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Megapixels are taking up their own column inches this week following the announcement of Nokia's 808 PureView smartphone, which boasts a whopping 41 megapixel camera.

It's easy for consumers to look at 'the numbers' and assume that more megapixels equals a better camera. If this were the case the 808 would soon be replacing long-established professional cameras more than 10 times the price.

A 'megapixel' refers to the number of pixels - or dots - a camera can capture. A single megapixel is a square of 1,000 by 1,000 pixels - making one million pixels. It would seem that having more megapixels means a more detailed image.

To put the 808 into context, current top specification (or spec)Ìýsmartphones feature 8 megapixel cameras, while a digitalÌýSLR cameraÌýused for shooting high resolution images for billboard adverts are usually around 25 megapixels.

When choosing a digital camera, whether part of a mobile phone or a standalone device, the truth is that the megapixel count is only part of the story. Equally, if not more important, are the lenses and features such as image stabilisation – crucial on lightweight cameras operated by human hand.

This latest offering from Nokia has specs far in advance of any smartphone camera. Digging a little deeper though, it becomes clear that the 41 megapixel sensor is in fact intended to be used as part of a fancy technique calledÌý'oversampling', where the huge numberÌýof pixels are compressed downÌýto create a sharper 5-megapixel image.ÌýThe focus (pun intended) appears to be on what a user can do with an image post-capture - zooming, cropping and editing should all yield better results, with less image degradation.

When it comes to cameras on smartphones though, there is increasing interest in apps that in fact age and blur images, suggesting accuracy is less important than attractive and artistic images.

Perhaps this is an indication that smartphone cameras are closer to superceding compact cameras, but both devices still have two distinct uses. One is a lifestyle tool that offers a range of practical applications, whilst the other allows a user to have specific needs met, with fewer restrictions when it comes to weight and size.

It's up to consumers to see through the ever-increasing specs and identify their realistic needs when choosing a device. And remember - more megapixels doesn't necessarily mean a better picture.

Hajar is a regular contributor to the WebWise blog and has also made award-winning programmes for ³ÉÈË¿ìÊÖ Radio. In her spare time she loves reading, writing and singing.