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Fujifilm F31fd
Up to ISO 3200 at full resolution
Fujifilm F50fd
Megapixel Madness
Is anybody listening? We do not need more megapixels!
You can now buy a point-and-shoot digital cameras with eight, 10, even 12 megapixels. Give us a break!
Manufactures apparently count on the fact that most consumers don't realize more megapixels do not necessarily make for a better digital camera. In fact, most of us don't need more than about five or six megapixels, but hey, that number ain't sexy and probably can't garner a higher price.
Makers of memory cards will certainly rejoice. More megapixels means large sized images files, which means purchasers of new cameras will buy more expensive, large capacity memory cards.
What we do need are better digital camera sensors that produce way less noise. Then we can get some decent shots in low light, an area where most compact digital cameras fare poorly. The notable exception is some of the FujiFilm cameras that have a Super CCD. But now even FujiFilm is packing 12 megapixels into some of their models.
According to some professional reviewers, the high ISO performance of the 12 megapixel F50 is now marginally better than the competition up to ISO 400, but ISO 800 and 1600, quite useable in cameras such as the F30 and F20, are disappointing. That's why, as of this writing, the F30 and F31 are going for more money than when they sold originally!
Manufacturers need to understand we need two things: Less noise about megapixels. And less noise in our photos shot at higher ISO!
Related reading: How many megapixels?
Category: Gimmicks
