There’s a lot of noise out there when it comes to gear—and even more opinions about megapixels. One of the most common things I hear (especially online) is:

“You don’t need a 50-megapixel camera. 20 is more than enough.”

And look—if you’re just shooting for fun, maybe that’s true. But if you’re a professional—especially in commercial work, content creation, or editorial—I’ve learned firsthand that the difference between 20MP and 50MP isn’t just numbers. It’s clarity, control, and creative freedom.

Let’s break it down.

Why 50MP Actually Matters

The images in this blog post were all shot on a 50-megapixel sensor, and yes—I cropped in. Hard.
Not only did I not lose clarity… in some cases, the crop actually made the subject clearer, more intentional, and more emotionally focused. The detail, sharpness, and depth I was able to retain—and even enhance—would have never been possible on a lower-resolution file.

Here's why:

• Cropping flexibility: A 50MP file gives me the freedom to shoot wide and reframe without compromise. That’s huge when I’m working fast at events or under creative constraints.
• Sharpness under pressure: When you zoom in, you're not just enlarging pixels—you’re revealing information. 50MP captures more data, so your images hold up under scrutiny.
• Post-production potential: For commercial or print work, a high-res file is non-negotiable. It’s not just about how it looks online—it’s how it performs across all platforms and formats.
• Professionalism: High-res files signal to clients and collaborators that you’re working at the top level. That matters.

Let’s Talk About the Pushback

Now, I already know what some people are going to say:

“You don’t need that much resolution.”
“It’s overkill.”
“You can get by with 20MP.”

And honestly? That might be true… for them.

But here’s the reality:
Most of the people saying that probably can’t afford a 50MP body—or they’ve never owned one long enough to fully integrate it into their workflow. There’s a difference between trying a camera and truly working with it.

A lot of the content you see on YouTube comes from creators who get free gear for a few weeks, shoot a few test videos, and then move on. That’s not a knock—it’s just the truth. If someone doesn’t own the camera and hasn’t used it consistently in professional settings, how deep can their recommendation really be?

I’ve been in the field, shooting events, campaigns, commercial work, and content under pressure. And I’ll say this:
I’m not guessing. I know.
If I shot the photos in this post on a 20MP body, they wouldn’t look like this.

Professional Tools for Professional Results

This isn’t about gatekeeping gear or flexing specs. It’s about understanding what you need for the level of work you’re doing. And if you're shooting professionally—especially in a post-first, crop-heavy, detail-demanding world—then yes, you need more resolution.

Invest in the right tools. Push your work further. Don’t take advice from people who don’t walk in your shoes.

Let’s Talk About It

Have a look at the images. Zoom in. Crop for yourself. Then ask:
Would this be possible with 20 megapixels?

Let me know your thoughts.
Agree? Disagree? Drop a comment or send a DM—I'm always open to real conversation, not recycled opinions.

—At Marco