Are More Pixels Really Better?

It's the digital camera industry's dirty secret: All pixels are not created equal. They don't tell you, because they want you to suffer from pixel envy. That's how they get you to buy the newest digital camera models.

But is a 10-megapixel camera really better than an 8-megapixel model? Or even a lowly 5-megapixel model? Not necessarily. Here's a case in point:

The 12-megapixel Nikon D300 retails for a little under $1,500. Nikon's D700 is also a 12-megapixel camera... but it sells for about $3,000. Since both are DSLR's, if you don't need the extra features on the D700, you'll get the same quality pictures for $1,500 less, right?

Wrong. Though both cameras offer roughly the same nominal resolution, at 23.6 x 15.8 mm, the D300's sensor is less than half the size of the D700's. That means each pixel in the D700 sensor is able to absorb more light... and thus can provide greater detail and richer color.

But don't knock the D300... it's sensor is still about twice the size of the average point-and-shoot camera's sensor.

Greater nominal resolutions can also create a disadvantage. Smaller pixels tend to increase "noise" - off-color or grainy spots in your photos. That's why your old 6-megapixel camera may have produced better looking photos than your new 10-megapixel model.

So when you're looking for a digital camera, look at two numbers: resolution ("megapixels") and sensor size. Because resolution alone is just half the story.

The Portable Hard Drive Grows Up

There are a lot of options out there for portable photo viewers. Cell phones, PDA's, iPods... They all have their advantages. But for my money, there's only one way to go if you're a serious photographer: a portable hard drive storage device.

Though most of these devices are a little too large to comfortably fit in a pocket, they easily ride in a medium-sized camera bag or a backpack. And they provide enough storage space to download an entire vacation's worth of high-resolution photos - and then some.

While there are a handful of brands to choose from, when you consider features vs. price, I believe Digital Foci's Picture Porter comes out on top. The Picture Porter includes built-in slots for 10 flash memory card formats. It's compatible with five photo file types - including RAW files - four video file types and four sound file types - including MP3 and AAC.

For travelers, the Picture Porter can also serve as an entertainment system. You can download your favorite music and listen via the built-in speaker or with headphones. Plus, you can record video ( your favorite movies, perhaps) to the Picture Porter and play it back on the bright 3.6" color screen. There's even a built-in FM radio and direct audio-recording feature.

If you take a lot of digital pictures, or use RAW or TIFF formats, you'll go through memory cards quickly. A portable hard drive device such as he Picture Porter could be just what you need to store and organize your pictures on the go.

Don't Re-Shoot, Retouch

Did you ever suspect a digital photo you shot in color would look better in black and white? Most photographers do from time to time.

Well, there's no need to go back out and shoot your subject again. With most digital photo editing software, you can get that black-and-white look easily.

In Adobe's popular Photoshop Elements (version 6), for example, you just open the photo file and select "Enhance" from the main menu. Then select "Convert to Black and White..." from the drop-down list. Elements displays the original (color) photo next to a black-and-white version, along with several adjustment options to fine-tune your photo.

Just make the changes you want (the on-screen image changes as you adjust the settings) and then click on "OK." Elements then displays your digital photo in black and white. The entire process takes just seconds.

Even better, Elements' "Undo," "Step Back" and "Revert" features let you change your mind at any step in the process - so long as you haven't saved over the original file.

Pro Lighting Secret for Outdoors

Outdoor light can be very uneven. And if you don't want your subject squinting into the sun, chances are good you'll wind up with a lot of shadow on their face. Here's a little secret pros use to solve this problem.

It's called a reflector.

Reflectors are exactly what they sound like: surfaces that reflect light. And basic two-sided folding models start at about $10.00.

If there's too much shadow on your subject, simply angle the reflector to bounce light onto them. You can use a stand or a friend to hold the reflector, and then shoot away. Your subject comes out well-lit, and you look like a genius.

Reflectors come in several sizes and configurations. A good choice for a portable reflector is a two-sided 12" model. They typically fold to about 1/3 their oringal size, so you only need a 4" spot in your pack or camera bag. Good choices are silver/white or silver/gold. Gold will warm the reflected light, which can be especially pleasing when shooting portraits.

Reflectors are effective for any fairly close work where shadow is a problem and flash might make your shot too bright or unnatural. And at just $10.00, it's one of the cheapest accessories you'll ever love.