Certified Professional Photographer (CPP) Practice Exam

Larger sensors create more _____________ and therefore larger images.

1. File size

2. Resolution

3. Pixels

4. Color depth

The correct answer is: Pixels

Larger sensors create more pixels because they have a greater surface area to capture light. This increased surface area allows for more individual light-sensitive elements (pixels) to be packed into the sensor, resulting in a higher resolution image. Higher resolution means that the image can capture more detail, which is vital for professional photography where clarity and quality are paramount. In addition to the increase in pixels, larger sensors can also improve other aspects of image quality, such as low-light performance and dynamic range, but the direct reference of the question is to the number of pixels. This ultimately affects how large and detailed the images can be when printed or displayed. Understanding this principle is critical for photographers who aim to produce high-quality prints and require clarity and sharpness in their work.