If you have gone to purchase a new digital camera lately you are probably overwhelmed with the technical terms that go along with the process. Megapixel is one of the key factors you need to consider when purchasing a camera. A pixel is actually a picture element. Megapixel is 1 million pixels or 1 million picture elements. Have I lost you yet? Why should you care about megapixels? The best analogy for me to use will hopefully be understood by the ladies in the audience. I compare megapixels to thread count in your sheets. The higher the megapixels number the higher quality photo.
Most cell phone cameras are 1-2 megapixels. They take lower quality photos, small file sizes perfect for emailing. I wouldn’t recommend taking photos of a once in a lifetime event (weddings or births) on a camera phone unless of course that is your only option. Compact point and shoot cameras between 4-6 megapixels are commonly sold. They are affordable and take great amateur photos for all occasions. These cameras are getting smaller every day and can easily be thrown in your pocket or console of your car to have ready to shoot at a moments notice. Matter of fact I carry a small Casio 6.3 megapixel camera in my purse just in case I need it. My Nikon D50 SLR is 6.1 megapixels and I use it when I think far enough ahead to bring it to with me.
There are several other technical terms you need to understand when purchasing a new camera, megapixels is just one of them. For me what is important is the quality of photos I take and how I can then digitally manipulate them later. Prices can vary quite a bit depending on all the extra features. Deciding what is important to you will help you make an educated decision.