Digital photography and sensor size
Creating digital images that are of a very high level of image quality is about much more than just the megapixel count of the camera used. A DSLR camera, a digital rangefinder or a mirrorless camera give the photographer many more creative options than a phone camera does. Interchangeable lenses is a huge advantage that DSLR, rangefinders and mirrorless cameras offer.
Some people don’t want to carry around the weight and bulk of a DSLR and a couple of big, heavy zoom lenses. Fujifilm offers many options that are smaller, lighter and much more capable than a phone camera, as do other camera makers. The Fujifilm X100F and X Pro 3 which will soon be released come to mind. These cameras have 24mp APS-C size sensors and truly excellent lenses and are well worth taking a look at if you are interested in small, light cameras that have some serious capabilities, as does Leica. The Leica Q2 comes to mind; it may well be “the ultimate travel camera,” if there is such a thing. With a 47mp sensor, ISO 50,000 capability, weather sealing and a stunning 28mm f/1.7 ASPH lens, it is the highest level of expression of the one camera, one lens ethos (the Q2 does require a serious financial commitment, though. Excellence is never to be had on the cheap).
24mp does not sound like a lot compared to 42mp, but the image making ability of this size sensor is significant. My camera has a 24mp sensor and is fully capable of making exhibit quality prints at 16x24 and 24x36 inch sizes. Those sizes are large enough for fine art gallery exhibits; I could probably print larger than 24x36 inches, but I don’t see a need to do so at present. If I can’t get my point across at those sizes, the limitation lies in my photographic vision or style, not in the size of the print.
A person can make a 60x90 inch print that still has no visual impact and is lifeless in its appearance. Huge sensors and huge print sizes cannot take an image that is crude, ill conceived and has no message or story and make something good out of it.
An important consideration in making prints that are of the highest possible image quality is the skill level of the person doing the post processing and the skill level of the printer.
When looking at making a camera investment, consider the whole package, including lens options, high ISO capability, reliability, flash options, size, weight, camera maker reputation, camera maker repair capability and other factors.
My message is this: Don’t fixate on sensor size; there is so much more to creating arresting images than a big sensor. 90% of it lies in the skill, experience, training, ability and insight of the photographer. A truly great photographer can take pretty much any camera and make outstanding images with it.
Technology cannot make a poor photographer into a superstar. Creating truly excellent images is about the photographer, not the camera.