[Kelvin]

In accordance to pip22's post, yes, if you're going to make your snaps into a poster, the image quality will be seen as 'inferior', however if it is meant to be printed out in a horizontal A4 size, it'd look perfect. The noise wouldn't be visible if printing onto an A4 sized paper.

And, the cameras recommended by pip22 are quite good ones, too, though they may cost more than you expect.

For the Nikon D40, pricing is at $550 now, but on Amazon it's cheaper.
http://www.amazon.co...r/dp/B000KJQ1DG

For the Pentax K100D, it is currently priced at $599.95, though Amazon quotes it at $1000. Now, it's at $500.
http://www.amazon.co...c...2541&sr=1-1

I hope these can help you make your decision even further.

~Kelvin

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I've learned quite a lot about digital photography since buying an Olympus 8Mp SLR last year, Andrew. The sensors on pocket-size digicams are smaller than those on an SLR which means the images will generally be 'noisier' (a grainy appearance). This isn't a problem with postcard-size prints but becomes more noticeable on large prints. The larger sensor on an SLR doesn't suffer from this unless you set the ISO to a high value for low-light work, whereas on some pocket-size digicams the sensor noise can be apparent on prints even with the camera set at normal ISO values.

What I'm really saying is if image-quality is one of your top priorities, and you intend to make large prints, you ought to consider getting an SLR.
7Mp is an awful lot to squeeze onto the relatively small sensor of pocket digicam.

I started off with a pocket digicam (a Sony 7Mp model) and although it was beautifully made I soon discovered the limitations of this type of camera. Fine for snapshots and something to have handy at all times, but not for making quality enlargements. Even a 'beginners' 6Mp SLR will produce better quality prints (large or small) than a 7 or 8Mp pocket camera.

6Mp Digital SLRs:
http://www.pentaxweb...etail/PTX 19157
http://www.nikonusa....productNr=25420

thanks for the info, I'm not sure I will be printing the pictures for posters, although I will probably want to when I start getting good shots. The reason I want something pocket size is that I walk to work through a forest/jungle (in mexico) and everyday I see stuff that would look excellent for a picture, such as iguanas and cool plants and I want to be able to just take out my camera and get the best image possible, I also want to be able to have it with me when I go out with the guys, without it strapped onto my shoulder or something.

What exactly is SLR? Something tells me its bigger, hehe

Thanks

[andrewclone]

I've learned quite a lot about digital photography since buying an Olympus 8Mp SLR last year, Andrew. The sensors on pocket-size digicams are smaller than those on an SLR which means the images will generally be 'noisier' (a grainy appearance). This isn't a problem with postcard-size prints but becomes more noticeable on large prints. The larger sensor on an SLR doesn't suffer from this unless you set the ISO to a high value for low-light work, whereas on some pocket-size digicams the sensor noise can be apparent on prints even with the camera set at normal ISO values.

What I'm really saying is if image-quality is one of your top priorities, and you intend to make large prints, you ought to consider getting an SLR.
7Mp is an awful lot to squeeze onto the relatively small sensor of pocket digicam.

I started off with a pocket digicam (a Sony 7Mp model) and although it was beautifully made I soon discovered the limitations of this type of camera. Fine for snapshots and something to have handy at all times, but not for making quality enlargements. Even a 'beginners' 6Mp SLR will produce better quality prints (large or small) than a 7 or 8Mp pocket camera.

6Mp Digital SLRs:
http://www.pentaxweb...etail/PTX 19157
http://www.nikonusa....productNr=25420

thanks for the info, I'm not sure I will be printing the pictures for posters, although I will probably want to when I start getting good shots. The reason I want something pocket size is that I walk to work through a forest/jungle (in mexico) and everyday I see stuff that would look excellent for a picture, such as iguanas and cool plants and I want to be able to just take out my camera and get the best image possible, I also want to be able to have it with me when I go out with the guys, without it strapped onto my shoulder or something.

What exactly is SLR? Something tells me its bigger, hehe

Thanks

[Kelvin]

Yup, it is bigger than a normal digital camera. You'll need to wait a few more years before having a pocket-sized SLR camera.

~Kelvin