First, let’s define
just what a pixel is
In terms of digital images, a pixel is simply a dot of color that records as either red, blue or green.
A mega-pixel is equal to one million pixels.
The more mega-pixels a camera is capable of… the greater the amount of information it records.
So the larger the number of Megapixels…. The larger the printed image you can make before the image begins to “break down” or to start to become fuzzy and appears a little out of focus.
When shopping for a camera, to determine how many mega-pixels you need, first think about how you will use most of your digital images. Will you print them at the larger print sizes, such as 16” x 20” or larger? If so, then you need a camera with at least 12 mega-pixels.
If you are going to stay in a print range of 11” x 14” or smaller, then a camera with less than 10 mega-pixels will work great. However, ever since digital cameras first come out, manufacturers have been in a race to see which one could make a camera with the most mega-pixels.
So if most of what you shoot will be either posted to an Internet site or printed at an 8” x 10” print size or smaller, a 10 megapixel camera will suit your needs.
So now you may want to decide on what other features you need in a digital camera, such as face recognition if you shoot a lot of images with people in them. Or you may want a DSLR that also has a video capture mode that allows you to take short movie clips.
The choice of camera is great these days.
So plan on how you will use your images and what features you may want in a digital camera.
In most cases, amateur photographers will be better off spending their money on a digital camera having increased optical zoom and lower mega-pixels.
Beware, camera salesmen will want to sell you a higher end (and higher price) camera. That is why it is best to have done a little homework before you go to a camera store.
If you are serious about your photography and you really want to invest in a camera that will be best suited to you and serve your needs for a long time, it will ultimately be a personal choice Your decision will also come down to things as simple as how the camera feels in your hands. It’s a little like why you would choose to drive a particular brand of car or which brand of mobile phone you purchased.
Most cameras are very good these days and you certainly can’t go wrong by sticking with a model from one of the major brands like Nikon or Canon.
If you are unsure, our recommendation is to visit a professional photography supplier in your area and hire. Choose a Nikon one weekend and perhaps a Canon the next. This way you can have a really good “Hands-On” play with each model and make a decision on which one feels best to you.
Remember, for those of you who have attended a Photography Masterclass , there are often special arrangements, exclusive to our students, whereby you hire a camera and can get a great discount off the normal rental fee.
The bonus also with this is that most of our prefered suppliers support our students and will also deduct the total paid in hire fees off of the price of your new camera should you decide to purchase from them. I’m sure you’d agree that is a very good deal and a great way to ensure you have made the best possible camera choice.
NOTE: If you have attended (or are booked to attend) a Photography Masterclass, please drop us a line via our help desk and our support team will gladly assist if you require more information or details of a supplier near you that offers this service for our students.
