The quality of compact cameras has improved massively in recent years, although they've been outmanoeuvred a bit by DSLR's and advanced mobile phone cameras. Manufacturers often stress the number of pixels, but don't be blinded by this, the quality of the lens is just as important. In general, a lens with lower brightness will give noisier images, especially in dark conditions. A high resolution may have the same effect in less expensive cameras.
The quality of compact cameras has improved massively in recent years, although they've been outmanoeuvred a bit by DSLR's and advanced mobile phone cameras. Manufacturers often stress the number of pixels, but don't be blinded by this, the quality of the lens is just as important. In general, a lens with lower brightness will give noisier images, especially in dark conditions. A high resolution may have the same effect in less expensive cameras.
