A megapixel (MP) is equal to 1 million pixels. A pixel is an individual element of a digital image. The number of megapixels determines the resolution of an image, and a digital image with more megapixels has more resolution. A megapixel (MP) is equal to 1 million pixels. A pixel is an individual element of a digital image. The number of megapixels determines the resolution of an image, and a digital image with more megapixels has more resolution.

Because digital cameras now often have the ability to create photographs containing 10 million or more pixels, megapixel is the preferred method for measuring resolution. In a list of digital camera specifications, you'll often see "MP" used as the abbreviation for megapixel.

Also Known As: MP