Reader request: cameras for eBay shooters
By CNET staff
Q: I need a high-quality digital camera for taking pictures and selling my items on eBay. Do I need a 3-megapixel camera for a better-quality picture, or am I wasting my money on anything higher than a 1-megapixel model?
A: It depends on the size of the products you're shooting and how much detail you need to capture in the shots. One other thing to remember is that resolution isn't the only consideration; you're likely to get better color and dynamic range in a camera with 2 or more megapixels, simply because manufacturers put better technology in the higher-priced cameras. A good rule of thumb is that the smaller the object or the greater the detail needed, the higher the resolution you want.
Recommendations
Furniture and cars: Canon PowerShot A75 (3 megapixels)
Toys, clothing, and books: Sony Cyber Shot DSC-V1 (5 megapixels)
Jewelry, arts, crafts, stamps, and coins: Nikon D70 (6 megapixels), Sony Cyber Shot DSC-V3 (7 megapixels), Canon PowerShot Pro1 (8 megapixels)
A: It depends on the size of the products you're shooting and how much detail you need to capture in the shots. One other thing to remember is that resolution isn't the only consideration; you're likely to get better color and dynamic range in a camera with 2 or more megapixels, simply because manufacturers put better technology in the higher-priced cameras. A good rule of thumb is that the smaller the object or the greater the detail needed, the higher the resolution you want.
Recommendations
Furniture and cars: Canon PowerShot A75 (3 megapixels)
Toys, clothing, and books: Sony Cyber Shot DSC-V1 (5 megapixels)
Jewelry, arts, crafts, stamps, and coins: Nikon D70 (6 megapixels), Sony Cyber Shot DSC-V3 (7 megapixels), Canon PowerShot Pro1 (8 megapixels)
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Canon PowerShot A75 An excellent 3-megapixel choice if you value versatility over compactness.  Read review Check latest prices |
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Sony Cyber Shot DSC-V1 This compact prosumer Sony offers amateur photographers a lighter burden, first-rate pictures, and pleasing performance. Read reviewCheck latest prices |
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Nikon D70 The Nikon D70 is a great enthusiast dSLR. Read reviewCheck latest prices |
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Sony Cyber Shot DSC-V3 This Sony offers good features and performance in a compact camera for enthusiasts, but its low-ISO image quality doesn't quite match the best in its class. Read reviewCheck latest prices |
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Canon PowerShot Pro1 This 8-megapixel megazoom model has some annoying drawbacks, but its top-notch pictures will please many advanced and enthusiast shooters. Read reviewCheck latest prices |
