14mp+ Digital Camera?

[mhthegoblin]

Hi all,

Newbie here

I'm after a digital camera. Doesn't have to be too special beyond a) a high resolution (12MP minimum) and b) reliable and likely to last a while. I'm looking into this - http://ubuyhardware.com/p~p-1848567000~b-402~Olymp... - do you guys think it'd be appropriate? Any suggestions of an alternative?

Thanks in advance!

[Davi]

wot he said ^^

high MP are just a good marketing gimmick with little (or no!) relevance to picture quality.

[Scott330ci]

Mega Pixels aren't everything.

As far as I know the higher the megapixels or a smaller sensor can actually make the image worse.

[Goochie]

I was looking at similar cameras 6 months back and settled on the Canon SX200 IS. It came down to a choice between that and the Panasonic TZ7 at the time but the Panasonic had reliability issues according to numerous reports on the web.

The SX200IS has recently been replaced with a new version so is now a bargain.

It will shoot in full-auto, full manual or anywhere in between.

[Davi]

wife has the Pan Lumix TZ8, fantastic pictures but one of the most annoying cameras I've ever come across. You press the shutter, pop it down, go make a cuppa, drink it, have some lunch, come back, pick up the camera and hope everything has stayed in place the last hour or so before it decides to fire the shot.

[clonmult]

Scott330ci said:

Mega Pixels aren't everything.

As far as I know the higher the megapixels or a smaller sensor can actually make the image worse.

Especially in smaller cameras.

These compacts are tending to have the same size sensors as the pixel counts creep up. That means that each little pixel is even smaller, which results in less light getting to it.

If you're after a waterproof though, unsure about that Olympus, but the equivalents from Canon (D10) and Panasonic (FT1) can be had for around £200. Both very good cameras, the Canon better if you want to do something slightly more serious underwater, the Panasonic having the edge in video recording.

[GetCarter]

There is a simple answer to this MP thing... SENSOR SIZE [divided by] MP

Then you'll have a fairly good idea how it will perform.

14mp on a sensor half the size of a postage stamp will be a car crash in anything other than good light.

With digital cameras, you generally get what you pay for.

[TuxRacer]

Budget?

[Oily Nails]

Thank god this thread came along, recently been pondering getting a new point and shoot, rather liking the reviews of this...

http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B0036WN2K4/ref=...

Nikon S8000



Whats the PH opinion?

[mhthegoblin]

Thanks for all the insight, guys.

Budget's about $400. Underwater capability is crucial.

I'll have a look at the Canon and Panasonic models suggested

[Goochie]

mhthegoblin said:

Thanks for all the insight, guys.

Budget's about $400. Underwater capability is crucial.

I'll have a look at the Canon and Panasonic models suggested

You wont get an underwater camera with that spec at that price point. Underwater photographers usually use an additional case for a normal SLR type camera, so have a look for cases for the Canon and Panasonic.