3MP vs. more

[EAP]

I'm very interested in the new canon A510 because I want an underwater housing (so I can take the camera on my kayak), a more than 3x zoom (to capture some of those wildlife shots) and a small size so I can easily take the camera backpacking. Low-light shooting and minimal shutter lag are also important to me. However, the A510 is only 3.2 MP. I don't intend to crop much, and will use photos mostly for my computer desktop background, emailing and printing 4x6 or maybe 5x7 prints. Will 3.2 MP suffice? It seems like such a small MP size, when you can get up to 7 or 8 nowadays.

[D70FAN]

I'm very interested in the new canon A510 because I want an underwater housing (so I can take the camera on my kayak), a more than 3x zoom (to capture some of those wildlife shots) and a small size so I can easily take the camera backpacking. Low-light shooting and minimal shutter lag are also important to me. However, the A510 is only 3.2 MP. I don't intend to crop much, and will use photos mostly for my computer desktop background, emailing and printing 4x6 or maybe 5x7 prints. Will 3.2 MP suffice? It seems like such a small MP size, when you can get up to 7 or 8 nowadays.

From your requirements 3.2MP will work just fine. Unfortunately I haven't had a chance to try the A510, as it is not due in stores until the end of January, and more likely the first week of February. If it stays true to the A75 it should be a heck of a camera for $199.

[TDT]

George summed it up nicely,

Just remember that MP are not the 'end all' when picking a camera. If a 3.2 will do it, and the features are good - then that's a good camera for you. Just like picking a computer, the 'fastest' generally doesn't mean the best for everyone - although computer salesmen will try to make you think otherwise.

[Newbie]

Actually, 3mp is more than just fine, its exactly what you need for what you'll do. 2mp would fine, but with 3mp, you get exactly the number of megapixels you'll need to do what you will want and still to print pictures with the same quality as if they were taken by a film camera.

[BDS]

Would 3.2 mp be enough to create photo quality 8x10s with no cropping?

[Rhys]

Would 3.2 mp be enough to create photo quality 8x10s with no cropping?


Yes

I make very nice A4 and 8.5 x 11 prints with 3mp cameras.

[EAP]

Thanks, everyone! As the number of megapixels increases and becomes more affordable, there is some "peer pressure" to buy the "latest and greatest," which usually means as many megapixels as possible. It's good to know the 3MP cameras are still just fine for many needs - at a much lower cost than many cameras with more MP. :D

[Rhys]

Thanks, everyone! As the number of megapixels increases and becomes more affordable, there is some "peer pressure" to buy the "latest and greatest," which usually means as many megapixels as possible. It's good to know the 3MP cameras are still just fine for many needs - at a much lower cost than many cameras with more MP. :D

It can't be long before they're knocking out really good 3mp cameras for next to nothing, I thought to myself. Then I checked and found they are knocking them out for next to nothing. In a couple of years I imagine this will hit about £20 where it will remain. I pulled this from a catalogue company website.


Vivitar V3740 Digital Camera. £49 .99
3m pixels.
4 x Digital zoom.
1.5in colour LCD screen.
8Mb internal memory.
SD card compatible.
Video ouput NTSC/PAL.
Movie capture.
USB connection, cable included.
Web Cam.
Includes soft case, 2 x AA batteries and Photo Editing software.
Software compatibility PC.

[gr7797]

Is that Vivita youre talking about from the grocery store Aldi?
Not sure if its the same one, but I saw a $160 4-5 megapixel 3-4x zoom at aldis with all of the things you mentioned. I asked the manager about the return policy on it and she said if it ever breaks just bring it back w/ your reciept and we will give u a refund, I said "ever", and she replied "yeah a year down the road too, or if its not up to your standards." Pretty liberal return policy though, wouldnt hurt to try one of those out.

[Geoff Chandler]

Yes 3MP will be fine as everyone is saying - but it's only going to be good if coupled with a decent lens. I would be more than staggered if the A510 didn't have a good lens.! All the other A series cameras have been able to produce very nice pics - so why shouldn't this one. However - if you see a strange named 3,4 or 5MP camera going very cheap - it will probably not be anything like the quality you want - printing A4 size or similar will show up the lens problems no matter how many MPixals went into making the pic.
(That's not to say that there may be something halfway decent going dirt cheap - it does happen - but I wouldn't take the risk).
All the best

Geoff Chandler

[Rhys]

Yes 3MP will be fine as everyone is saying - but it's only going to be good if coupled with a decent lens. I would be more than staggered if the A510 didn't have a good lens.! All the other A series cameras have been able to produce very nice pics - so why shouldn't this one. However - if you see a strange named 3,4 or 5MP camera going very cheap - it will probably not be anything like the quality you want - printing A4 size or similar will show up the lens problems no matter how many MPixals went into making the pic.
(That's not to say that there may be something halfway decent going dirt cheap - it does happen - but I wouldn't take the risk).
All the best

Geoff Chandler

I'd love to see images from some of the cheapo cameras. I did see a konica photo once and it was ghastly.

[gary_hendricks]

3 megapixels should be fine for your needs - making 4 x6 or 5 x 7 prints. Make sure you get a good lens and if you're roughing it out with your camera, remember to have some way of cleaning it if it gets dirty.

:)