Last Updated: Wed. 3/09/2022

3-Megapixel digital photo samples from a Nikon 990  (Sat. 5/30/2004):

3MP untouched   2048x1536   1,080 KB	3MP untouched   2048x1536   1,026 KB	3MP untouched   2048x1536   1,078 KB
3MP optimized   1024x768   205 KB	3MP optimized   1024x768   185 KB	3MP optimized   1024x768   196 KB

5-Megapixel digital photo samples from a Nikon 5700  (Sat. 5/30/2004):

5MP untouched   2560x1920   1,639 KB	5MP untouched   2560x1920   1,568 KB	5MP untouched   2560x1920   1,580 KB
5MP optimized   1024x768   195 KB	5MP optimized   1024x768   181 KB	5MP optimized   1024x768   188 KB

8-Megapixel digital photo samples from a Nikon 8700  (Sat. 5/30/2004):

8MP untouched   3264x2448   2,721 KB	8MP untouched   3264x2448   2,492 KB	8MP untouched   3264x2448   2,548 KB
8MP optimized   1024x768   212 KB	8MP optimized   1024x768   205 KB	8MP optimized   1024x768   205 KB

All the "untouched" photos above are the files exactly as they came from the digital cameras.

All the "optimized" photos above were resized to 1024x768 pixels, sharpened to an appealing level (since resizing makes the photo blurry), then compressed using the same JPG setting.  That way, you can closely compare the 3, 5, and 8 megapixel samples.  Note how the higher resolution source provides a higher quality optimized photo.  The higher resolution also allows for more realistic light-balancing, like when a foreground object is too bright and must be darkened to better match the background.

The sample provided below (508 KB) is a side-by-side comparison created using the "untouched" photos provided above.  Pay close attention to the very small numbers on the registration-sticker and the edges of the letters on the word "lakes".