Many new buyers think that the more megapixels they have on their digital camera then the better quality their images will be, but this is simply not true.

The real truth is that the image quality is controlled by the actual physical size of the image sensor in relationship to the quality of the lens system and the chosen megapixel rating.

Digital camera image sensors come in three main sizes.

Smaller 1/2.5-inch Image Sensors
These are used in budget compact cameras and superzooms. When you have more than 4 to 5 megapixels on a digital camera with this size of sensor it just creates noise which reduces the fine detail within the captured image

Slightly Larger 1/1.8-inch Image Sensors
This type of sensor size is less commonly found in compact digital cameras and operates best at around 5 to 6 megapixels.

Large 23.5 x 15.7mm Image Sensors
These larger image sensors are found on good quality SLR digital camerasand operate extremely well at 8 to 10 megapixels.

Remember, pixel power is a selling feature that manufacturers and retailers like to push really hard. The proof of the pudding can only be seen in the final picture when the camera captures an image from the way that the lens, sensor and the megapixel rating all work together. It therefore pays to read digital camera reviews within specialist magazines or user's Product Reviews on the Internet whenever you get the opportunity.

If you want better pictures then buy a camera with a good quality lens system that has the largest image sensor you can afford combined with a suitable megapixel rating (as detailed above).

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