Digital Camera Question

[bimmer4me]

I just got a new 6 megapixel (last broke grrrr). How big a of a difference is it between fine and superfine compression? I notice that I can take about 65% more pics if the setting is at fine versus superfine. Will it make a difference for low light settings??

[Nikki]

I would always use superfine, otherwise you're not using all of the mp quality. If you don't have enough room, get a new card on newegg.com. 512 or even 1gb are under $50 now I think.

[zimbofk]

Superfine is a must, unless you're just taking test shots or very casual (point and shoot) shots. Like Nikki said, if you don't use it, then what was the point in getting a 6 MP?

[bimmer4me]

OK, so I'll blow out the settings. Thanks.

Out of curiosity then, what takes better shots; 1) 6 megapixel at fine or 2) 4 megapixel at superfine.

[Nikki]

it depends on the camera and how much quality is reduced. it might say in your manual how many mp are being used at each setting, otherwise I don't know if there is a way of knowing.

[ADHD]

Originally Posted by bimmer4me

OK, so I'll blow out the settings. Thanks.

Out of curiosity then, what takes better shots; 1) 6 megapixel at fine or 2) 4 megapixel at superfine.

your cam should go 6mega superfine! That would be the best setting..
And like nikki said Go buy a memory card dude...I just got a 4gb for 220$ and its 80x..Can take 1k pictures at the highest setting! :rocks: I rock 20D

[sixspeedsam]

Originally Posted by bimmer4me

I just got a new 6 megapixel (last broke grrrr). How big a of a difference is it between fine and superfine compression? I notice that I can take about 65% more pics if the setting is at fine versus superfine. Will it make a difference for low light settings??

If you can, shoot at the highest resolution. However, if all you're doing is P&S and printing out 4x6's... shooting at fine would probably be OK. Just eyeball it and see... should be fairly obvious if the quality is off.

As for low light, MP shouldn't make a difference. Low light has more to do with your camera sensor and it's performance. If you really want to shoot low light, you're better off getting a DSLR so you can control f stop and iso, get some fast glass

[bimmer4me]

I have a 2GB card. I take some movies with my camera and that eats some space. 99% of the time my pics are either for the web or 4x6 prints. I'll get another card if I run out of space before I can download. Thanks everyone.

Nikki, lowering the compression doesn't change the number of megapixels used, but simply lowers the picture quality.

[Squawks]

Uncompressed is the best quality - e.g. RAW. But, that takes up quite a bit of space. Compression is acceptable to most amateurs and non-pros (even the better cameras can shoot with compression and still suit the pros).

It doesn't matter if 99% of the time your pics are web or 4x6 - I can tell the difference between 2vs4vs6vs8vs12 MP cameras on a 4x6 picture. Regardless, taking shots at best quality compression will give you flexibility in the case you might need say, an 8x11" print of something you shot a while ago.