Optical Zoom Vs More Megapixels?

[R88]

I'm thinking of getting the Panasonic Lumix TZ3 7.1 megapixel with a 10X optical zoom. I was wondering if I could get the the same or better results with a 12 megapixel camera and blowing up the area of the photo I want enlarged? I'll be shooting wildlife, often in low light conditions in a strictly amatuer fashion. Thank You.

[David Metsky]

No.

Optical zoom is a much more efficient way of getting closer to your subject then more MP. To duplicate a 450mm lens (typical ultrazoom) you'd need a much, much bigger image then 12MP.

Besides, adding more MP to a tiny CCD sensor generally makes for poorer image quality. All you'd be doing is blowing up a poor image.

[Razr]

I'm thinking of getting the Panasonic Lumix TZ3 7.1 megapixel with a 10X optical zoom. I was wondering if I could get the the same or better results with a 12 megapixel camera and blowing up the area of the photo I want enlarged? The absolute best way realize the maximum potential of your Panasonic TZ is to stay within the 10-1 zoom.
But sparkling, nearly undetectable differences in image quality can be had by using either a Nikon 1.7 TC ($300+) or Olympus T-CON 1.7 ($80).
Fact of the matter is, only extreme pixel-peeping can demonstrate the Nikon’s superiority.
No reliable comparisons between the two has shown a $220+ difference.

With its Lieca lens and image stabilization, the Panasonic TZ family is spectacular.
I'll be shooting wildlife, often in low light conditions in a strictly amatuer fashion. Thank You.Maximum optical zoom is not-NOT affected by either the Nikon or Olympus TC, though in low light, any imaging with or without either is “iffy”.

If you intend to print only up to 11 x 14, there is again no discernable difference between 7.1 and 12 megapixels*.
*Pixel peepers will disagree of course
**Up to 11 x 14, the product from my ancient 5mpxl Panasonic DMC-FZ20 (36-432mm 35mm equiv., f/2.8 throughout the zoom range) is undetectable from 12mpxl cameras, all comparative testing being equal (to scale).
***With my Olympus T-CON 1.7 mounted, my FZ20 is still f/2.8 at maximum (12x optical + 1.7= 734mm) zoom.

Assuming you use a T-CON, your “Tizzie” will do just fine @ 10x zoom;
unless that is, you really want a new 12mpxl camera.

[griptape]

To sum up the last two posts (that are correct), adding more pixels on a sensor simply makes the pixels smaller, meaning even if there are several million more of them, each one captures less detail, and you end up with a worse image. Mega pixels are arbitrary. A manufacturer can tell the processor to put as many into the CCD as they feel like. Anything beyond 5 is just marketing until you get to APS-C size sensors or larger.

[Bynx]

Griptape, do the pixels get smaller? I thought all pixels are the same size as a standard. There are just more or less of them per inch thus creating the image resolution.

[David Metsky]

Griptape, do the pixels get smaller? I thought all pixels are the same size as a standard. There are just more or less of them per inch thus creating the image resolution.
If the CCD is a fixed size, and you add more pixels, they have to get smaller by definition. They represent the light falling on a small patch of the CCD.

[griptape]

Like David is saying... it's a little tricky to explain, as the image itself doesn't get smaller. I guess it would be more accurate to say that the pixel WELLS become smaller (a CCD is a lot like a bee hive in physical design), so less light, and less detail reaches each well.

[blackudder]

See if you can test the camera in your given situations before purchasing. I have a 12x Canon S3 IS and low light photography isn't it's strength. If you're zooming in 10-12x, then it's even more difficult. You could have problems in broad daylight but in the shade.

[Margus]

I'll be shooting wildlife, often in low light conditions in a strictly amatuer fashion. Thank You.

I would suggest another camera which is officially advertised by the manufacturer as a super-zoom low light camera. According to the information from Panasonic and also according to the review on this site the TZ3 is not meant for these purposes. I would recommend Fuji FinePix S6000fd instead, which has a larger than average sensor and therefore better low light performane also. Alternative would be a DSLR.

[David Metsky]

I would suggest another camera which is officially advertised by the manufacturer as a super-zoom low light camera. According to the information from Panasonic and also according to the review on this site the TZ3 is not meant for these purposes. I would recommend Fuji FinePix S6000fd instead, which has a larger than average sensor and therefore better low light performane also. Alternative would be a DSLR.
Can't argue with any of this. Your other good option would be the S6000's big brother, the S9000.