Is even a 1 mp camera better than a disposable camera?

Question

I keep on seeing people say not to bother with cameras under about 7 megapixels. But for someone who wants to take pictures of her kids, but doesn't have much money...isn't even a 1 mp digital camera better than those disposable cameras? Would the pictures be clearer or not?

I want a camera that I can snap pictures with, and then upload to an online photo printing service. I can store my pictures there and order very inexpensive prints.

I know that if possible, more megapixels is best. And of course I want clear images of my children that I can look back at and smile. But please compare the quality of a 1, 2, or 3 megapixel camera with the disposable cameras I'm already using. Thanks.

I found a used 1 mp camera on ebay for about $10. It still works, but the seller received a much better camera and therefore doesn't need this one. I know this is sad, but I can't even pay more than that. I just want to take some pics of my kids while they're still young, you know? I might get that cheap used camera, hope for the best, and maybe stash away a few bucks a month to go towards a better camera within a few months.

Answer 1

1 mp is better than a disposal. My first digital was 1 mp and it took pretty decent pictures.
My current camera is 5 mp and everything I've read said 5mp is about the limit that the human eye can distinguish. Anything higher is really a waste of money for the average person unless you make a lot blowups and posters.
I'd be surprised if you could find a 1mp camera for sale unless it was used. You can probably find a 3mp thats really inexpensive.
That would be what I'd buy.

Answer 2

no no no no no! disposable camera's are 100% better than any 1mp camera. Undoubtedly, the camera will shoot in JPEG format. which means that everytime you open it and do something to it (i.e crop the picture) you will loose alot of information. Eventually your pictures will appear to have squares where the computer has tried to recompensate for lost information.

Where as a disposable camera gives you negatives. These will never lose information unless you damage them, and the pictures can be reproduced time and time ago. I am a student in my third year of studying photography, trust me.

Below is a source to explain what megapixels are. You don't even need a 7 megapixel camera, or a camera with like 50x optical zoom. I'd say the minimum megapixels your camera should have is 5, 3x optical zoom will be perfect. Vivitar digital cameras are great, and fairly cheap too. Please don't make the mistake of buying 1 mp camera, because you will regret not having beautiful pictures of your children in the future.

I hope this helps

Look at the source. Printing at mp will probably give you a tiny image, if you're wanting the picture to be clear. Any questions, just email me: [e-mail]

Answer 3

The thing with the disposables is they are built very cheaply, and have a junk lens. So just about any pocket camera would be an improvement.

Find a camera store, and go in with your budget in mind. Tell them what you can afford to spend, and what sort of pictures you want to take. They can fix you up with the right sort of camera to fit your needs and budget. They can also offer you help and support after the purchase, which you won't get online or at most big stores.

I think you'll be able to find yourself a decent and affordable digital camera above 1mp. Good luck!

Answer 4

get it but accept any prints even at 4x6 will be not great,

1mp is fine for email, net and looking on low res screens,

people who say dont get les than 7mp say other silly things also, 4-5 mp is fine for shots up to A4 printed

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