How many megapixels do I need?
Q. I want to buy a digital camera. What are megapixels, and how many do I need?
Jill Souter, Greentree, PA
A.A pixel is a “picture element”, or a dot on your screen or in your picture. One
megapixel is one million pixels, 2 megapixel is two million pixels, and so on.
All other things being equal (such as the lens, the sensor, and the electronics in
the camera) the more pixels you have, the better your pictures will look.
Enlargements are richer looking and more detailed from a camera with a high pixel
count, and larger sizes of prints can be made than with cameras with a lower pixel
count.
The amount of pixels you need depends on your intended use. If you just want to
make small prints or take pictures for emailing, a camera with 1.3 megapixels will
work. With the recent advances in technology and reduction in prices, however,
you really should not consider anything with less than 2.0 megapixels if your
budget allows. 3.0 megapixels and up are where you start seeing some great
picture quality, capable of replacing a 35mm camera for many non-professional
users. Whatever camera you choose, be sure that it has an OPTICAL zoom lens with
sufficient range for you, not a DIGITAL zoom. Most have both- just compare the
optical numbers when comparing camera models. I’d suggest following these
guidelines if you want great-looking prints:
Print Size Desired
Minimum Pixel Count
Email pictures, 3×5
1.3
4×6 to 5×7
2.0
8×10
3.0
8×10 to 11×14
4.0
11×14 and up, pro quality
5.0 and up
These are only guidelines; final results depend on the skill of the photographer,
the quality of the camera, and the situation and environment in which the camera
is used. Remember, if you want to take a picture for emailing, you can always
turn down the resolution of your 4.0 megapixel camera, or shrink the picture in
your computer. There are some great choices available at very reasonable prices.
In a 4.0 megapixel camera, Minolta’s new S404 has a fantastic 4x zoom lens, with
both fully automatic as well as professional features, for only $499. It’s a
great choice for those who want the best quality, or photographers who like to
have some control over the picture-taking process. Sony’s new 3.14 megapixel
DSC-P71 at $399 has a 3x zoom lens, is small in size and works much like a
point-and-shoot, but offers some of the control options of the Minolta. Unlike
the Minolta, it includes a high-capacity rechargeable battery system. (Digital
cameras go through batteries quickly, so the significance of this cannot be
overstated!) Sony makes a 2.0 megapixel version of this camera, the DSC- P31, for
only $220.00 including the rechargeable battery system. At the price point, you
really can’t do any better. In the near future, I will be writing a more detailed
feature column about digital photography. Look for it if you want to learn more
about this exciting new technology.
Have questions about audio, video, computers, or photography, or need some help
using and enjoying what you already own? Don Lindich welcomes your questions and
will be answering them in this column.
