Downsizing my pictures

[photoyoyo1948]

Hello, I have a question relating to sensor pixel density and downsizing my pictures. I photograph birds and it is virtually always the case that the birds are small in the frame thus necessitating cropping in. This is fine and with my 90d and Tamron 150-600 and with careful field craft I still obtain shots that I am happy with.

However, I post my pictures to a couple of bird forums which have limits on the file size they can accept (I very rarely print my pictures) so I have to downsize my pics. A typical initial crop size is around 4000megapixels across and I downsize to 1300.

My question is this - if I am downsizing the final picture - effectively throwing pixels away - is there any value in having a camera with a high pixel density in the first place?

I ask because I have the offer of a Canon 5dsr (50megapixel) for a reasonable price.

Please note I am not asking for general opinion on the camera, just a little informed opinion on the value of very high resolution sensor when I have to downsize my pictures.

Thankyou in advance, Pete

 

[Krusty79]

I am considering upgrading from the 60D to the 90D so I can increase the megapixel count in my images from 18 to 33. That will allow me to crop almost twice as much as I do now. If you had an 18 megapixel camera, you wouldn't be able to crop in nearly as much (and still look good).

 

[Mark S Abeln]

My question is this - if I am downsizing the final picture - effectively throwing pixels away - is there any value in having a camera with a high pixel density in the first place?

Well, yes, if you do happen to find a bird up close!

I ask because I have the offer of a Canon 5dsr (50megapixel) for a reasonable price.

Please note I am not asking for general opinion on the camera, just a little informed opinion on the value of very high resolution sensor when I have to downsize my pictures.

Your 90D will place 32.5 million pixels on the subject while the 5D would not even place 20 million, assuming you have to crop away enough so that subject framing is identical, and so the 90D would likely lead to a sharper, more detailed image.