Camera Poll

[gwh]

I picked up an Olympus E-10 SLR digital camera at an estate sale, it is a four megapixel camera from a few years back. I was wondering if it will take better pictures than my Fuji Fine Pix Z20 10 megapixel pocket camera.

I need to find a USB type cable that fits the Olympus before I can upload and judge for myself.

Please vote or feel free to share your opinion.

http://www.olympusamerica.com/CPG_SECTION/cpg_archived_product_details.asp?id=643

http://www.fujifilm.com/products/digital_cameras/z/finepix_z20fd/index.html




G

[danger boy]

10 mega pixels is more than 4 mega pixels so I would think the answer is no it will not take better pics. in the old days.. and SLR film camera would have been better than an equal Fuji film pocket camera. but mega pixels is what counts these days. and also the image sensor. it prob has a better image sensor. so it should look decent. but with it only being 4 MP, you would see grain as soon as you blow up the picture.

[devani]

what is your primary use..portrait, scenery, digital prints, or generic use..just like speakers
if you print anything above 8x10, then 10 mega pixel...otherwise 4 will do...
honestly wife uses the 8 mega pixel canon and I use the 4 mega pixel olympus...when I blow up the pictures, the lens makes all the difference...

pink camera is the underwater film camera...it's worth at least 2 polk LSi15 speakers in the back

[Gadabout]

It is true that if you blow up images regularly, pixel count should figure into your assessment. If your pics are mainly for online viewing, computer slide shows, 8 x 10 or smaller blowups, then the pixel count isn't as much of an issue.

It's really more about the quality of the sensor and the optics of the lens. It will also help to have a a low f number on your lens. The f number denotes how much light the lens gathers and transmits to the film or sensor. Lower numbers are better.

I would much rather have a 4 Mp camera with good optics than a 12 Mp camera with small lens or crappy optics. Since I haven't owned either of the cameras I couldn't speak to which one is best. I'm sure the proof will be in the puddin once you get the USB cable. My guess is that the 4 Mp images will look far better than the Z20 just due to better optics.

The manufacurers of cameras are always marketing their cameras based on pixel count. Consumers have bought into it and now compare cameras by pixel count. In reality, the pixel count would still be in the top 10 things to consider when buying a camera, but more around #8 on the list.

Scott

[Monster Jam]

+1 on what Gadabout has posted. A quality image sensor and optics trump megapixels at every turn. And the SLR is more likely to have both a better image sensor and optics than a point and shoot.

...but consider also...

What you will be using your camera for most often. If its a casual fun camera, do you want to sling a 5 pound camera around your neck like a Florida tourist? And if its special occasion photos you plan to take, do you really want to use the barely-better-than-disposable pocket camera for the life-long memories? Like everything else, there are trade-offs and the right tool for the job.