Cameras MP help??

Question

I have a Kodak easyshare z812 is and its a 8mp but that is just too big for me. I want big pictures but 8mp is too much for my editing software to handle and takes up too much room on my computer and memory card.

I have heard that its best to keep the camera at its full mp capacity because otherwise you are "throwing away" detials that you can never get back. Should I go keep it at its full 8 mp and then resize all my pictures or should I drop it down to 7.1 mp or 6.0 mp?? I keep the compression at fine. Ps. I want to sell my pictures and I want to be a photographer so don't just tell me stuff unless you know what you are talking about!! Thanks!!

Answer 1

Use "JPEG" file format when editing with your computer, the use of jpeg will reduce the file size (automatically).

Answer 2

Well for most cases I would suggest keeping the camera at its highest resolution. But in your situation, you'll have to figure out your balance of resolution and hard drive capacity, and editing software capability. Going down to 6 megapixel shouldn't be that much of a problem, but I suggest if you do, keep the compression setting to fine (highest detail). You'll still get enough resolution from a 6 mp image to make prints over 8"x10".

Answer 3

Read this ...

http://www.kenrockwell.com/tech/mpmyth.h...

The difference in the size images is going to be marginal ... you will save money in the end by buying a couple of 2GB cards (2 for $20 on sale) and if you don't want to deal with adding a larger hard drive, burn all your image files to a CD from time to time.  Selling your excellent camera and buying a lesser one, will cost you more than buying another memory card and a new hard drive (500 GB hard drives are under $70) ... so for under $100 you will not have to buy a new camera.

You don't have resize all your images ... just the ones you want to post or email to friends.  Remember to rename the smaller files so you don't overwrite your originals.

Answer 4

If I were you, I would drop it down just like you were thinking. Although you may lose some quality in the pictures, it's going to be nearly the same if you resize them, without all the extra work. Drop it down to whatever you feel is necessary. The more you bring down the megapixels, the more pictures you're going to be able to fit on the SD card. But even 5 MP pictures are quite large and I'm sure they'll hold enough detail, so 6 MP is fine.