Originally Posted by
Little Darwin
For online pics, 1 megapixel is enough.... An 800X600 image is less than 1/2 megapixel.
The quality of the camera is obviously an issue... and I think that the higher quality cameras may well have a higher megapixel rating, but the two don't necessarily go hand in hand.
Higher megapixels are definitely useful for printing, or for other high resolution use, but a really nice looking web image could be taken with a 1 megapixel camera.
Higher quality cameras tend to have more features, not always more MP, some will have interchangeable lenses, or longer focal length zooms, many will allow for higher EV factors, and less image noise then the cheaper cameras. Some will have camera shake reduction circuits, better auto focus and auto exposure options. Some will have more accessories available. MP is like bike gearing, a 30 speed bike is somehow better then a 24 speed bicycle, even though the highest and lowest gears may be equal.