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Electronics
Camera boxes shout megapixels and '8K'. What decides whether your photos beat a phone is sensor size, autofocus that actually tracks, stabilisation, and whether video overheats after 20 minutes. Lenses usually cost more than the body over the years, so the lens system matters as much as the camera.
Quick answer
Sensor size decides low-light quality — -C or full-frame beats megapixels.
24–33 MP is plenty for nearly everyone.
In-body stabilisation and subject-tracking autofocus matter more than burst speed.
For video, check 10-bit recording and the overheating time limit.
A few questions about your situation, not about the product.
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Answer all 2 questions to see the spec sheet to shop with.
For electronics the expensive failures are the display, the board and the battery. Extended cover is worth it only when it names those parts and offers a repair path in your city.
Ask these five questions
Usually not covered
Rule of thumb: worth considering on a high-value device you carry around, rarely worth it on a low-cost one where a plan costs more than ~15% of the price.
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The physical size of the chip that captures light.
Why it matters
Bigger sensors gather more light — cleaner indoor and night shots and softer backgrounds.
What to check
A 1/2.3-inch compact with 20 MP is phone-class quality, whatever the zoom number says.
Image resolution.
Why it matters
24–33 MP prints large and crops comfortably; 45 MP+ only helps landscape and studio work.
What to check
High-MP bodies need sharper lenses, faster cards and more storage.
The sensor moves to cancel hand shake, rated in 'stops'.
Why it matters
5+ stops lets you shoot handheld in dim light and walk-and-talk video without a gimbal.
What to check
Many entry bodies have no and rely on stabilised lenses — check which kit lens you get.
Phase-detection AF that recognises eyes, people, animals and vehicles.
Why it matters
Tracking AF decides how many shots of kids, pets and sport come out sharp.
What to check
Contrast-only AF 'hunts' and pulses in video — avoid it in 2026.
How the camera records video and for how long.
Why it matters
Uncropped 4K/60 and 10-bit 4:2:2 give smooth footage that survives colour editing.
What to check
'4K' with a heavy crop or a 20–30 minute overheat cut-off ruins long recordings.
Shots per charge and the memory cards it takes.
Why it matters
400+ shots and USB-C charging make travel easy; dual slots back up paid work.
What to check
Small bodies often rate under 300 shots — budget for a spare battery.
₹45,000–₹90,000 (≈$540–$1,080) gets a strong -C kit. Full-frame bodies start around ₹1,10,000 (≈$1,320) before lenses.