Ideal Number of Megapixels

[neuroanatomist]

Many 40D users who upgraded to the 7D complained that the images weren't as sharp as they expected. Same complaint from many D700 users who upgraded to the D800 (ignoring the AF issues). More MP means you need faster shutter speeds for handholding, and I expect there's a point of diminishing marginal returns with increasing MP.

[Joel Eade]

Many 40D users who upgraded to the 7D complained that the images weren't as sharp as they expected. Same complaint from many D700 users who upgraded to the D800 (ignoring the AF issues). More MP means you need faster shutter speeds for handholding, and I expect there's a point of diminishing marginal returns with increasing MP.

Agreed and even now there are no lenses that can out-resolve the Sony 36 megapixel sensor in the D800 including the new Zeiss Otus so why push it much further in a 35mm format?

[HDNitehawk]

Agreed and even now there are no lenses that can out-resolve the Sony 36 megapixel sensor in the D800 including the new Zeiss Otus so why push it much further in a 35mm format?

I think Canon could offer a sensor and body that would take advantage of what the Zeiss Otus will do.
Whatever the limit is I think a sensor that out-resolves the available lenses should be on a wish list.