Having the highest megapixels in a camera doesn't necessarily amount to having better photos—but it sure as hell goes a long way.
On the surface, the importance of having the best megapixel cameras is obvious enough. The higher the megapixels, the higher the resolution of your photos.
High resolution usually means higher accuracy and sharpness, which, of course, are traits we all desire in a photo.
Another advantage of working with high-resolution cameras can be found in situations where you need photos for large format uses, such as in magazines and high-res advertisements.
Then there are those of us who just want it for fun. Since resolution matters so much – enough that most people obsess over it, anyway – why not just go all out and get the highest megapixels camera available out there, right?
Well luckily, there have been an impressive output of cameras with extremely high megapixels in recent years.
The best part about these is that they manage to sport such impressive resolutions without compromising other features.
If you happen to be on the lookout for the best of this gear, well, worry no more; we have you covered below.
Table of Contents
TL;DR – Top 3 Highest Megapixel Cameras
BEST CHOICE
Sony A7R IV
BEST VALUE
Canon 5DS R
PREMIUM PICK
Fujifilm GFX 100
1. Fujifilm GFX 100 - 102MP
The Fujifilm GFX 100 is a remarkable 102MP camera that is not just a beast of a machine but is also quite impressively priced for its range.
On the technical front, the camera features a medium format sensor with a 3.2-inch touchscreen LCD and maximum continuous shooting of 5 frames per second.
Physically, it features a retro style with a modern twist common to most Fuji cameras. It weighs about 1320g, which is quite heavy for its category—but of course with 102 megapixels and decent medium format sensor, you know you're getting yourself a beast of a camera, so weight shouldn't be that much of a hassle.
In case you're looking for other consolidating features for the GFX 100 beyond the megapixels, , you'll find these in its incredible resolving power, lightning fast phase-detection AF, and its remote control compatibility with a smartphone.
Many photographers will rightly tell you megapixels isn't everything, and yes, they'd be right, but the Fujifilm GFX 100 is a gear that proves that even though large megapixels may not be everything, so long as you get a gear with compatible parts (sensor size, for example) and other impressive functionalities, all you need is great resolution to stand out.
Also, for what it's worth, the GFX 100 is absolutely one of the best mirrorless cameras in the world.
2. Sony A7R IV - 61MP
What you have when you own a Sony A7R IV is a 61 megapixel, full-frame, 1.44 million dots 3-inch LCD camera with 4k video resolution and 10 frames-per-second continuous shooting speed.
Tell me that doesn't sound exciting when we put it like that!
There's always that unique, magical result that you get with full-frame cameras, and even though some might argue the A7R IV is meant to be—and capable of being—a challenger to medium format cameras, it is still a full-frame camera with a full-frame essence.
On the technical side, apart from the specifications mentioned above, the A7R IV features a BMI-CMOS sensor, sensor-shift image stabilization, built-in wireless, and weather-sealed body.
Physically, it is almost as traditional and typical of any Sony as you'll find out there. Sleek, compact, and quite nostalgic. It weighs 665g, a little above your average size for mirrorless cameras but is still highly convenient enough to move around without much hassle.
The A7R IV might find its biggest opponent in the Fujifilm GFX 100 above. While the GFX 100 edges it out a bit thanks to its higher megapixels and medium format, the A7R IV is still a 61-megapixel, full-frame camera and quite a worthy opponent.
3. Fujifilm GFX 50R - 51.4MP
Fujifilm GFX 50R continues the line of high-resolution cameras from Fuji, with a stunning 51.4 megapixels on a medium format sensor.
When it comes to technical specification, the GFX 50R gets most of its special factors from its high megapixels, its 2.36 million dots 3.2" touchscreen LCD, and solid ISO range.
Physically, it is markedly different from the GFX 100, looking a little more like the Sony A7R IV. It weighs about 1320g, quite heavy when compared to the average size of its class but not as heavy as the GFX 100, and some who are familiar with heavier cameras might even refer to it as lightweight.
Compared with GFX 100, the GFX 50R falls short in megapixels count, image stabilization, and phase detection AF. Bt, it makes up for this by coming at more than half the price, which counts for a lot considering the fact that GFX 50R is no slouch either, by any means.
Other areas where the GFX 50R sets itself apart, other than the high megapixels, can be found in its toughness (thanks to its magnesium alloy body), its rangefinder style which gives you more flexibility when it comes to image monitoring, and an image quality that most full-frame cameras will be quite jealous of.
4. Hasselblad X1D - 51MP
The Hasselblad X1D, it will interest you to know, is not even the highest megapixel Hasselblad. Even though it sports a truly impressive 51 megapixels medium format sensor, there is an Hasselblad gear capable of producing images at 400 megapixels.
The only difference, though, and the reason you won't find it on our list, is because this gear does not have this capability as its native resolution. It is only capable of producing such a high megapixel image thanks to a multi pixel-shift capture system.
The Hasselblad X1D, on the other hand, sports a cool 51-megapixel native resolution in a super stylish body.
Speaking of its body, the X1D is lightweight yet solid, sitting at 725g weight. It also boasts having its own range of lenses, built-in wireless, an ISO range of 100-25600 and, of course, a built-in GPS.
In terms of shortcomings, the X1D admittedly has a few. It has no image stabilization, low shutter speed at its maximum level, and some may find its continuous shooting of 2.3 frames per second quite slow.
The bottom line is, though, that the X1D sports a 51-megapixel medium format sensor and produces some truly stunning images. If that doesn't do it for you, then keep reading, because the other options on our list surely will.
5. Canon 5DS R - 51MP
When the Canon 5DS R was released back in February 2015, it was legitimately one of the highest resolution cameras out here. Despite the recent abundance, it still manages to secure fifth place on our list, thanks in part to the impressiveness of the gear itself, the 5D series as a whole, and their overwhelming popularity.
It is no secret that Canon's 5D series is one of the best selling full-frame DSLR series of all time. AT the top of that series, at least when it comes to native megapixel resolution, is the 5DS R with a 51-megapixel full frame sensor, and 5 frames-per-second continuous shooting.
It features a pentaprism viewfinder, 61 focus points, and 1/8000s shutter speed, which is a higher maximum slowest shutter speed than the Hasselblad X1D above.
But like the X1D, the Canon 5DS R also has its own fair share of shortcomings, which can be found mainly in its lack of wireless connection, touchscreen, and image stabilization.
These, though, are mild concerns. A higher paradox could be found in its relatively old design, which makes it highly desirable for some nostalgic photographers while also at the same time makes it seem outdated for some. In the end, of course, the choice is all yours.
6. Pentax 645Z - 51MP
Another in the line of 51-megapixel cameras on our list, the Pentax 645Z sports a medium format sensor with a prism type viewfinder and 3 frames-per-second continuous shooting, all good enough to land it sixth place on the list.
It wouldn't be too prudent to judge it by its position on the list, though, as it could quite easily have switched places with any of the two entries above.
It is not only capable of going head-to-head with the Hasselblad X1D, it is also older than the Canon 5DS R, and gives off the same nostalgic feel, and some might say it is even more physically attractive. Though, of course, physical attractiveness is one of the last things that should come to mind when examining cameras for serious purchase.
At any rate the 645Z is relatively quite affordable and has a durable battery life.
Like most cameras in this range and age, it has no image stabilization, no touch screen, and a relatively slow continuous shooting at 3 frames per second.
But of course, a high megapixel count is what we're concerned about here—and that is probably why you're here too—so the Pentax 645Z, which, mind you, still remains one of the best Pentax out there, is always a great option to consider.
7. Panasonic S1R - 47.3MP
The Panasonic Lumix S1R is a 47.3-megapixel full-frame camera, which is good enough to secure it the seventh spot on our list.
Before we go into details, though, I'd like for you to take a moment and appreciate that fact that a 47.3-megapixel camera is only good for seventh place on a list of highest megapixel cameras. That is just incredible and shows just how far we've come.
Anyway, now that we’re done appreciating technological progress, the S1R is personally one of the sleekest cameras physically, weighing about 898g, with a mix of modern and retro sleek design.
It was released in early 2019 and, as such, is well equipped with some of the more necessary newer features lacking in the three previous entries. An example of this is it 5-axis sensor-shift image stabilization, articulating screen, and 4K video resolution.
In a list of highest resolutions, the S1R rightfully comes below the Canon 5DS R and Pentax 646Z, but in reality, this is probably the only list where these cameras get to rank above the Panasonic S1R.
It is also one of the new sets of remarkable mirrorless cameras taking the market by storm.
Other features of the S1R include electronic built-in viewfinder, 225 focus points, 1/8000s shutter speed, 9 frames-per-second continuous shooting, incredible in low light ISO, and so much more.
8. Leica SL2 - 47MP
Next camera on our list is none other than the Leica SL2, a 47-megapixel mirrorless camera with a full-frame CMOS sensor and a remarkable 20 frames-per-second continuous shooting.
Another camera that will no doubt be farther up this list in practically any other criteria other than megapixel count, the Leica SL 2 suffers from a little obscurity thanks to the lesser popularity of the brand but is no doubt capable of producing some amazing shots.
Another impressive aspect of the SL2 is its ability to produce great shots in low light.
Physically, this gear weighs about 825g, which is about double the average size of the category. This, of course, makes it quite sturdy, but also quite heavy to carry about. What it lacks in lightweight body, though, it makes up for with its portability.
Other impressive features of this camera are its 100-50000 ISO range, sensor-shift image stabilization, 225 focus points, and remote-control compatibility with a smartphone.
Its battery life falls slightly below average.
9. Nikon D850 - 46MP
A legend amongst Nikon cameras, the D850 would probably hold the first spot on the list when it comes to pure features and efficiency. This device is not only a beast at low light, it is also the highest megapixels Nikon out there with an impression 46-megapixel full-frame sensor. And given how popular and, dare I say, effective, Nikon cameras are, that's got to be saying something.
A strong low light autofocus, great shots at even high ISO (you get pretty noiseless shots at ISO 3200), pentaprism optical viewfinder, and 7 frames-per-second continuous shooting are some of the other features that set the D850 apart.
Physically, it is probably one of the most quintessential Nikon design you'll see out there today; as Nikon as it gets. It weighs a solid 1015 g, with a remarkable grip and weather-sealed exterior for various aspects of weather resistance.
It is also built with an F Lens mount, a lens mount for which there are about 305 native lens options. This is one of the most comprehensive lens selections out there for any camera, and it also possesses what is known as “backward compatibility,” which means that it can be used with older lenses.
10. Nikon Z7 - 45.7MP
Last but definitely not the least on the list is Nikon Z7, the second contribution from Nikon, with 45.7 megapixels and 9 frames-per-second continuous shooting.
For clarity, and to show just how unfair it is that this beautiful gear is ranked last on the list, it would be worth noting that many camera enthusiasts would agree that the Nikon Z7 is, without a doubt, in the same class as the Panasonic Lumix S1R (seventh on the list.)
Still, again, this is a megapixel list, and perhaps we should instead focus on the positives that a camera as awesome as the Z7 is only tenth on the list.
For its part, the Z7 has an ISO in the 64-25600 range, capable of being expanded to 32-102400, a 5-axis sensor-shift image stabilization, 3690k dot electronic viewfinder, and 4k video resolution.
Physically, it is similar to most cameras in the Nikon Z series and weighs a total of 675g, quite light if you ask us, and a Z lens mount with about 15 native lens options.
If you're into serious photography and are already quite familiar with Nikon, this device should be a no-brainer. Some might even say it is as amazing as the D850, with an autofocus that is just as fast and accurate, but which of course might require a bit of getting used to.
Conclusion
No matter which gear you decide to go for on the list, one thing is certain: the world of cameras has come such a long way. With a 46-megapixel beast coming in last place, you know there's no way the list wouldn't be good.
Overall, our gun-to-the-head recommendation would definitely be none other than the Fujifilm GFX 100. I mean, you are looking for the highest resolution cameras, right? Well, there you have it. The GFX 100 is the highest, and it is no slouch when it comes to other features, either.
So for those with the desire and the ability, the GFX 100 should be a no brainer.
If you're looking for the best megapixel camera as well as the best in low light and other features (in other words trying to have your cake and eat it too) then the Nikon D850 and Sony A7R IV are all more than worthy considerations.
Either way, no matter which gear you decide to go with on the list, you can rest well assured that you've made a wonderful decision. And we're only glad to have helped.
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