[beering]

For these cameras to be taken seriously, I think megapixel count needs to be a factor higher.

Currently, in video, we're chasing higher and higher output resolutions, and a 10x drop in pixel count isn't feasible. Once the sensors reach 10x the pixel count we need for output, then we can take the resolution hit for the focal effects.

1080p-capable light field capture seems possible now, but 4k light field capture might need a 300 MP sensor.

[shuzchen]

Be careful not to think of megapixel count as the end-all of photo quality. While it is very important, the quality of the image sensor makes the biggest difference. You can buy some 16MP point and shoot, but the image quality isn't going to match a quality DLSR at 10MP (like the Nikon D80). Think of megapixel count as just the upper limit of image quality.

[objclxt]

I think the post you're replying to is referring to applying this technology to video. For feature films, 4K resolution would be highly desirable, and that's going to need some very large sensors.

[Daniel_Newby]

Or several smaller sensors and fancier software.