The Sony Cyber-shot DSC-WX9 is a sub-$150 camera that's actually as good as its specs.

(Credit:
CBS Interactive)

It seems like every year there’s a glut of point-and-shoot cameras getting blown out at ridiculously low prices for the holidays, all teased with the same three specs: megapixels, zoom, and screen size.

It’s understandable, too, since they’re things manufacturers and retailers can attach larger and larger numbers to and people will think they’re getting a better camera. However, just taking a little closer look at those specs could make the difference between a winner and a loser.

So, if you’re going to pick up a camera based mainly on price, do yourself a favor and take a quick look at some key things to see if what you’re getting is actually a good deal.

Megapixels
To quote CNET’s camera buyer’s guide, “More megapixels does not necessarily mean better photo quality.” This is especially true for inexpensive pocket cameras where it’s cheaper and easier for manufacturers to ratchet up the resolution to sell cameras than to improve image quality in other ways. So if you’re trying to decide between a 16-megapixel camera and a 12-megapixel one, don’t let the extra resolution sway you because it’s not a guarantee of better-looking photos.

What you can look for is the type of image sensor it uses… [Read more]

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