What do Megapixels mean to your camera?

Have you ever gone shopping for a new camera and gotten confused by all the choices? One camera states it is the best with 7.2 megapixels, while another states it's 12 megapixels is the best. All the while, you are standing there wondering what a megapixel is. In this article, we will explore the world of cameras and megapixels, what they are, how they work and which is better for you.
To start, one megapixel is equal to 1 million pixels, and a pixel is the smallest part of a photo. The more pixels there are the more accurate a representation of the actual photo. Therefore, a 7 megapixel camera has 7 million pixels. The greater the megapixel, the greater the resolution.
To determine what level of megapixel suits your individual needs, we need to take a look at what you are looking for in a camera. If you are looking for an everyday camera, and only want to print 5x7" prints and smaller, then a 2-3 megapixel camera would suit your needs jut fine. However, if you are looking for a camera that can produce poster size prints (up to 20x30") then you would need a larger megapixel camera, such as an 8-10 megapixel camera.
Keep in mind that the lower the resolution, or megapixels, the grainier a photo will be if printed too large. Higher megapixel cameras offer more flexibility when it comes to printing larger photos.
In conclusion, while megapixels are certainly not the only feature to look at when considering what camera to buy, it's one aspect not to be overlooked. Understanding megapixels and how they relate to the types and sizes of prints you are looking for, can help save you a lot of trouble in the future!
Melissa Clark is founder of the website www.BestDigitalCameraPro.com, a subsidiary of Clark Unlimited, Inc. - providing top quality compact and SLR digital cameras, and accessories, from well-known manufactures such as Nikon, Casio, Canon and more.

Melissa Clark is founder of the website www.BestDigitalCameraPro.com, a subsidiary of Clark Unlimited, Inc. - providing top quality compact and SLR digital cameras, and accessories, from well-known manufactures such as Nikon, Casio, Canon and more.