A95 big ccd more pixl-A85 smll ccd less pixl?

[MrSleep]

Larger CCD = Better image quality and less grain...
However, More Megapixels On The Same CCD = Grain (loss in quality).

So my first question is which one is better (cleaner)?...
The Canon A95 with larger CCD but more megapixels?
Or...
The Canon A85 with smaller CCD and less megapixels?

Also, I've read somewhere that having more megapixels to make small prints will result in better quality image.

Which brings me to my second question...
Lets say the A85 has a less grain ratio compared to A95.
If I match a full size 5 megapixel print with a full size 4 megapixel print will the grain still show?


I hope that was clear, Regards, Sleep

[Newbie]

Don't quote me on that but I believe that 5mp on a 1/1.8." sensor is better than 4mp on a 1/2.7" sensor.

As for your other question... It is really not clear.
If you match a full size 5mp print of 4x6 with a full size 4mp print of 4x6, then the grain will not show and the image quality will be the same providing that the original images were of the same quality. However, if you do that very same test printing a picture 16x20, then the 5mp will give you some better results.

So the trick is to find the maximal size you will print and to choose a number of mp accordingly, not necessarly hoping for photo quality, but perhaps aiming for excellent(or very good) quality.

[MrSleep]

Thanks Newbie.

Sorry for not being too clear on the second question, I dont know the maximum print size diagrams that make up 4, 5 or any megapixel, I guess that makes it sound confusing. :o

How would it compare with the "A80"?

When "resizing" the an A95 full 5 megapixel size to fit/match the maximum resolution size of a 4 megapixel A80?

How will the grain & purple fringing compare?

Regards,

[Newbie]

Say you are printing a picture 8x10 with a 4mp camera and same with a 5mp one...
8x10 is about the maximal standard size to get results which are extremly close to photo quality with 4mp, the difference will not be huge, you may not even notice it unless u get within 5" of the photo and analyse each details.

With that being said, there is not a huge difference between 4 and 5mp. In fact a picture 8x10 is quite a nice size... As I said in the other post, perhaps the difference would be noticeable in u really went and printed a picture which would be way too big for the number of pixels, but then again, its just about 200 pixels differences in width and height, so that isn't such a big deal. If I were you, I'd pick the camera I want with a mp rating between 3 and 5, most likely they will all give you the kind of results you want.

[MrSleep]

Thanks Newbie..., You've been very helpfull indeed. :)

I bought my first camera, A85 (after reading all the reviews of A80,A85) thinking it was the same as an A80, only differences being the swivel screen..., Then after the friends at Photo.Net said it was not, I took it back to change it for the A95 because the A80 was discontinued.

My first option was the Canon Digital Rebel 300D, thinking only SLR's would give me the ablilty to learn photography with its control over ISO, Exposure, Shutter etc..

Then after discovering the P&S A80 did as well (as a prerequisite to an SLR), I knew this was the one.

I guess I just wanted to feel cosy about my purchase (not buying the wrong cam), and find out if I had made the best possible selection of what the current is offering now.

Thanks heaps & Take Care, Sleep

[Newbie]

Well, comparing the dRebel with any A series camera is very unfair, I believe the dRebel wins hands down for almost everything. It probably loses for being compact, for price and for movie mode... The dRebel is a much better camera, offering possibility to actually really use the different ISO, whereas a compact camera should stay at ISO 50-100(preferably 50) most of the time due to noise problems. With that being said, either the A85 or A95 is a great purchase, I'd say it all depends on your needs and yes you can learn a whole lot about digital photography with this camera.

I personnally own the A95 and I am having lots of fun with it!

[MrSleep]

Thanks Newbie.

Totaly agree, the Rebel is a mother of a beast, but for a novice like myself getting into photography, I didnt feel confident inough (that I might even stick with this) to pay up 3x the price to learn manual control.

By the time I do, and am ready to move on, who knows what will be available at the price of a 300D.

BTW, in case you werent aware, juts discovered this program "Noise Ninja 2" removes noise like magic.

Cheers, & take care. :)