Reply #4: I'm not sure about that. My college instructor has Canon (15x22 mm sensor) 8 mp

[flamin lib]

and his pictures show the same contrast. He corrects it in-camera because he doesn't like to post process and tends to shoot it right in-camera.

I also have a Nikon Coolpix with a sensor about 3x4mm 8 mp and it isn't visually any more contrasty than my Oly with a 13x17mm 5 mp sensor.

No, I think it has to do with energy density not total energy absorbed.

Keep in mind that this whole thing, OP included, is anecdotal with no science behind it.

edit to add mp count.