Digital cameras... which is better 10 or 12 megapixels? I hear various things...?

Question

I am going to buy a camera. Logic says buy 12 megapixel, but I hear people say the pictures have too much 'noise' in them. Anyone have any advice? My goal is just average picture taking. Family pics in the house. A lot of close up stuff too.

Answer 1

I read recently that any more than 6 MP and you are wasting your money (unless you want to do massive enlargements). Better to spend it on a better lens, with higher optical zoom, which is WAY better than digital zoom.

Plus your macro and close up shots will be better

The article also said that huge megapixels stuff is mainly marketing hype, only professionals need it.

I have an old 3.2MP Canon Coolpix and it is great.

They also added that the file size of the photos (megabytes) increases and takes up unnecessarily large storage space

I am no photographer, but it made sense to me....

Answer 2

Many of the people on here would love to get their hands on a $4000 5d or a $8000 D3.



These cameras have a pixel density of barely 2. Some point and shoot cameras have a pixel density of 35 or more. A decent DSLR has +/- 15. More megapixels means higher density as you squish 'em on there. In general going between 10mp or 12mp, I'd go for the 10. Now, me no is enigereer, but if the best that everyone wants is 2, and the cheap junk is 35, I'm thinking heading closer to 2 would be better. That means lower megapixels.



Plus the files are just bigger. Longer to get off the card, longer to edit, more space to store, just not fun for the regular guy.



P.S. More megapixels are fine on a larger sensor. But that means $8000 D3 or $40,000 HD60.If you have less than $2000 to spend, less is generally better.

Answer 3

There is little difference in the definition you'll see between a 10Mp and a 12Mp as both capture far more detail than you'll need unless you are planning to blow your photo's up to A3 or poster sizes. Generally though the sensors tend to be the same physical size irrespective of the number of pixels (and in part because more than 95% of the sensors come from just two manufacturers), which can mean that on sensors with a lower pixel count small defects/discrepancies have less impact on image quality. Digital noise in images becomes more of an issue as light levels drop, such as when shooting indoors, so it's often the case that a modern compact with a slightly lower pixel count can produce better (lower resolution, but less digital noise) photos in poor light than a similar camera with a higher pixel count.



This is an area where all manufacturers are spending a great deal of time and money at the moment, so the current generation cameras generally out perform their predecessors.

Answer 4

If you want to avoid "noise" the best 1st move is to get a camera with a bigger sensor, like a DSLR.



The one advantage of the higher mega pixel (12MP over the 10MP) is that the 12MP will provide you a bigger file at the same higher resolution, for example:



10MP equals about a 7.75 by 13 inch at 300dpi resolution image file

12MP equals about a 9.5 by 14.25 inch 300dpi resolution image file



*****>> From this point on, what I write is based on if you are looking to buy a DSLR:



There are a number of good brands so don't be sold on the idea one brand is better than another. I would keep your costs down. I would get a DSLR with a short zoom (like a 18-55mm) to start. No reason to spend more than $425 to $550. Either a 10MP or 12MP (MP means mega pixels) will do just fine.



Below, I listed some links, the first link listed below is to a web page that lists the 3 DSLR cameras I am recommending. This list will let you compare features and specs, also it has links to reviews of the cameras, the reviews include sample images from the cameras. Also I included some links to some dealers so that you can try and get the best price. Some dealers have some nice extras, free shipping is very common, and sometimes they are offering a free memory card and/or camera bag. Sometimes you have to click in the “add to cart” button to see the actual price.



Here are some models that I think are well worth researching:



Nikon D3000 10MP DSLR Digital Camera with 18-55mm VR Lens - $449

EOS Rebel XS 10MP DSLR Digital Camera Kit (Black) with 18-55mm IS Lens - $449

Pentax K-x 12MP DSLR with 18-55mm Zoom (has HD Video also) - $550



Pick a price range, some features you know you want, and even consider which camera feels good in your hand as a factor. Plenty of great cameras, get one you like and start learning the principles of photography and you will be on your way to making some great images.



If you want to stay under $500 then go Nikon or Canon but, I think the Pentax could be of special interest, since it can do HD video and has excellent quality at higher ISO settings which can be useful in low light places and helping get the picture. These features, especially the HD video, on a Nikon or Canon will cost you $100 to $200 more.



If you have any questions and if you think I can be of help then please do contact me.



Hope this helps. Good luck.



Mark



marksablow.com

Answer 5

The difference between 10 MP and 12 MP is practically negligible. So, if the 10 MP is cheaper go for it.

In fact there are 9 megapixel cameras on the market today that have better image quality than 12 megapixel cameras.

More important than megapixels is features in a camera.

Answer 6

Snake oil salemen are EVERYWHERE in the camera market.



Most of the MP figures you see are "interpolated" so the mean very little.

Ive seen quality built 10mp cameras easily produce better pics than 12mp ones.



And if the camera is built like junk and has a poorly made lens, all the MPs in the world won't produce a good shot.



I have been a photographer for over 30 years and the ONLY point and shoot cameras I use are

PANASONIIC.



They are re-labeled LEICA cameras with LEICA lenses and LEICA quality images.

Panasonic costs more than the typical department store junk Nikons, Cannons, etc, but they are worth every penny.

Answer 7

As per my personal experience buy a compact camera as your purpose is family photographs so why waste money on professional and costly cameras which are even difficult to understand and use for a inexperienced person like you.

But go for a higher mpx. 10 to 12 mpx is good enough because lesser mpx camera will be obsolete within few years.

According to me

SONY gives bright enhanced colors. Decives colors some times

CANON gives sharp pictures with good quality

NIKON is true to colors with little less sharpness.

This is entirely based on my personal experience as I am using all the three makes.

Answer 8

With your goals, 6MP is more than enough but it would be hard to find one brand new these days. My suggestion is to set a budget and get a Sony Cybershot that fits it. They are extremely fun to use at full automatic but have lots of features if you bother learning how to use them. If you find the memory stick too expensive, get one at 2Gb and shoot at 6MP to get more pictures. That is exactly what I am doing with my wife's pink Sony Cybershot. Picture quality? If you're just goofing around, you don't need that much quality in the first place.

Answer 9

Sorry i can't be more helpful. I so know what kind of situation you're talking about. I have the same form of trouble once in a while...