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