Camera pixel size

[Quirinus]

I want to ask about camera pixel size: for casual use, how many megapixels should I use? I'm mostly just snapping for memories, desktop pics, and blogging. The one my family is currently loaning me is a 12-megapixel behemoth, which makes for hugely-detailed pictures (which I don't need), as well as corrospondingly large storage sizes (which I can't afford).

I'm thinking of getting one of my own with less pixels. How many megapixels can I expect to get on a college student's budget?

[CBR]

There should be lots of cheap cameras in the 5-7 megapixel range and they are fine for normal use. You can reduce the resolution on most if not all cameras so even the cheap 10 megapixel cameras is an option.

Optics are also important if not the most important. Carl Zeiss lenses should be some of the best I think and several cameras have that.


CBR

[Lemur]

I would agree that for casual use, a 5-7 megapixel camera should be just fine. Also note that you can go into the preferences of a 20 gigapixel monster and tell it to save the images in a smaller size. I've yet to meet a camera that wouldn't let you do that.

Another thing to think about is how well the camera fares in low-light conditions. I replaced my old camera entirely because it couldn't handle anything but direct sunlight without turning on the hated flash. Fuji makes some cameras that really shine in indoor/low-light conditions.

[woad&fangs]

Make sure that you set the camera to "super high quality" or "RAW" format before you take pictures. Otherwise you'll only use 3-4 Megapixels at most, regardless of how many the camera can use. The problem with "RAW" format is that you need special software on your computer to deal with it but it uses the most Megapixels possible. Photoshop CS is the only program I know off the top of my head that can deal with it.

Most cameras are set on "high quality" which use about 3-4 megapixels but you can go into the camera's menu and set it to "super high quality" which will use 4-5 megapixels.

In short, unless you plan on making poster size prints of fall landscapes you really only need a 6 megapixel camera at most.

edit: you can get a good 6 MegaPixel, 12Xoptical zoom from any manufacturer for about $300 nowadays, maybe even a bit less.

[Lemur]

The problem with "RAW" format is that you need special software on your computer to deal with it but it uses the most Megapixels possible. Photoshop CS is the only program I know off the top of my head that can deal with it.

Cough, cough, iPhoto ....

[woad&fangs]

gotta love apple.

[Quirinus]

Also note that you can go into the preferences of a 20 gigapixel monster and tell it to save the images in a smaller size. I've yet to meet a camera that wouldn't let you do that.

You can reduce the resolution on most if not all cameras so even the cheap 10 megapixel cameras is an option.

Feeling like a real fool now..... I guess this'll do for now, I'm a little tight on cash anyways.