When considering the purchase of a new digital camera, often people will focus on how many megapixels it has.  I'll often hear people saying that the more megapixels a camera has, the better photos it takes.  Or they say something like, "I wish I could take better photos, but my camera doesn't have enough megapixels."

You may have heard these phrases too.  Maybe you've even heard that phrase by a crafty salesman that's more interested in his extra commissions than selling you a top-notch digital camera.

So what is this megapixels number, and is it really that important.  Well basically, the more megapixels you have in your camera, the larger you can make a print without losing the quality of the image.  So a camera with higher megapixels will produce a sharper image photo when enlarged.

So let's think about this for a minute.  How many photos do you print out anymore?  Don't you store many of them on your computer?  And don't most shots on your computer look pretty darn good when you share them with family and friends?  You probably do want to print out your best photos, especially if you're a landscape or nature photographer.  In all likelihood though, if you're just buying a camera to take snapshots of your family, barbecues, or sporting events to store on your computer, or look at later, a high number of megapixels really isn't important.

Here's a tip when buying a digital camera.  Don't agonize about buying those extra megapixels.  You probably don't need them.  What you will need though, is a good quality lens.  The lens is much more important than the number of megapixels when taking a photograph.  You want your images sharp and clear, and a good quality lens will provide that.  And just as important, you want to learn the manual functions of your camera.  With technology the way it is any more, you can take some pretty awesome photos with just your basic camera.

So stop fretting about megapixels so much.  Unless you're planning on enlarging most of your prints to a larger than usual size, don't worry about it.

This photo was taken by rickyli99 from the Halona Blow hole viewing area on the island of Hawaii.  What a fantastic example of the capability of the Olympus FE-370 camera.  Nice shot!

CNET has reviewed the Olympus FE-370 where the write, "The Olympus FE-370 is an 8-megapixel, ultra-compact camera.Compared to other ultra-compact digital cameras on the market, it is relatively inexpensive at around $160.

Pros: Has a 5x optical zoom, which is somewhat more powerful than some similarly priced digital cameras.In fact, the average cost of a product with this high an optical zoom is $240.Also, this digital camera has a 2.7 inch viewscreen.Weighing only 4.6 ounces without battery or media, this digital camera is very light for a compact camera.

Cons: None noted, given available product data.

Suitability: An ultra-compact digital camera, suited for everyday snapshot photography.A recommended use, based on key features, is framed photos for the home.The largest recommended print size, estimated from the camera's resolution, is 12x16 or larger.

In a nutshell the FE-370 is a snapshot camera with a bit of extra zoom. It compares well against other similar cameras and offers good value for money.

Overall
The FE-370 does more or less exactly what it sets out to do. It handles most photo opportunities and ranks well when compared to other cameras with a similar specification and price tag."

The Olympus FE-360 was recently reviewed by CNET,  In the review they stated, "is an 8-megapixel, ultra-compact camera.Compared to other ultra-compact digital cameras on the market, it is very inexpensive at around $110.

Pros: Has a 0.8 in thickness, which is somewhat thinner than some similarly priced digital cameras.Weighing only 3.8 ounces without battery or media, this digital camera is very light for a compact camera.

Cons: None noted, given available product data.

Suitability: An ultra-compact digital camera, suited for everyday snapshot photography.A recommended use, based on key features, is framed photos for the home.The largest recommended print size, estimated from the camera's resolution, is 12x16 or larger.

Value: Given its very inexpensive price, this digital camera has great features for the money."

Basically, "Digital cameras do not come any simpler than the FE-360. If ease of use and a low price tag are what you are looking for this camera is worth considering. In fact it is one of the cheapest pocket sized cameras around.   Fantastic? No probably not, but I have been impressed with the FE-360. It has stood up well to my tests and I can't tell the difference between this camera and some much more expensive ones."

The Olympus FE-20 was recently reviewed by cnet where they wrote, "is an 8-megapixel, ultra-compact camera.Compared to other ultra-compact digital cameras on the market, it is very inexpensive at around $110.

Pros: Weighing only 3.7 ounces without battery or media, this digital camera is very light for a compact camera.

Cons: None noted, given available product data.

Suitability: An ultra-compact digital camera, suited for everyday snapshot photography.A recommended use, based on key features, is framed photos for the home.The largest recommended print size, estimated from the camera's resolution, is 12x16 or larger.

Value: Given its very inexpensive price, this digital camera has great features for the money."

The Olympus FE-20 received 3.5/5 stars by users.  Most users concluded this is a nice camera for it's size and cost.

This beautiful rose reminds us that Mothers Day is just around the corner. Photo of the week taken by slgckgc using a Nikon D60.

A review by Steves Digicams discussed aspects of the Canon Powershot A1000 IS camera where they write, "The A1000 IS features a 4X (35-140mm in the 35mm format) f/2.7-5.6 all-glass aspherical zoom lens. When the camera is powered down the lens is retracted inside of the body and a built in cover closes to completely protect the glass of the lens.

The Powershot A1000 IS features a large 2.5-inch LCD with 115,000 pixels of resolution. It is used for framing shots, reviewing stored images as well as menu operations. If you do not want to use the LCD screen, there is also a real-image zoom viewfinder, which allows you to see what is shown by the zoom lens.

Bottom Line - Canon's new Powershot A1000IS is a stylish, versatile and easy to use 10-Megapixel camera. With automatic shooting modes, pre-set scene modes and Optical Image Stabilization, this camera is easy enough for anyone to pick up and start shooting. Performance and image quality are also good for an entry level model. With all things considered and a MSRP of US$199.99, this is an excellent choice for anyone looking for an entry level digicam. "

Enjoy bargain priced discounts on the Canon Powershot A1000 IS in an auction now.

The Nikon Coolpix S230 is a snazzy little camera recently reviewed by Cnet where they write, "Photo quality in general is good, and by that I mean it's typical of an ultracompact camera at this price, though not a standout. The S230 has a sensitivity range from ISO 80 to ISO 2,000; however it's best to stay below ISO 200 for the greatest color, sharpness, and detail. At ISO 400 and above there was an increase in softness. Results were also at their finest with Nikon's Motion Detection and Electronic VR image stabilization turned off as these boost ISO along with shutter speed to minimize blur caused by subject movement or camera shake. Again, detail is best at the lower ISOs, but photos up to ISO 800 were still usable for small prints despite their softness.

In the end, the Nikon Coolpix S230 is a decent, good-looking, point-and-shoot ultracompact camera that happens to have the convenience of an intuitive touch-screen interface. If you're very critical of photo quality or need something very fast, this probably isn't the camera for you (there are other options). But if you're looking for a cool camera to keep with you at all times for snapshots, the S230 is worthy. "

Grab the Nikon Coolpix S230 at our special auction prices.

The Canon PowerShot SD780 IS was reviewed by Dprinterface, where the review pointed out, "One of the latest ultra-compacts announced by Canon in 2009 is the SD780 IS Digital ELPH. The SD1200 and SD780 are almost twins; with the latter being the higher end model of the two. To give you a rundown of the SD780 IS Digital ELPH’s features; it has 12 megapixels, a 3X zoom lens which goes a tad wider than the one on the SD1200, 2.5 inch LCD with an optical viewfinder as well as a high-definition 720p movie mode.

The Canon PowerShot SD780 Digital ELPH produces good image quality below ISO 800, with nicely saturated colors, low color fringing and distortion and no redeye (thanks to the redeye removal tool available in both shooting and playback modes). If you don’t mind making small 4 x 6 prints, then you could use the camera’s ISO 3200 mode, which lowers resolution to 2 MP but quality is comparable to native 2 megapixel cameras several years back.

If it’s a small and stylish camera with good image quality and performance traits that you want, the Canon PowerShot SD780 IS Digital ELPH aka Digital IXUS 100 fits the bill. The camera is good for for low light stills (party and pub snapshots) and people photos, and with good lighting, HD video."

Discover the now available Canon PowerShot SD780 IS in one of our auctions.

The Nikon D60 review by DigitalCameraReview has some interesting aspects when considering this camera, or the similar Nikon D40.  They write, "While the D60 is impressively compact and lightweight, build quality (polycarbonate outer shell over a metal alloy frame) and fit/finish are very good, especially for an entry-level model.

Not surprisingly, in hand the D60 looks, feels, and behaves exactly like the D40/D40x it derives from – in fact the D60 is essentially a "turbo charged" D40. The ergonomic handgrip provides a secure grip and very nice balance point – noticeably better than the skinnier handgrips on its closest competitor, the Canon Rebel series. The D60 isn't cluttered looking, and basic camera operations quickly becomes intuitive.

The question potential purchasers want answered is, "how does the D60 stack up against the Digital Rebel XSi?" Overall, the D60 should hold up nicely (if the lack of a Live-View LCD and three-point AF aren't deal breakers) when compared to the XSi. I've never been a fan of LCD viewfinders (or arm's length composition), so the lack of a live view LCD isn't a major omission in my opinion. The D60's AF is adequate, the kit zoom is a solid performer that should go head to head with Canon's new kit offering at the very least, and the D60's hand-grip is more comfortable. Nikon plans to continue selling the groundbreaking little D40 as their bargain priced entry-level DSLR, so shooters who don't want/need 10 megapixels and the D60's other more advanced features can save enough by purchasing the D40 (with the standard kit lens) to buy a nice quality second zoom. "

We recommend discovering the bargain prices on the Nikon D60.