Pinhole camera optimal resolution?

In summary, the optimal pixel size for maximum resolution and light intensity in a camera depends on the size of the pinhole and the camera size. If the pixel is too big, it will result in a decrease in sharpness, while a pixel that is too small will reduce sensitivity without improving sharpness. The ideal pixel size is slightly smaller than the pinhole, as a smaller pinhole will cause additional effects from diffraction. The resolution is also affected by the magnification and distance from the hole to the screen or object.
  • #1
Artlav
162
1
For a given pinhole size in a camera, and camera size, what would be the optimal pixel size to get the maximum resolution at maximum light intensity?

i.e. the larger the hole, the more light enters through it, but eventually the sharpness would drop below the resolution. Conversely, the smaller the pixel, the sharper the image, but eventually it would get smaller than the sharpness of the image due to the hole size, reducing sensitivity at no improvement.

Naively, at infinite distance the rays would enter the pinhole parallel, forming a point the size of the pinhole, and the the pixel should be the same size.

Practically, it does not work out - the image from large hole/small pixel is worse than the image from small hole/large pixel, with "small" and "large" for both being of the same size.
Both cases are worse than large/large due to less light, and no sharper.
And small/small is somewhat sharper, but not bright enough to really tell.

So, how does it work?
Should the pixel be the size of the hole, or something less trivial is at work here?
 
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  • #2
Smaller pixels should not decrease the quality of the image. If they do not help, just reduce the resolution afterwards by adding several pixels each to get larger ones.

I think pixels which are a bit smaller than the hole are fine. If the hole is too small, you'll get additional effects from diffraction.
 
  • #3
I have not studied this, but I suppose it depends on the size of hole, and magnification (distance from hole to screen/distance from hole to object). With a point light source, your features will be blurred to the size of the hole*max(magnification,1/magnification). So that's going to limit your resolution.
 

1. What is a pinhole camera?

A pinhole camera is a simple, optical imaging device that uses a small opening or aperture to capture an image. It is the precursor to modern cameras and works based on the principles of light and optics.

2. How does a pinhole camera work?

A pinhole camera works by allowing light from the scene to pass through a small hole or aperture and project an inverted image onto a surface inside the camera. The smaller the aperture, the sharper the resulting image will be.

3. What is the optimal aperture size for a pinhole camera?

The optimal aperture size for a pinhole camera depends on various factors such as the distance between the aperture and the image plane, the wavelength of light, and the size of the camera. Generally, aperture sizes between 0.2mm to 0.5mm produce the sharpest images.

4. What is the optimal resolution for a pinhole camera?

The optimal resolution for a pinhole camera is determined by the size of the camera, the distance between the aperture and image plane, and the size of the aperture. The smaller the aperture, the better the resolution, but this also decreases the amount of light entering the camera.

5. Are there any techniques to improve the resolution of a pinhole camera?

One technique to improve the resolution of a pinhole camera is to decrease the distance between the aperture and the image plane. This will create a sharper image, but it also means a smaller field of view. Another technique is to use a curved image plane or multiple pinholes to create a sharper image. Additionally, using a smaller aperture and a longer exposure time can also improve the resolution, but it may result in a darker image.

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