couple of questions

[Sporty]

I am a total newbie to the digital camera, but I'm going to buy one in the next week or 2. I have used one sparingly for work. I want to capture antelope, deer and various critters that move but when I take a picture of the moving parts, they are just a blurr. I'm sure there is a way to prevent this but I don't know it. So I need a little help there. Also I'm trying to figure out the whole zoom vs. megapixels deal. I want to be able to take pics of critters a long ways away. I know camcorders can zoom in a ridiculous amount but cameras seem to be lacking this ability. Most the cameras I see are 3-10x while camcorder are like 400x with the digital zoom. I'm also a little confused on the whole "3.6x optical/4.1x digital zoom" type stuff. Whats the diff between the 2? Also, what are some good brands to go with and the ones to stay away from? Thanks guys and gals.
Good luck to all,
Sporty

 

[wvhunter]

I am by far not an expert but will try and answer the best that I understand.

The short story on MP's. The more you have the bigger the file, BUT the larger you will be able to print a high resolution print of your photo. You could print a 5x7 from a 2MP pic but it would start getting grainy but if you printed the same pic taken with a 4MP camera it would be nice and clear. Some of the folks on this board probably can tell you how many megapixels you need to print 5x7 or 8x10.

On the digital vs optical zoom. Forget the digital zoom even is there. It gets very grainy. The more optical zoom the further you can take pics but as you zoom out the cam will need more light so it is hard to take a low light picture with a high zoom setting. Some zoom lens (if you are going with a DSLR) will gather enough light to take low light pics but you can run into some serious $$$$ in a hurry.

I am using a Fuji S5100 which is a 4mp with 10x optical and have been very pleased and it isn't outragous in price (around 325 now I think).

Hope this helps some.

 

[quailsroost]

wvhunter hit it right on the button, the Fuji 5100 is a very good starter camera in the point and shoot digital cameras, 17st photo has them for $279. with a $50. rebate.