The Q of a digital imaging system defines how these two limitations are balanced in the camera design. The image quality in different Q values was simulated and compared. During the design phase, a tradeoff between optical resolution and detector resolution limitations ensues regarding the best Q for an imaging system. A Q=2 design seems to offer the best image quality from a fundamental resolution perspective, however, other factors such as signal to noise ratio(SNR), scene area and motion blur can push the design to a lower Q. The best Q for the design is determined by performing careful trade studies. Q value can be used as a directory indicator in imaging system design.