Q: Will higher megapixel ranges on a camera give me better image quality? – M.G.

A: Unfortunately it will not. The megapixel myth of “more megapixels = better photo quality” is just that – a myth. More megapixels do not translate into better image quality. Here’s why: more mega pixels will only increase the size of the photo they do not improve the resolution. As it turns out, some high megapixel cameras may actually have poorer photographic quality than some of their lower megapixel counterparts. Why? More pixels on a camera’s image sensor means that the pixels are pressed together in a compact manner which may lead to compression interference on the sensor which in turn can decrease resolution and image sensitivity.  

Q: What’s up with the quality settings my camera? – S. O.

A: If you are referring to image resolution quality settings I believe that I can help you. First, nearly all digital cameras have some sort of image quality resolution settings to choose from (ex. 1200x1600) as well as a quality setting (ex. HQ, SQ). There is, however, a paradox that comes with these settings: the quality of the image is inversely proportional to the amount of compression that the camera uses. Translation: higher quality images will have less compression but will take up more memory whereas lower quality images will take less memory but be more compressed resulting in relatively poor image quality as well as being susceptible to *artifact inclusion.    

Q: Which is better: digital zoom or optical zoom? – J. M.

A: When shopping for a camera you will want to compare optical zoom to optical zoom, not to digital zoom or total zoom. Optical zoom is the most important feature as far as zoom is concerned, so in short, there is no real question as to what type of zoom matters when choosing a camera – optical is the one. The manufacturers only put things such as “300x digital zoom” on a package to sound impressive and lure those who have less working knowledge of cameras into their marketing trap. Additionally, you may what to choose a camera that will warn you when you are transitioning from optical to digital zoom range – some models will even allow you to disable the digital zoom feature altogether should you wish to do so. For a novice who is not proficient in working with photo enhancement software or for those who do not have the software that is needed it may be easier to modify the photo by using digital zoom to resize and crop it internally, however, each of these functions can be performed on the photo after it has been exported from the memory device into a photo modification program without having to sacrifice image resolution or quality. 

Q: How does optical image stabilization differ from electronic image stabilization? – J.S.

A: Much like the misleading “digital vs. optical zoom” marketing trap that manufacturers use image stabilization is another category where some camera makers will use less than ethical marketing tactics to dazzle the consumer. Optical image stabilization, like optical zoom, is the one to choose. There are two different types of image stabilization which are lens shift stabilization and CCD shift stabilization. The basic concept of optical image stabilization in each case is basically the same since in both types the camera employs gyroscopic sensors that detect the degree of camera shake and compensate for it. The camera then shifts a lens element (in cameras equipped with lens shift stabilization) or the camera will shift the CCD (which is mounted on a movable platform in cameras equipped with CCD shift stabilization). 

Q: What is an AF illuminator and do I want one on my camera? – C.B.

A: Yes – here’s why: All digital cameras use contrast detection when attempting to focus on the image to be captured. In low light level scenarios (such as the ones that a paranormal investigator may encounter) the camera may not be able to properly focus on the subject and will either default to the “infinity” setting, resulting in a poor photograph, or the camera may not take the photo at all. In this situation the AF (auto focus) illuminator, also called an AF assist lamp, will make all the difference. The AF illuminator will emit a bright beam of light, usually white or orange onto the subject being photographed. This beam of light allows the camera to focus properly, thusly allowing a better photograph of the subject. As a sidebar, some cameras may utilize an infrared or laser based focusing apparatus, however each of these devices will conclude with the same photographic result. 

*Footnote: “Artifacts” is a photographic term that references tiny flaws in digital pictures that appear as small squares. Additionally, the edges of a photo may become blurred as a  result of low quality image compression.

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