How many megapixels?

Myka · #1 03-16-2012, 02:52 PM

I need to buy a new camera (the G9 didn't like the swim in the reef). Considering all my cameras seem to meet their untimely demise in approximately 2-3 years, cost is a concern.

I don't see the need to buy a 25 MP camera if I don't need one. The only reason I blow photos up is just to frame them and put them on my wall for a year or two. I will be buying another Canon camera.

So, simple question. If I never blow a picture up bigger than 16x20" (which is a rare occurrence anyway) and usually 8x10" is the biggest, what megapixels range should I be looking in?

globaldesigns · #2 03-16-2012, 03:00 PM

Unless you want to print a billboard size photo, you really don't need to have 25 MP... Most cameras have way more than anyone would need, especially when consumers tend to print 4X6 prints, maybe the odd 5x7 or 8x10.

I would look at a camera with a better processor, focusing, etc. I myself have a 30D, at the time, more camera than what I needed, and even today still has more than what I need at 8mp... But it was the guts of the machine I wanted, the focusing, processor, and features.

Not sure what MP is offered in consumer line cameras of today, but 8-12MP is more than enough for image information.

MarkoD · #3 03-16-2012, 03:01 PM

Don't go over 10. You don't need it and the more megapixels you have, the worse the low light performance is

Myka · #4 03-16-2012, 03:04 PM

Thanks globaldesigns! Do you have any specific recommendations on features and "guts"?

Quote:

Originally Posted by MarkoD

Don't go over 10. You don't need it and the more megapixels you have, the worse the low light performance is

Really? That is good to know! Do you have any comments on "the guts"? Maybe that is what I should look at more...

sphelps · #5 03-16-2012, 03:13 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MarkoD

Don't go over 10. You don't need it and the more megapixels you have, the worse the low light performance is

Do they still make cameras with less than ten?

MarkoD · #6 03-16-2012, 03:23 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by sphelps

Do they still make cameras with less than ten?

i dont think so... but i just shoot everything at 10mp. SRAW on 5d ii

Myka · #7 03-16-2012, 03:30 PM

I don't know how to deal with RAW photos...I should learn. I would like to get really good at photographing my tank.

sphelps · #8 03-16-2012, 03:32 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Myka

I don't know how to deal with RAW photos...I should learn. I would like to get really good at photographing my tank.

You had a G9 and didn't use RAW

Slick Fork · #9 03-16-2012, 05:12 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Myka

I don't know how to deal with RAW photos...I should learn. I would like to get really good at photographing my tank.

RAW is time consuming but worth it, and not that tough to learn. Just get out and start trying different stuff... only way to figure it out!

scubadawg · #10 03-16-2012, 03:18 PM

You won't need over 10 meg, I still have 2 - Nikon D200's which are 10.2 meg cameras, that are from 2006, I have no choice but to keep them, I have 2 underwater housings for them. I also have a D700 12.2 meg, and just ordered the D800 36.3 meg. With the newer technology, you get faster focusing, lower light capabilities, faster processing times. If you are shooting underwater, make sure you get external flashes, it will reduce the scatter in your photos.

This is what scatter is:
http://www.uwphotographyguide.com/ba...ter-underwater