Finally, compacts have reached the double-digit megapixel stage. Casio’s latest compact the Exilim EX-Z1000 packs a whooping 10-megapixel in a slim 92 x 58.4 x 22.4mm, 139g package. The camera also features Anti-Shake DSP for reducing handshake-blur, 3x optical zoom (38-114mm equiv), f/2.8-5.4 aperture and a ISO 3200 High Sensitivity BEST SHOT mode that seems rather gimmicky.

Then again, most experienced photographers will tell you megapixel isn’t the determining factor for a good camera, especially compact digital cameras. In fact, a 2 to 3 megapixel is sufficient for churning out great 4R prints. So unless you have plans to do large prints, a high megapixel camera won’t turn your shots into million-dollar ones. Neither will it make your girlfriend slim.

Fortunately, that doesn’t mean the EX-Z1000 is a bad camera. In fact, it sports a 1/1.8″ sensor, which is larger than that found in most compact cameras, and even prosumer cameras such as Canon S2 IS and Panasonic LUMIX DMC-FZ20. Sensor size is important for image quality, which is the reason why SLR cameras are a giant step up from compacts - they have much larger sensor sizes, although I can’t vouch for any significant difference in image quality between a 1/1.8″ and a 1/2.5″ sensor.

Additionally, the EX-Z1000 features Anti-Shake DSP, which comes in extremely useful when trying to take slow shutter shots in low lighting conditions. It helps to achieve sharper pictures for half-hearted one-handed shots as well.

In short, never buy a camera just because it packs the highest megapixel rating in the market. Instead, look out for the less conspicuous features that are in fact more important than plain megapixel muscles.