How Many Megapixels Do You Need?

If you love gadgets and all things techno-geek, you may have been trying to keep pace with the advances in megapixel cameras and technology. While it might be exciting to have the newest technology, it can also cost you a bundle. If you aren’t a professional photographer, you may not need to stay in step with the latest megapixel camera releases.

In order to encourage sales, manufacturers and retailers have propagated the myth that more megapixels equal higher quality pictures and resolution. The fact is that a 5 megapixel camera in the hands of a user with full command of the camera features will likely produce the same quality picture as a newer camera with more megapixels.  

Since megapixel digital cameras range in price from $50.00 to $600.00 and more, you can see where you might want to consider your needs before you blow your budget!   

There are numerous photography sites and online consumer rankings services you can use to get digital camera reviews and read about and explore the wonderful world of megapixel cameras. These sites will help you understand features and function and the tradeoffs of each camera. If you are not comfortable with camera features, you will want to choose a camera with a reputation for simple operation.  Go beyond the megapixel discussion and look for a camera that is sturdy and can handle travel. Smaller is always better for portability, so consider size and weight when you compile your list of deciding factors.

Back to megapixels: If you have an old 3 megapixel cameras in the back of your closet, you might be able to get a few more years out of the camera. If you are unhappy with the images it produces, pull out the user manual and familiarize yourself with the focus features and settings for close-up and effects. Your dissatisfaction may be related more to operator skill than to camera competence.  

If you plan to use the camera for a lot of very refined, close up shots, you may want to splurge and get a newer camera with more megapixels. These new, high resolution cameras have improved point-and-shoot features so the camera may be less frustrating to the novice photographer. If you plan to print and enlarge photos, a 5 megapixel camera or greater will suffice. 3 megapixel and 4 megapixel cameras will produce decent 4 x 6 and even 5 x 7 images. As you can see, the older, lower megapixel cameras are just fine for the casual, amateur photographer. SO, unless you have unlimited funds and just have to have the latest, greatest technology, don’t let yourself be bullied into buying 6 megapixel cameras and above. Most people don’t need them and they are a lot more expensive than their lower megapixel counterparts.