How important are mega pixels in a dslr camera?

It was never about pixels, whether compact or DSLR camera.

The difference between 10.3 and 12 is negligible. THEORITICALLY, you can get better resolution, but it mostly depends on the focus, the ability of the photographer to hold the camera still, atmospheric haze, etc.

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In the comparison you are making, the pixel count is almost nonexistent. The sensor in the camera is the same size on both cameras and 2 mega pixels on the same size sensor will make almost no difference.

What will improve the quality of your picture is a good lens and some practice with it. If you are just getting started, I would recommend saving your money on the camera body and invest instead on a good lens. The quality of the lens makes a definite difference on the quality of picture.

Figure out first what you intend to use the lens for the most. This will help you decide which lens is more suitable for your needs. You don't want to have a short lens if you intend to take wildlife photos for example. Then figure out your budget. You want to get the fastest lens in your budget. Do a little research and see which lens you can afford best suits your needs. Look at reviews for the lens from people who own the lens and see what they think of the lens' performance and build. Sites like DP Review will also compare your potential lens against others you may be considering.

Once you decide on which camera and lens to buy - practice, practice, practice. No one picks up a camera and takes really good pictures without a lot of trial and error. I have been shooting digital for almost ten years and still learn new tricks about shooting all the time. Have fun with the process and remember that the manual that came with the camera can be your best friend if you're stuck. Good luck with your decision and happy shooting!!!

A3 paper is 16.5 inches long, so the difference between 10.3 and 12.3 megapixels on an A3-size print is about 25 ppi (pixels per inch). That's a pretty small difference.

The 12 MP camera would give you A3 prints at 260 ppi.

The 10 MP camera would give you A3 prints at 235 ppi.

It depends on the viewing distance. I have printed 6 mega-pixel images larger than that that look just fine.

These are both satisfactory resolutions for you to mount on your wall. For most photos you'd need to put your face just inches from the picture to tell the difference.

If you are going to crop your photos a lot though, you might appreciate the extra resolution from time to time.

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RE:

How important are mega pixels in a dslr camera?

I am looking to get the nikon d3000

its 10.3 megapixels, however the d5000 is 12.3 megapixes.

what effect would this have on image quality, the largest print i would do is an a3 and i read that megapixels arent that important, just get a good body thats reliable and rely on the quality of the...

The main advantage to megapixels for most hobby photographers is cropping in post-processing: you can crop out more of a high megapixel image and still have good resolution for a standard print or an on screen image. So if you take a group shot of family and want to crop away bodies for a few faces, or catch a running dog in wide angle action and want to crop to a close up of it, you need more megapixels. The difference between 10 and 12 is marginal, but it's there. I'd home in on other features in the cameras and make an overall judgment about their capabilities: there are quite likely other improvements in the more expensive model that you are overlooking by paying too much attention to megapixels and those other things could tip your decision.

Look at some professional reviews and at www.dpreview.com or other reputable sites.

At the risk of confusing you even more, I have some reasonable prints made by someone else at A3 from 2MPs, and myself have a few good prints from my own 4MP images. Both those sets of prints were from some years ago. The D5000 may offer more facilities than the D3000, so check the specs and see if the extras interest you. Otherwise buy a lens with the extra cash. Concerning Jim A and print sizes: A4, A3, etc are prints made on a computer printer (A3 = approx 12 x 16 inches), the inch sizes such as 6 x 4, 6 x 9, etc are prints made via a 'photographic' system suc as in a high street shop - Boots, Jessops etc.

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You can be like the masses of humanity and buy a camera you can afford that has auto this and that for worry free picture taking. And learn through trial and error how to use something like aperture or shutter priority auto modes or even attempt to use the thing on full manual mode.

You seem to know already there is some thinking to using a camera and to take pictures. A good place to start is by reading the owners manual that comes with a camera. Read the information and look at the illustrations with part names and look at the real camera. Handle the camera and take pictures. Let me rephrase that. Take pictures to learn how to use the camera and maybe even to keep some. Don't start with important stuff you cannot photograph over again such as birthdays, a toddlers first steps. That puts picture taking out of the learning phase and puts the pressure and emphasis to taking pictures for real and to keep.

These first pictures are for you to learn how to use your camera. And you have learned how to use your camera when you can take pictures with it and can teach others how to use it. Honest. You can also go to a college in your area and take a beginning photography course. There you will be taught the basics even a pro must learn and do in their work. Camera handling and use, taking exposures with film and/or digital cameras, and maybe even some photo assignments to get some real time learning. In this learning do not take serious pictures you must keep as that detracts from the learning aspect of the class. Do so only if you have mastered the use of your camera before class is over.

It's like growing up in a way. And I am happy you know there is a way to learn how to use a camera and take pictures. It's like learning how to drive I suppose. Someone can teach you or you can get taught at a driving school. Both will get you a drivers liscense. One though will really teach you the fundamentals you can use for the rest of your driving career.

First, what is a print that's an "a3"? That tells me nothing. Usually we talk in 4x6, 5x7, 8x10 and so on.

Second what you've heard is true. We like to call it the mega pixel myth. The manufacturers will tell you more is better. Well if you're planning on prints the size of a small car yes, more is better. But if you're doing typical work, that is what most of us do, then the answer is no.

Also, if you display your photos on your computer monitor, as most of us do, that monitor is only capable of so many pixels and the difference between 10mp and 21mp won't be seen. Get my point?

I'd say the extra money won't be worth it. Save that extra to buy a lens or other gear.

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