Expert: John Oliverio - 3/10/2004

Question
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Followup To
Question -
Dear John,

I just purchased the Fuji Finepix 410. According  to its specs, it has 3.1million effective megapixels, and 6 million recording pixels. What does this mean? Do I have a 6 megapixel camera or 3.1?
Answer -
Karrar,

You have a 3.1 mp camera.  Fuji uses what they call a SUPER CCD.  Basically they have larger photosites that are octagonal and packed closer together.  With this configuration and some software tricks, they are able to record 6 million pixels with a 3mp camera.  Fuji's site has a more detailed explanation.

John
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Thanks John, So this means that I am getting 6mp picture quality with a 3.1mp camera? Because I was considering buying a 6mp camera as a present for someone...would they be getting the same pic quality if I buy them a 3.1mp Fuji with super ccd? ...as that would save me a lot of money ;)

Answer
No.  There is an old saying.  "There ain't no such thing as a free lunch".  Pixels have little to do with "quality".  More pixels simply means you can make a larger picture.  So, for example a 3mp digital SLR like the Canon D60 will make a better picture than the "6mp" fuji 410.  Because the Canon has a better  lens.

John