Haven’t decided if the extra $100 would be well spent on the 12.1mp versus 8mp, especially with these point and shoot, I suspect there’s a limit how effective a higher res camera would be beyond 6mp.
As you go to a higher resolution on same size sensor chip, you run into ISO noise issues. You are trying to capture light with a smaller cell within the chip. To do this, the gain on the op-amps has to be pushed up. Any noise or even quantization noise gets magnified. DPreview shows both the resolution and sensor size. They also run noise analysis.
One thing I did notice is that the SD950IS(12Mpixel) has a larger sensor (1/1.7″) vs the SD850IS(1/2.5″)(8Mpixel). This would mean that the SD950IS will do as well or better in low light and the flash response would be better (would not need as bright a flash).
SD850IS photo sensor cell is 2.2um across
SD950IS photo sensor cell is 2.2um across
If you are shooting 4×6, anything over about 4Mpixel doesn’t add anything. If you want to print an 8×10, larger resolution does matter. I have a 12Mpixel DSLR and a friend of mine has a 6Mpixel DSLR. The difference is quite noticeable. on 8x10s.
I’m sort of bummed that it’s getting harder to find simple point and shoot that take the compact flash format. I hate memory sticks and SD cards are yet another format I need to stock now.
I agree here.. for the heck of it, I checked if my old point and shoot was still available.. it is and they are asking insane prices for it now, much more than what I paid. It does take CF (as do my other digitals).
