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AnchorDesk

Sylvia Carr
5-megapixel cameras: Who needs 'em?

Sylvia Carr
Senior Editor, AnchorDesk
Friday, July 11, 2003
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High-resolution digital cameras were once for professionals only, but not anymore. Increasingly, 5-megapixel cameras are being aimed squarely at amateur photographers. Just a few months ago, for example, Canon added a 5-megapixel model to its popular PowerShot line, the S50.

On a budget?
If you're looking for a camera in the $200 range, our reviewers recommend the PowerShot S200.
Though these high-res cameras still aren't cheap, they're now priced within reach of many hobbyists. So how do you know if one of them might be right for you?

TO FIND OUT, I consulted with one of our resident digital camera experts, Aimee Baldridge. Her first question for anyone considering a 5-megapixel camera: What are you going to do with the pictures?

If the answer is, "Create lots of prints, particularly large ones," then you might want to consider a 5-megapixel model. The extra resolution lets you comfortably create good-looking prints up to 11x14. Even with smaller formats (such as 4x6s), the higher resolution of a 5-meg model could be worth the extra money if you're picky about image quality.

If, on the other hand, you just want to post your pics to the Web or e-mail them to friends, you don't need 5-meg resolution. If you're making smaller prints, and you're not super-picky about image quality, a 4-meg camera should be good enough.

A 5-MEG CAMERA could also be worth it if you expect to edit your photos extensively. Higher resolution allows you to zoom and crop your images with your favorite photo-editing software as much as you want. These cameras also tend to include more advanced features--such as manual exposure controls and the ability to save images in a variety of formats--than lower resolution models.

If you're on the fence, price might be the determining factor. The models listed below range from $475 to $1,000. If that's a stretch for you, sacrificing image quality should get you a cheaper model. That said, the PowerShot S50 costs just $50 to $100 more than its 4-meg cousin, the PowerShot S45. The extra money may be worth it to be assured your pictures will be as sharp and clear as possible.

Think a 5-megapixel camera might make sense for you? Here are four of our reviewers' top picks.

Canon PowerShot S50
The S50 wins our Editor's Choice award for combining top-notch image quality and a broad range of high-end features in a compact package. Another nice touch: It prints directly to several Canon printers. The major downside is its limited expandability; it doesn't, for example, accept lens converters or flash units.
Read Review | Check Prices

Sony Cyber-shot DSC F717
Like the PowerShot S50, the DSC F717 was awarded an Editor's Choice for its mix of advanced features and good image quality. It's particularly recommended if you're making the switch to digital from a 35mm SLR, as you'll appreciate the creative freedom (like the lens' manual focus ring) and may not mind the heavy, bulky body.
Read Review | Check Prices

Pentax Optio 550
The Optio 550 is ideal if portability's important to you. Its resolution and high-end features are comparable with the other models, but it weighs only 8.8 ounces--with battery and media installed. Pentax also managed to squeeze in a 5X zoom lens. It'd work equally well on vacation or as a pro's second camera.
Read Review | Check Prices

Olympus Camedia C-5050 Zoom
The Camedia offers just about every feature you could want and great expandability (it accepts add-on lenses, external flashes, and several media types). But our reviewers had some design complaints, most notably about the rigid LCD, the awkward placement of controls, and the slow start-up and focus times.
Read Review | Check Prices

Do you have any advice for digital camera buyers? Would you consider a 5-megapixel model? Why or why not? TalkBack to me!

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