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Thursday, July 25, 2002

By Don Lindich

Q:I want to buy a digital camera. What are megapixels, and how many do I need?

Jill Souter,
Green Tree

A: A pixel is a "picture element," or a dot on your screen or in your picture. One megapixel is 1 million pixels, 2 megapixel is 2 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 from those 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 e-mailing, 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. And 3.0 megapixels and up are where you start seeing some great picture quality, capable of replacing a 35 mm camera for many nonprofessional 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. 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 e-mailing, 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 for 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 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. Send questions c/o the Post-Gazette or email to donlindich@mac.com.