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Pixel shift

Pixel shift is a science topic covered in the lgStudy science library. This page brings together a partial reference excerpt, illustrations, worked examples, real-world applications and a short study plan, so you can understand Pixel shift rather than just read about it. In short: Pixel shift is a method in digital cameras for producing a super-resolution image. The method works by taking several images, after each such capture moving ("shifting") the sensor to a new position.

Pixel shift — main illustration
Pixel shift — illustration

Key takeaways

  • Pixel shift belongs to science; place it in that map before memorising details.
  • Learn the definition first, then one example that makes the definition concrete.
  • Connect Pixel shift to a quantity you can measure, compute or draw — that is where exam questions come from.
  • Reproduce the core statement of Pixel shift from memory before moving on to harder problems.

Reference excerpt

Pixel shift is a method in digital cameras for producing a super-resolution image. The method works by taking several images, after each such capture moving ("shifting") the sensor to a new position. In digital colour cameras that employ pixel shift, this avoids a major limitation inherent in using Bayer pattern for obtaining colour, and instead produces an image with increased colour resolution and, assuming a static subject or additional computational steps, an image free of colour moiré. Taking this idea further, sub-pixel shifting may increase the resolution of the final image beyond that suggested by the specified resolution of the image sensor. Additionally, assuming that the various individual captures are taken at the same sensitivity, the final combined image will have less image noise than a single capture. This can be thought of as an averaging effect (for instance, in a pixel shift image composed of four individual frames with a classic Bayer pattern, every pixel in the final colour image is based on two measurements of the green channel).

List of cameras implementing pixel shift

All of the following cameras are fabricated with one imaging sensor, thus any kind of pixel shift requires a movement of the whole sensor.

Canon Canon R5: Contains a 45 Mpixel sensor. The High-Resolution Mode shifts the sensor by one pixel to obtain a sequence of nine images that are merged into a 400 Mpixel image.

Fujifilm Fujifilm GFX50S II: contains a 51 Mpixel sensor. The Pixel Shift Multi-Shot mode shifts the imaging sensor by 0.5-pixel movements to obtain a sequence of 16 images that are subsequently merged into a 200 Mpixel image. Fujifilm GFX100, Fujifilm GFX100 II: contains a 102 Mpixel sensor. A sequence of 16 pixel shifted images are merged into a 400 Mpixel image. Fujifilm GFX100S, Fujifilm GFX100S II: contains a 102 Mpixel sensor. A sequence of 16 pixel shifted images are merged into a 400 Mpixel image Fujifilm GFX100IR: contains a 102 Mpixel sensor. A sequence of 16 pixel shifted images are merged into a 400 Mpixel image Fujifilm X-H2: contains a 40 Mpixel sensor. A sequence of 20 shifted images are merged into a 160 Mpixel image. Fujifilm X-T5: contains a 40 Mpixel sensor. A sequence of 20 shifted images are merged into a 160 Mpixel image.

Nikon Nikon Z8: contains a 47.5 Mpixel sensor. The High Res shot mode shifts the imaging sensor by 0.5-pixel movements to obtain a sequence of up to 32 images that can be merged in Nikon's NX studio software. Nikon Zf: contains a 24 Mpixel sensor. The High Res shot mode shifts the imaging sensor by 0.5-pixel movements to obtain a sequence of up to 32 images that can be merged in Nikon's NX studio software.

Olympus Olympus OM-D E-M1 Mark II: contains a 20.4 Mpixel sensor. The High Res shot mode produces a 50 Mpixel image. Olympus OM-D E-M5 Mark II: contains a 16 Mpixel sensor. The High Res shot mode shifts the imaging sensor by 0.5-pixel movements to obtain a sequence of 8 images that are subsequently merged into a 40 Mpixel image. Olympus OM-D E-M5 Mark III: contains a 20.4 Mpixel sensor. The High Res shot mode shifts the imaging sensor by 0.5-pixel movements to obtain a sequence of 8 images that are subsequently merged into a 50 Mpixel image. Olympus OM-D E-M1X: contains a 20.4 Mpixel sensor. The camera sports two pixel shift mode: (a) the 80Mp Tripod mode produces an 80 Mpixel image, (b) the Handheld High Res shot mode produces a 50 Mpixel image. Olympus PEN-F: contains a 20.4 Mpixel sensor. The High Res Shot mode takes multiple images, continually shifting the position of the sensor in sub-pixel increments. Combining these images results in either a 50MP JPEG or an 80MP Raw file.

OM System OM System OM-1: contains a 20MPix sensor. The High Res Shot mode takes multiple images, and it can be used handheld or on a tripod. Handheld it will internally produce 50 Mpix files and 80 Mpix when mounted on a tripod. OM System OM-5: contains a 20MPix sensor. The High Res Shot mode takes multiple images, and it can be used handheld or on a tripod. Handheld it will internally produce 50 Mpix files and 80 Mpix when mounted on a tripod.

Panasonic Panasonic Lumix DC-G9: contains a 20.3 Mpixel sensor. The High Resolution Mode takes a sequence of 8 shots in quick succession between which the sensor is shifted by 0.5 pixel for each image. These are subsequently merged into an 80 Mpixel image. Panasonic Lumix DC-S1: contains a 24.2 Mpixel sensor. The High Resolution Mode takes a sequence of shots in quick succession between which the sensor is shifted by a small amount. These are subsequently merged into a 96 Mpixel image. Panasonic Lumix DC-S1R: contains a 47.3 Mpixel sensor. The High Resolution Mode shifts the imaging sensor by a small increments to obtain a sequence of 8 images that are subsequently merged into a 187 Mpixel image. Panasonic Lumix DC-S1H Panasonic Lumix DC-S5

… excerpt ends here. Continue reading the full article.

Illustrations

Pixel shift: This very fine level of resolution was derived by merging four precursor images taken at sensor positions just one pixel apart.
This very fine level of resolution was derived by merging four precursor images taken at sensor positions just one pixel apart.
Pixel shift: Comparison of simple image (left) and image generated with pixel shift (right) (Click to enlarge)
Comparison of simple image (left) and image generated with pixel shift (right) (Click to enlarge)

Worked examples

Example 1 — a first encounter with Pixel shift

Start with the simplest possible case. Write down what Pixel shift claims or describes in one sentence, then invent the smallest concrete situation in which that sentence is true. In science, the smallest case is usually a single object, a single equation or a single measurement. Check that every symbol or term in your sentence has a meaning in that case.

Example 2 — changing one variable

Take the situation from Example 1 and change exactly one quantity: double it, halve it, or set it to zero. Predict what should happen to Pixel shift before you calculate. Comparing your prediction with the result is the fastest way to find out whether you understand the idea or only the words.

Example 3 — an exam-style question

Typical questions about Pixel shift ask you to (a) state it precisely, (b) apply it to given data, and (c) explain a limitation. Practise writing all three answers in under five minutes; the third part is what separates a full-mark answer from an average one.

Applications of Pixel shift

In research
Pixel shift appears in science research whenever the underlying quantities have to be modelled precisely. Papers usually cite it as a starting assumption and then explore where it breaks down.
In technology and industry
Engineering practice reuses Pixel shift in design rules, simulations and safety margins. Knowing the idea lets you read a specification sheet and understand why the numbers look the way they do.
In the classroom
Pixel shift is common in secondary-school and first-year university syllabi. It links to neighbouring topics Digital photography, Image processing, so understanding it makes those chapters shorter.
In everyday life
Look for Pixel shift outside the textbook — in sport, cooking, traffic, electronics or the sky above you. An example you found yourself is remembered far longer than one you were given.

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How to study Pixel shift in 20 minutes

  1. Read the reference excerpt below once, without taking notes.
  2. Close the page and write down what Pixel shift means in your own words.
  3. Compare your version with the excerpt and mark what you missed.
  4. Work through the three examples above with pen and paper.
  5. Explain Pixel shift out loud to somebody else — or to Teacher Smith in the lgStudy chat.

Frequently asked questions

What is Pixel shift in simple terms?

Pixel shift is a method in digital cameras for producing a super-resolution image. The method works by taking several images, after each such capture moving ("shifting") the sensor to a new position.

Why does Pixel shift matter?

Because it connects several science ideas at once: it gives you a definition you can apply, a quantity you can calculate, and a way to check whether a result is plausible.

How should I study Pixel shift?

Read the excerpt, restate it from memory, then work through the examples and applications listed on this page. The five-step study plan above takes about twenty minutes.

What does this page cover?

It gives you a compact reference excerpt plus original lgStudy explanations, examples, applications and study material on Pixel shift.

Tags

  • Digital photography
  • Image processing

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