what is more important, megapixels or zoom?

[pontius]

also, what is the best way to take pics of moving fish without being blurry? and how to take a well lit pic? I turn on the overhead light and use the flash and the pics still look dark.

 

[37g joe]

it depends on what you mean by zoom digital zoom sucks it just blows up the pic and lowers quality a good 5 mega pixal camera with optical zoom should suit you but try to get the most optical zoom you can pay for. im saving up for a new camera my camer is one i got for a present it has just digital zoom but is 5 mega pixcels picturs where i dont have to zoom look great but if i am far from wherever im taking the picture and i have to use the digtal zoom i just would rater not take the pic. also if your taking a pic of your tank make sure you have a tripod for stabalization

 

[aw2]

Optical zoom is the main thing to look at.

 

[pontius]

I have 5 MP with 10x optical zoom. but most of the zooming in appears to be digital, and takes blurry pics. I can't get in close enough like most of the pics I see on here. I have tried every setting and combo of settings that I can think of, and I can't get a good pic.

 

[aw2]

are you using your flash?

 

[pontius]

sometimes I do, sometimes not, but it's still not taking the kind of pics I want either way.

 

[doodle1800]

sounds like you have a kodak 740?

 

[doodle1800]

try a full tank shot and see how that looks - post it... then get closer and see where it starts getting unfocused... moving fish up close is a bit difficult to take..

 

[pontius]

Originally Posted by doodle1800
sounds like you have a kodak 740?
yup, that's what I've got. is there some combo of settings that I can get good close up pics? I know it's hard with moving fish, and I can get a little better with corals, but still not as close up as I'd like.

 

[doodle1800]

You'll need a macro lens to get real closeups, something a 740 doesn't have.
How close can you get and still be focused?
Post a pic for us to see your problem - focused and unfocused (closeup and not).
Is your auto focus on, is your hand steady?
Moving fish - change your shutter speed - choose the fastest speed the camera can handle, try with flash off.