WITH LIVE STREAMING: Attention hybrid content creators-the GH5M2 supports both wired and wireless unlimited live streaming for indoors and outdoors, together with a USB Power Delivery feature.
- VIDEO FORMAT OPTIONS FOR PROFESSIONAL USE: The GH5M2 is capable of unlimited video recording in various settings including C4K/4K 60p 4:2:0 10-bit and simultaneous output over HDMI during 4K 60p internal recording.
- PHOTO STYLE PRESETS MINIMIZE YOUR EDITING: Presets include V-LogL, Cinelike D2/ V2, MonochromeS and L.ClassicNeo.
- POWERFUL IMAGE STABILIZATION: Advanced I.S. to 6.5-stop slower shutter speeds for stable handheld shooting. Double SD Memory Card slot for relay recording.
- WITHSTANDS HEAVY FIELD USE: The magnesium alloy full die-cast front / rear frame and is not only splash and dust resistant, but also freezeproof down to -10 °C (14°F).
Mirrorless
- Compact and light, ready to be carried anywhere – and everywhere!
- Print straight to a compatible instax printer, or share via the dedicated app
- Film camera-style retro design with dial-based control
- Unique 2-in-1 mode combines stills and/or video to give you a creative edge
- Set your own style with 26 analog-inspired film and filter options
Mirrorless, Full-frame, Body only, Canon RF
- Lightest, smallest full-frame EOS camera
- RF mount compatible with RF lenses and EF/EF-S lenses with optional mount adapter
- High image quality with 26.2 Megapixel Full-frame CMOS Sensor and DIGIC 8 Image processor
- Dual pixel CMOS AF for fast and accurate auto focus
- Use the EOS Utility Webcam Beta Software (Mac and Windows) to turn your Canon camera into a high-quality webcam, or do the same using a clean HDMI output.