The camera is the cornerstone of a 3D scanner's or photogrammetry system's performance.
More pixels = more accurate
Higher-sensitivity pixels = fewer pixels needed
Larger pixels = more sensitive (i.e. capable of holding more photons)
Faster data transmit rate = more freedom for algorithm development
In 2011, Twin Coast Metrology's primary camera supplier began accepting orders for 29Megapixel cameras. Previously, 16Megapixel cameras were the limit. The 29 Megapixel cameras have similar sensitivities, similar data transmit rates (measured in frames per second), and utilize the same lensing. In other words, the camera industry is progressing. The 29 Megapixel cameras are not drastically more expensive than the 16Megapixel cameras.
In addition, new mid-level cameras were released, which offer high-quality 8Megapixel images at fast transfer rates. These are a lower-cost option, and are suitable for systems that do not require the accuracy that a 16 or 29 Megapixel camera can deliver. The 8Megapixel cameras are not drastically more expensive than the 4Megapixel cameras that were used as Twin Coast Metrology's mid-level cameras.
To recap the relationship between pixels and accuracy, we'll use targets as an example, since almost every high-end 3D scanner has a target-finding capability:
The practical limit for finding a target in a camera image is 0.08 pixels at 2*RMS (or, 2 sigma. This is double the 0.04pixel guideline at 1 sigma, which is a published value for a standard "dot" target)
Therefore, if a picture is taken that is 1m wide x 1m high (a reasonable image size for a 3D scanner):
A 1 Megapixel camera (1000 pixels x 1000 pixels) will locate the target to 0.08mm at 2 sigma
A 4 Megapixel camera (2000 pixels x 2000 pixels) will locate the target to 0.04mm at 2 sigma
A 16 Megapixel camera (4000 pixels x 4000 pixels) will locate the target to 0.02mm at 2 sigma
A 64 Megapixel camera (8000 pixels x 8000 pixels) will locate the target to 0.01mm at 2 sigma
The Z accuracy is then derived by multiplying the X,Y accuracy by 1/(sin(camera angles)). So, for a 3D scanner that has a 30 degree angle between cameras (a reasonable angle for a 3D scanner), the Z accuracy would be the X,Y accuracy divided by sin(30). In the above examples, then, the Z accuracy would be:
0.16mm for the 1 Megapixel camera at 2 sigma
0.08mm for the 4 Megapixel camera at 2 sigma
0.04mm for the 16 Megapixel camera at 2 sigma
0.02mm for the 64 Megapixel camera at 2 sigma
The above guidelines show that more pixels results in better accuracy, and that greater angles between cameras results in better accuracy. Photogrammetry systems are more accurate than scanners because, in addition to typically using higher-pixel cameras, there are greater angles involved, and there is also the benefit of collecting additional images, which improves accuracy.
If, upon conducting this test, at a 1meter field of view with the number of pixels above, your 3D scanner is not sitting in the accuracy ranges above at 2 sigma, then something is wrong with the calibration. Accuracy scales linearly with field of view, so for a 0.5m field of view, divide the accuracy numbers above by 2. Adjust accordingly for other fields of view.
A SIDE NOTE: Targets are easier to find than fringes or patterns of projected light. Therefore, the target finding aspect of the 3D scanner will almost always be more accurate than the surface measurement aspect.