Are all pixels created equal? How many megapixels are necessary? That is the question.
In this report you will discover the truth about megapixels.
You will see how camera manufacturers are allowing the "lack of knowledge" to cause their buyers to fall prey to the megapixel frenzy that has taken the camera buying public captive.
It has not been very long since the advent of the digital camera that could be purchased by the general public.
The first digital cameras were extremely expensive.
But, now, digital cameras are as common as cell phones.
In fact most cell phones have a digital camera.
Do you remember your first digital camera? Was it a 10-megapixel model? I bet not.
More than likely it was 3-megapixels or less, right? Here is the truth about 3-megapixels: you can print a totally acceptable 5" by 7" photo from a 3-megapixel image.
If you are posting pictures on Facebook, you are using LESS than 1-megapixel of image size.
And a single 4" by 6" photo printed at 300 ppi takes a digital image of only 2.
1-megapixels.
Camera manufacturers are producing cameras now that almost all have image sensors of 8-megapixels and more.
It's not that they are deliberately trying to deceive, but they are ALLOWING this "un-truth about megapixels" mania to continue to grow.
Obviously, it helps their sales.
That is not to say that cameras are not getting better.
They truly are.
However, the truth is that you do not have to upgrade to a newer camera based on the number of pixels in the image sensor.
There are other factors that should be considered more important than the megapixel count.
"What should you base your camera buying decision on?" - you might ask.
Glad you asked.
Here are a few considerations:

1. Image quality.
   There is a difference, you know.
   Each manufacturer creates a different computer chip for their camera that processes the pixels for the image output.
   And, not every pixel is identical.
   There are major differences from image sensor to image sensor and especially from camera type to camera type.
   For instance, a "point and shoot camera" and a "full-sensor DSLR camera" are as different as weeds and roses.
   To find ratings for the image quality of a particular camera, you will need to do some research, looking at review sites that rate such things.
   
2. Feature set.
   Cameras are getting more hi-tech with each release.
   Look for the features that are important to you.
   Consider the kind of photos you will be taking before you buy.
   Cameras are not all created equal, and not every camera is equally suited to all tasks.
   That is why the same manufacturer might release 4 different models at the same time.
   Again, it is important to check the camera review sites before making you decision.
   
3. Point and Shoot or DSLR.
   How passionate are you about your photography? It may be time to raise the photographic bar in your life.
   In spite of the increased cost, a DSLR camera will open up a whole new world of image-producing options for you.
   

Bottom line: Don't base your decision on the number of megapixels in a camera model.
And, PLEASE, don't make your decision when you are standing at the camera counter of a department store.
Buy your camera after you have done your research.