Noticeable difference between 4 megapixels and 5 or 6?

[Guest]

Archived from groups: alt.comp.periphs.dcameras (More info?)

I have an Olympus D40, which is a 4 megapixel camera, and am thinking of
getting something newer (and smaller). I'm looking at the Canon S500 (5mp),
the Nikon Coolpix 5200 (5 mp), the Olympus C60 (6mp), and the Minolta G600
(6mp).

They all seem pretty good, but what I'm wondering is will I notice a
significant difference in quality between the 4mp I currently have, and 5 or
6. I don't print larger than 8 1/2 x 11, but I do like to have as good an
image as possible.

Is it worth upgrading, or should I wait for the pocket-size cameras to get
7mp or higher?

 

[Guest]

Archived from groups: alt.comp.periphs.dcameras (More info?)

"t. wise" <terwise111@yahoo.com> wrote in message
news:FdidnVQ4uaLr6frcRVn-rQ@adelphia.com...
> I have an Olympus D40, which is a 4 megapixel camera, and am thinking of
> getting something newer (and smaller). I'm looking at the Canon S500
(5mp),
> the Nikon Coolpix 5200 (5 mp), the Olympus C60 (6mp), and the Minolta G600
> (6mp).
>
> They all seem pretty good, but what I'm wondering is will I notice a
> significant difference in quality between the 4mp I currently have, and 5
or
> 6. I don't print larger than 8 1/2 x 11, but I do like to have as good an
> image as possible.
>
> Is it worth upgrading, or should I wait for the pocket-size cameras to get
> 7mp or higher?
>
>
I would say that it depends on your budget.

For an excellent or best print you need to print at 300 DPI or better.
8.5 inches times 300 Dpi = 2550 Pixels
11 inches times 300 Dpi = 3300 Pixels
which is 2550 times 3300 = 8,415,000 Pixels.
The more pixels you have available, the better your print.

Your 4 Megapixel D40 camera makes the max resolution of 2288 X 1712 pixels.
1712 / 8.5 = 201 DPI
2288 / 11 = 208 DPI

You are making a 200 DPI print for 8.5 X11 now.

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