New digital camera. What the heck are Pixels for?

[Origam]

Ok, if I understand pixels.. they are the little dots that make up a picture right?

Anyway, I decided to go out and buy a new digital camera.. I had a Fuji A200 and really liked it but it was only 2.0 pixels and well, it didn't take as great a picture as the 'rents camera so I felt the need to upgrade. I looked at a lot of cameras and it was a toss up between a Kodak Eastman something that was 5.0pixels, a Cannon something or other that was 4.0 pixels or a Fuji A400 (I think it's Fixpix or Finepic or something like that?). I decided on the Fuji because it takes movies with sound. I really liked my Fuji before and never had any problems with it so that helped with the choice too.

Anyway, my new camera is 5.2 pixels. The dingbat at BestBuy who was supposed to be helpful wasn't very helpful with telling me what the pixels meant.. all he said was "more is better". :confused

I got an additional card for my camera thats 125 or something like that. So now I can take more pictures and not have to come home and download them right away. :laughing

[Perry]

Yes, they are the little dots.

More is better if you expect to print the pics. If you're going to print them you want the extra pixels for quality. If you're going to share them on the net with family/friends the extra pixels aren't all that important.

More pixels also = larger size of file and less number of pics that will store on the memory card at the highest resolution.

Also, if you're going to print the pics you need a good photo printer (and lots of ink!)

[Origam]

We have a pretty good photo printer. Most the times if I need them printed, I take them to Wal-mart and have them printed there. It's less of a hassle I think.

Mostly I'll be taking pictures and sharing them as files and such with friends.. but I needed a new camera anyway because the A200 doesn't have a really good zoom on it. This one has a fairly good zoom on it. :yes