Megapixels

Pixels are tiny,individual dots or specks of color that combine to make up a digital image.The more pixels an images has the greater the clarity will be.The number of pixel also affects the amount of storage space the immage requires and the printable size of the photos.One million pixels equals one megapixel (MP)-for example,a 3.2MP digital camera can produce 3.2 million pixels of digital photo resolution.

Megapixel level (MP) is the industry standard for indicating the resolution of the digital photos that can be produce by your digital camera.As the megapixel increases,you will have higher quality photos and more option for sharing.

Recommended MP Level* for Desired Print Size

             Megapixels                                    Print Size                                Photo Quality

             2.2MP and up                                4" x 6"                                      Professional

             1.0MP and up                                4" x 6"                                      Good

             0.6MP and up                                4" x 6"                                      Fair

             3.2MP and up                                5" x 7"                                     Professional

             1.4MP and up                                 5" x 7"                                    Good

              0.8MP and up                                5" x 7"                                     Fair

               7.2MP and up                                8" x 10"                                Professional

               3.2MP and up                                 8" x 10"                                Good

                1.8MP and up                                8" x 10"                                 Fair

              13.9MP and up                                11" x 14"                             Professional

               6.2MP and up                                 11" x 14"                               Good

                3.5MP and up                                 11" x 14"                               Fair

                            The figures above are based on the following standards:

                                   Professional Quality -300dpi

                                     Good Quality - 200dpi

                                       Fair Quality -150dpi

Memory

After taking a picture with a digital camera,you have the option to save the image for transferring to your computer,printing,or e-mailing when you are ready.Some digital cameras have internal storage,which allows you to save images directly on the camera.Since storage is finite,there is a maximum photos that you will be able to store at a given time.Once you have transferred you photos to your computer,or printed them out,you can delete them from the camera and begin taking new pictures.Most digital camera accept memory cards,allowing you to expand you storage capability.The number of photos you can store per MB of memory depends on the megapixel level of you camera and the resolution setting you choose.Memory cards are available in a variety of formats.These include SD,Multimedia,Memory Stick,Compactflash,xD,SmartMedia, and more.Check your camera's user guide to determine which one it accepts before purchasing.You can purchase memory cards with incremental storage capacities,ranging from 16MB to over 128MB.

Zoom

 You may notice that most cameras have two numbers for zoom capacity.One is digital and the other is optical.The total zoom is determined by multiplying the optical and digital values together -4X Optical Zoom and 3X Digital Zoom for 12X total zoom,for example.Optical zoom utilizes the camera's  lens to bring the subject closer for an accurately detailed and through closeup.Digital Zoom creates closeups by cropping and enlarging the immage,and then filling in the missing pixels to re-create the original detail.

Transferring Yor Images

USB (Universal Serial Bus) is the standard plug type used by virtually all major peripherals (printers,scanners,digital cameras,etc.).Pheriferals with USB plugs connect to computers with USB ports.USB ports are now standard feature on all new computers.Most digital cameras include a USB cable that you can use to transfer photos to your computer if your computer has a USB port.When purchasing a digital camera,it is advisable to check for minimum system requirements.

Memory card reader

 Many computers and photo printers have built-in memory card readers that accept digital camera memory cards so you can transfer your images directly from the card.This is convenient because it eliminates the use of any wires-just take a picture,save it,remove the card from your digital camera,and slide the card into the appropriate slot on the computer or printer.If your computer or printer does not have memory card reader but is USB compatible,you will still be able to transfer your images through the camera's USB cable.