Definition: Resolution is the measurement of the total number of pixels that a digital camera's image sensor can record in one photograph. Digital camera resolution is expressed in megapixels, which are millions of pixels.
Theoretically, digital cameras with higher resolutions can create sharper and larger print photographs. However, high-resolution cameras don't automatically yield high-quality photos, because many factors contribute to photo quality, such as lens quality, shutter speed, and external lighting.
In a listing of digital camera specifications, you'll probably see two resolution measurements: Overall and effective. Effective pixels, or effective resolution, is the more useful number.
Also Known As: effective resolution, overall resolution
