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Which digital camera?
11 Answers
My daughter needs to buy a digital camera for her photography course which starts in September.
My question is simple, which is better:-
a 12 magapixels camera with 3x optical zoom
or
a 8 megapixels camera with 5x optical zoom?
So in short, is more beneficial to have more pixels than zoom or more zoom than pixels?
My question is simple, which is better:-
a 12 magapixels camera with 3x optical zoom
or
a 8 megapixels camera with 5x optical zoom?
So in short, is more beneficial to have more pixels than zoom or more zoom than pixels?
Answers
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(2-part post):
The number of megapixels effectively determines the maximum size at which good quality prints can be produced.
This has been argued many times before, here on AB. While there's naturally been a certain element of disagreement, most people would probably concur in the view that, at A4 size, you won't notice any difference in the image quality between a picture taken on an 8 Mp camera and a 12Mp one.
Personally, I'd defy most people to spot any improvement in image quality, at A4 size, once you get above 3Mp. Others, however, take the view that the 'cut off point' (above which you can't notice any better quality at A4 size) is around 4 or 5Mp. (Manufacturers promote cameras with a vast number of megapixels simply to impress uninformed users. It's far cheaper to increase the number of megapixels than it is to provide a better quality lens, which is what photographers really need).
The number of megapixels effectively determines the maximum size at which good quality prints can be produced.
This has been argued many times before, here on AB. While there's naturally been a certain element of disagreement, most people would probably concur in the view that, at A4 size, you won't notice any difference in the image quality between a picture taken on an 8 Mp camera and a 12Mp one.
Personally, I'd defy most people to spot any improvement in image quality, at A4 size, once you get above 3Mp. Others, however, take the view that the 'cut off point' (above which you can't notice any better quality at A4 size) is around 4 or 5Mp. (Manufacturers promote cameras with a vast number of megapixels simply to impress uninformed users. It's far cheaper to increase the number of megapixels than it is to provide a better quality lens, which is what photographers really need).
For most uses (and particularly to offer the greatest flexibility on a photography course), a good optical zoom is far more important that pointless addition megapixels. However, for someone actually studying photography, I'd have preferred to see them opting for something like an 8x to 10x optical zoom, rather than 5x.. Additionally, I'd think it important that the camera should offer a true 'manual' mode, as well as both 'aperture priority' and 'shutter priority' semi-automatic modes. These feature enable the user to control the aperture (and hence the depth of field) and the shutter speed (and hence the effects of motion).
In an ideal world, I'd suggest that all photography students should use a digital SLR camera. However, your budget might not run to it. For example, the Pentax K100D costs around �280 with an 18mm-55mm (=3x optical zoom lens) but you'd have to pay a lot more to add on a decent telephoto zoom lens.
On a budget which is more realistic for most students, I'd be considering something like the Fujifilm FinePix S5700:
http://www.fujifilm.co.uk/digital/cameras/s570 0/
It's got a 10x zoom, 7.1Mp and all of the required shooting modes (i.e. manual, shutter priority, aperture priority, etc).
It's been selling for around �140 on the high street but its �94.99 online:
http://www.buyacamera.co.uk/xsearch.asp?RecId= FUJCA462&pt=f
Chris
Depends what you want it for. In a test performed by the New York Times, a panel of photographic experts was presented with a series of pics taken with cameras ranging from (I think) 5 Mpx to 13 Mpx, and blown up to poster size. Only one of the panel, was able to accurately tell them apart.
Personally, (and assuming all else is equal) I would go for the 8 Mpx and get the extra versatility of the 5x zoom.
I'm sure there will be others on here who will disagree!
Personally, (and assuming all else is equal) I would go for the 8 Mpx and get the extra versatility of the 5x zoom.
I'm sure there will be others on here who will disagree!
I totally agree with you rojash. My last camera was 4.0 megapixel and 10x optical zoom, which is brilliant for the wildlife photography I want, but due to large lens not practical for slipping in shirt pocket or slim handbags.
Last week however I found this little beauty in a special offer from Jessops - and at 8 million pixels and 5 optical lens, it's just perfect - tiny, great colour and crisp clean shots:
http://tinyurl.com/6nchck
Last week however I found this little beauty in a special offer from Jessops - and at 8 million pixels and 5 optical lens, it's just perfect - tiny, great colour and crisp clean shots:
http://tinyurl.com/6nchck
Just noticed the camera is for a photographic course, so mine would not be suitable, I don't think.
My husband has a Pentax iSTD L2 and my son has a Canon EOS 350. Both suitable for the course, but also pricey, although it might be an idea to look for second hand models and these are excellent and a whole lot cheaper!
My husband has a Pentax iSTD L2 and my son has a Canon EOS 350. Both suitable for the course, but also pricey, although it might be an idea to look for second hand models and these are excellent and a whole lot cheaper!
Agree totally with everyone
unfortunately I agree with cetti even more than the others.
have you checked to see what the course recommends?
a dslr is expensive (but you should be able to get a good 'un for less than �400 (I know ... still a lot of money!)
.... but it will cost even more if you buy an unsuitable one .... and then have to buy another.
you could also look into a second hand one
pros and "must haves" change cameras whenever another model comes out ... there are some good bargains out there.
you should also lurk tesco and read a couple of photo mags
http://www.pcpro.co.uk/digital-cameras/
but don't buy anything until you know exactly what the course entails.
if it says compact ... go zoom
unfortunately I agree with cetti even more than the others.
have you checked to see what the course recommends?
a dslr is expensive (but you should be able to get a good 'un for less than �400 (I know ... still a lot of money!)
.... but it will cost even more if you buy an unsuitable one .... and then have to buy another.
you could also look into a second hand one
pros and "must haves" change cameras whenever another model comes out ... there are some good bargains out there.
you should also lurk tesco and read a couple of photo mags
http://www.pcpro.co.uk/digital-cameras/
but don't buy anything until you know exactly what the course entails.
if it says compact ... go zoom
LOL,
AC's answer makes much more sense now it's here, on the proper thread ;)
if you need a film based SLR for the course and you are planning to go the SLR route for the digital camera too then get them both of the same brand, then you only need one any lens size you buy and you can use them on either camera
AC's answer makes much more sense now it's here, on the proper thread ;)
if you need a film based SLR for the course and you are planning to go the SLR route for the digital camera too then get them both of the same brand, then you only need one any lens size you buy and you can use them on either camera
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