The cameras keep getting lots more megapixels but it seems to me that more isn't necessarily better unless you're going to blow up to poster size. My needs are for computer/tv display and for the occasional print.
2007-09-06 14:12:51 · 8 answers · asked by dweebken 5 in Consumer Electronics ➔ Cameras
BTW, I have a 1 GB SD memory card in it, it stores up to 600 pics, less if I take videos, and the battery lasts for a couple of hundred photos at least. So these factors are not issues for me.
2007-09-06 14:27:33 · update #1
As long as you don't crop excessively or make large prints, you won't see a difference between 4 mp and a larger size in resolution.
However, you might see a difference in quality because of newer features, like image stabilization or facial recognition (which affects focusing), longer zoom lenses, better lens designs, etc.
Thus, above 4mp, it's the other features you need to consider:
facial recognition, image stabilization, better performance at higher ISOs, or perhaps extended dynamic range, etc.
Otherwise, if you're happy with your current results, there's no pressing need to upgrade.
2007-09-06 17:47:53 · answer #1 · answered by anthony h 7 · 3⤊ 0⤋
A four megapixel camera takes a nice clear picture. The question you need to ask yourself is what you plan to do with the pictures. Do you intend on making enlargements or is the standard 4 x 6 print enough for you?
I had a nice Olympus Camedia which was a 4MP camera and it took awesome photos. I printed an 8 x 10 photo without losing much resolution. I upgraded to an 8MP Canon Digital Rebel. Yes, there is a difference in quality especially if you enlarge the image. The more megapixels the clearer the picture will be when enlarged.
I hope that helps.
2007-09-06 21:21:36 · answer #2 · answered by Mary D 2 · 2⤊ 0⤋
I shoot professionally with a some "outdated" 6 megapixel Nikons. I keep an older Fuji S3100, a 3.1 mp point & shoot around for emergencies. The Fuji does fine in most situations up to 5x7 or so. For your needs, a 4mp camera is great. The only suggestion I'd make is to get some more memory cards, as they are pretty cheap now.
Read these great articles.
http://www.kenrockwell.com/tech/mpmyth.htm
http://pogue.blogs.nytimes.com/2006/11/21/21pogues-posts-2/
Here are some 6mp images I took from the far side of the stadium, in one of the higher rows. I shot these with ISO ratings from 400-1600, and had to crop & resize them before uploading. So an "older" camera with fewer megapixels can do a pretty good job, when handled correctly.
http://www.spmsportspage.com/images/college/football/2007/California-45-Tennessee-31-09-01-2007/DSC_0065_GHYoung.html
I hope this is helpful.
I hope this is helpful for you.
2007-09-07 00:06:00 · answer #3 · answered by George Y 7 · 0⤊ 1⤋
yes 4 megapixel is enough for computer display and even print of upto 8x10 inches.So no need for new camera with more mp.There is a very little difference between megapixels unless a poster size print is done or you crop a picture to get a closer view.
2007-09-06 23:29:58 · answer #4 · answered by skpsbp 3 · 2⤊ 0⤋
You are absolutely right. Unless you are going to print out large copies of your multi mega pixel photos, more pixels do not gain you much and pretty much can drive your friends and family crazy if you habitually send them photos directly from your camera without resizing them for email ( try RE-Sizer Pro program for easy resizing) However, the beauty of high reslution photos is that you can crop a piece of the photo and blow it up very big to picture size by itself and still have great resolution. My 1.3 Mega pixel, 6 year old Olympus takes suberb snapshots, but if I try to crop and inflate as in above I just get fuzz..someone with a 7.1 megapixel will be much more successful. Enjoy!!
And, save your originals unresized if you think you'll ever want to print them out. Resize and save under a different name for email to friends.
2007-09-06 22:56:15 · answer #5 · answered by David B 3 · 2⤊ 0⤋
When I got my 4 Megapixel camera they said that anything over 3 was really a waste of money because it depends on the type of developing printer more than the camera. I would say you have plenty, save your money.
2007-09-06 21:20:21 · answer #6 · answered by coolmanhatback 3 · 3⤊ 0⤋
well, if you would like my advice, spring for a new camera. something between 6.5 and 12 MP. Reason being that the 4 year old cameras don't have as much memory available on memory cards as they do now. I have a 7.2 MP Sony Cyber-Shot, and it can take a 4 gig memory card. It works really well, and I think its the one for professional, and amateur photographers alike.
2007-09-06 21:22:27 · answer #7 · answered by Prove god, then we'll talk. 3 · 0⤊ 2⤋
If you're happy with what you have save your money. Cameras are like cars in some respects - we have one that's perfectly serviceable but there's that new model with all the features our present one doesn't have and well, it would be nice...
Its your money to do with as you please. Use it as you deem best.
2007-09-06 21:43:54 · answer #8 · answered by EDWIN 7 · 3⤊ 0⤋