We all know that mega pixels are very important when it comes to choosing a digital camera and in fact mega pixels should be the number one factor when considering the next digital camera you purchase. But what is a mega pixel and what quality can you expect from the various ranges of mega pixels?

Pixels are in fact simply tiny dots of light that make up a digital image. One million pixels is one mega pixel and mega pixels are of course the feature which determines the quality of digital camera pictures.

Next we will discuss the various range of mega pixels and what type of quality the various mega pixels will produce, with this information you will be better equipped to make a decision regarding how many mega pixels you will need in your next digital camera.

1 mega pixel

Almost non existent, however you still may find this range cell phones, PDAs, and very old desktop "web" cameras. They are really only suitable if you intend to email pictures to other people and those people aren't going to be printing them. If you print pictures from a 1 mega pixel camera you will realise the quality is inferior.

1.1 to 2 mega pixels

Only a tiny bit better than the 1.0, this resolution is OK for an average 4x6 snapshot, but once more as per the 1.0 the quality will not be very good at all.

2.1 to 3 mega pixels

This is the start of the fairly decent picture quality range. You can get good 4x6 images and reasonably good 5x7 images. These cameras are very very low cost and
provide a good platform for beginners, or perhaps for your children etc.

3.1 to 5 mega pixels

You are qualified to say that you have a pretty good camera. You get great quality 4x6 images, and fairly good quality 5x7 and 6x9 shots, and just below average 8x10 images.

5.1 to 8 mega pixels

People will be saying "Hey, great pictures!". You can count on amazing quality pictures all the way up to 8x10's.

8.1 mega pixels and up

Getting a digital camera with 8.1 mega pixels or more will result in professional quality pictures whichever size you decided to print. You and your family and friends will be amazed by the pictures.

If you are only going to be viewing your pictures online, such as posting them at a photo site or using them on your web pages, keep your money in your pocket and opt to get a camera with up to 5 mega pixels.

If you will be shooting pictures that will be printed for various purposes, such as for brochures,postcards, etc, then you will need at least a 5 mega pixel camera if not higher. Of course keep in mind that the higher the mega pixel count, the higher the price too.

Once you've solved the mega pixel question, there are various other camera features to consider such as optical/digital zoom and shutter speed etc, however choosing between these should be a simple task after you have debated over the various mega pixels on offer.

Whatever you decide, ensure you have shopped around and done your fair share of comparisons to ensure you have the best deal for yourself.