Mega pixel?

72dpi is the highest resolution viewable on the computer screen. 72DPI is pretty low-resolution and managable by a lot of cameras which does not sport a high (3-5) "megapixel" rating. The higher resolutions are need for printouts, and thus the demand for high "megapixel" cameras. If you are not intending to printout, then the megapixel factor should weigh less on your buying decision. You should consider other factors such as, portability, lense zoom range, ease of use, full-auto vs. full-manual modes, media type, and price.

Megapixels aren't everything. The megapixels will just get cheaper and cheaper as time rolls on. The camera has to be able to capture alot of information "properly", otherwise you just get crappy pictures that are really large and slow to upload, hard to manipulate and huge on the screen.

Digital imaging is a craft. It involves two skill sets - studio photography and digital image manipulation.

Look for a camera that has a good "macro mode" (this is camera-speak for magnifying glass). Also get some good flexible lamps and get a tripod.

Use photoshop or any other image manipulation software that will allow you to resize, change resolution, and crop your images.

Go to dpreview.com. It is an excellent resource for choosing digital cameras.
 
Sundsvall is right that there's more to it than just the resolution. You need a camera that handles "macro" photography well and that provides clear, sharp, well-balanced images.

Having said that, a 1 megapixel resolution is plenty for most web pictures. 2 megapixels or better are recommended if you intend to produce hardcopy photographs in the larger sizes (such as 8"x10"). The higher the resolution of your original picture the more options you have, both in processing and displaying it.

--Bob Q
 
Originally posted by Sundsvall
72dpi is the highest resolution viewable on the computer screen.
Click to expand...

I agree with just about everything you said, but thought I'd mention that modern computer screens often exceed 72dpi. My laptop's LCD screen presents 133dpi.

--Bob Q
 
i suggest you NOT get a camera simply for taking photographs of your knives
much better to get a higher end one which can be used for leisure shots too
if you're only aiming to take webphotos, a good highend webcam will do the job for a much lower price
this makes more sense in the long run : sacrificing performance for price when it comes to digital cameras isn't worth it
 
Actually, cameras that perform well in macro and action photography are among the most expensive cameras available.

Also, I stand corrected.

72dpi = maximum viewable on CRT - glass monitor screens
133dpi = maximum viewable on LCD - Flat panel screen
 
Photographing knives?

You'll need the camera and equipment that Shelby Chan has. His macro work is the best I've seen.
Best to have Shelby take the photos as well because he must be bringing out the best in his tools.

Me, I'm stuck with a Sony DSC F77 which does macro pretty well. Not in the same class as the F707 or whatever Shelby has...

Al
 
Personally, I wouldn't go less than ~3 megapixels for printing, but something as low as one megapixel will do for internet photos.
 
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