Film vs. Digital Resolution
theimage.com © 2007
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Measuring Film Resolution
Assume that a 35 mm slide (or film)
35mm = 1.5 inch x 1 inch
Then using 3000-5000 pixels per inch

4500 x 3000 pixels for 3000 dpi
7500 x 5000 pixels for 5000 dpi

4500x3000 = 13.5 Megapixels

7500x5000 = 37.5 Megapixels

Cameras today = 10 mp - 13.5 mp

Film Scanners easily reach 4800 dpi

***(THEORY): your lens was not designed and built as part of a NASA or NSF project, and your gyroscopic stabilization is not as good as the latest spy satellites!
*** Point of interest, the human eye (under ideal conditions) can only resolve 5-10 lp/mm
The possible values for film resolution are based on ideal conditions which are rarely achieved in the field or with less than perfect equipment. Even if the film can resolve 60-80 lp/mm a throw-away "use it once" camera with plastic lens cannot. The highest possible values for film resolution are achieved under labratory conditions and with the best equipment.

That being said, film is still higher resoltuion today than the vast majority of digital cameras on the market, but the digital cameras continue to close the gap every year. The "cost" of digital imaging and the ease of "processing" the images has put film on the down and out road for the average consumer. It will continue for a bit longer for special needs, but digital is taking over.

Like it or not, we need to understand the trade-offs, to get the best results from digital imaging.