Megapixel Cameras: When More Is More

With digital imaging, the higher the resolution, the better the picture. If you just want to capture images to post on the Web, or some 3-by-5-inch prints, a camera limited to standard 640 by 480 resolution should do fine. But if you want to print larger photos or need top-quality images, a higher-resolution megapixel camera is the answer, and these units are becoming more affordable. I checked out two of the newest from Canon and Olympus.

Priced at $699, the compact, 8.1-ounce Canon PowerShot A5 has an autofocus 35mm lens (f2.5) and comes with an 8MB CompactFlash card that stores up to 89 images at 1024 by 768 resolution, or 236 images at 512 by 384 resolution.

For the same price as the Canon, the Olympus D-340L offers higher resolution and is almost as light. It has an autofocus 36mm lens (f2.8) and comes with a 4MB SmartMedia card that captures up to 18 images at 1280 by 960 resolution, or 60 images at standard 640 by 480 resolution.

The Canon and Olympus share many similar features, including 2-inch color LCD screens, built-in flash, macro capability, serial-port connectors, video-out connectors, and software bundles that include image editing and slide show applications. Both cameras also feature two new shooting modes: sequence shooting for capturing a series of action shots, and panorama shooting for stitching multiple images together to create ultra-wide-angle shots.

But judging from a variety of indoor and outdoor shots I took with preproduction units, then viewed on screen and printed with a photo-quality ink jet, the cameras differ in image quality. I found the Olympus images consistently better looking--sharper, with more detail and better contrast than those from the Canon.

For personal use, the Canon PowerShot A5 is a fine choice, especially if you like to fiddle with lots of settings. Its large storage capability is a big plus. But if image quality is paramount, the Olympus D-340L is a better option.

However, my megapixel camera of choice remains the Epson PhotoPC 700 (reviewed in July's New Products). Its photos are of better quality than those produced by the Olympus; it lets you switch lenses; and it comes with a nifty pocket-size, rechargeable battery pack.

Note: The above paragraph has been changed to correct an editing error. --Editors

SUMMARY

Canon PowerShot A5 PRO: Fits in shirt pocket, stores lots of shots, includes AC power supply. CON: Not the highest megapixel resolution for the price, more complex to use than the Olympus. VALUE: Good workhorse for personal use. $699 Canon Computer Systems 800/652-2666 www.ccsi.canon.com

SUMMARY

Olympus D-340L PRO: High 1280 by 960 resolution, good-quality images, easy to use. CON: Less storage than the Canon, AC power supply costs extra. VALUE: Takes good pictures, but not quite as good as the similarly priced Epson PhotoPC 700. $699 Olympus America 800/347-4027 www.olympus.com