What type of digital camera should I use for 8x10 pictures?

Question

I need a lightweight camera for travel, but I want the pictures detailed enough for 8x10 prints. How many pixels? Willing to spend approximately $500. Also, what memory would you suggest? I need a 4 gig

Answer 1

You can find many small cameras that meet your needs. 3 is adequate (I did that for years), 4 is better, and 5 is better still.

The thing is, the smaller the image size (in pixels), the less you will be able to enlarge your photo. If you are using 3, 4, or 5 MP, try to as much of your final composition in the camera so you won't lose too much when you are making that 8x10 print. The same logic applies for ANY camera, though, even if it's 10-12 MP. They just give you more "cushion" in your composition and let you find new images inside of photos you took while trying to get the "big picture."

I'm adding a few pictures just to show you that 4 MP can be quite adequate. I apologize to the "regulars" here who keep seeing this list, but I feel that it is helpful to the asker.

Here are a few samples. These pics were taken with the Coolpix 4600 (4 MP) with no tricks or gimmicks or filters or anything. They had some "very minor adjustments" in Photoshop. If you bought this camera today, you would be able to go out and snap these pictures yourself.

500KB - http://members.aol.com/swf08302/benfranklin.jpg
Supported on a metal fence for about a 3 second exposure
The camera was in "auto" mode and I just held it still.

1.7 MB - http://members.aol.com/swf08302/commsthouse.jpg
Just a grab shot of a particular house

2MB - http://members.aol.com/swf08302/sunset20060214.jpg
Pretty winter sunset

38KB - http://members.aol.com/swf08302/solstice20051221.jpg
That's Venus up in the sky

Answer 2

To me, "lightweight" means a compact style camera. In order to print 8x10 pictures, you need at least 3 megapixels. Don't let the salesmen tell you you MUST HAVE a 5 megapixel camera - it just isn't necessary. If you choose to go with that, fine, but know that it isn't required.

There's a great website (below) that allows you to enter your requirements to see what cameras match. They also review (both by the website and by users) many cameras. It's how I chose my Canon. Other things you should consider are zoom (and digital zoom is less than worthless in my book (you could do the same thing on your computer with the finished photo) - you want optical zoom), lens quality, point & shoot vs. manual controls (or both), the size of the LCD screen, what kind of batteries it uses (do you want to use regular batteries, or have to recharge the provided battery), whether you want to make movie clips, etc.

The kind of memory depends on the camera - if you already have a particular type memory card/reader, then look for a camera with the qualities you need that also have that type of memory. If this is your first, then I'd go with either Compact Flash or SD. They're fairly universal - the SD is smaller and easier to store several in a small space. They cost about the same, especially if you watch for rebates. 4 gig is really going to cost you - you might be better off getting four 1G or two 2G cards. Right now (this week) Staples has both the SD and Compact Flash 1G cards from PNY for about $25 after rebate. That's a spectacular price. Check your local circular (you can check it on their website, by clicking "Local Circular" and entering your zip code).

As for a specific camera recommendation, I've been very happy with my Canon, and they consistently get good reviews (4 - 5 star). Their prices range from a couple hundred dollars on up.

Answer 3

For highest quality prints, most printers recommend 300 pixels per inch (ppi). So for 8x10's that would be:

(8 x 300 = 2400 pixels wide) by (10 x 300 = 3000 pixels high).

2400 x 3000 = 7.2 Megapixel images

However, in a practical sense, quality digicams with quality lenses can produce quite nice 8x10's with less resolution. I have gotten very usable 8x10 prints from my 3.2 MP Sony and outstanding prints from my 5.1 Mp Sony.

To be sure, I would look at a camera with 5 to 7 MP. My two favorites are the :

Sony DSC-H5 7 MP, 12x Zoom, Image Stabilization, 3"LCD

Canon S3 IS 6 MP, 12x Zoom, Image Stabilization, 2"movable LCD

Both of these are under $500 and the very long zoom (up to 430 mm equivalent) gives you much more flexibility to get great travel pics. They are a little bigger than the "pocket" compact cameras, but the added capability is worth it.

I use Sandisk memory cards and have had no trouble with them. They seem to offer good value and service. But any major name brand is good.

You might want to consider using multiple smaller cards vs one 4 GB card. This spreads out your risk of problems or loss of the card (and with it all your pics).

Have a Great Trip!

Answer 4

when I read about it I was thinking of Medium Format rather then APS. For 8x10 I would recommend at least S3 IS. Overall it's the best camera for under $500. For memory I would say depend on what you need. If you need to burst then a fast card would be great. SanDist Extreme or Lexar 133x.

Answer 5

cnet is also a great place for reviews of digital cameras, or anything electronic. four years ago i used it to select my 3 mega pix canon sureshot. It still takes awesome pix, but of course now you can buy a smaller, faster, better version for the same money. If i were to buy a replacement today, i would get a canon powershot sd550 its 7 mp, 6 oz. and 3.5" x2.25"x 1.1 "

http://reviews.cnet.com/Digital_cameras/2001-6501_7-0.html?tag=cnetfd.dir

canons site
http://www.usa.canon.com/consumer/controller?act=ProductCatIndex1Act&fcategoryid=101

i recommend spending about $400 or less for the camera, then the rest for accessories. you will need a 2nd rechargeable battery and a bigger memory card. sandisk makes the best memory cards and i recommend their ultra for the speed to allow you to take pictures faster.

amazon always seems to have a deal on the sandisk cards and do right now in fact.

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00065AO0K/sr=8-4/qid=1155480233/ref=pd_bbs_4/102-2740364-3975361?ie=UTF8

Answer 6

Get a 5 MP Camera. Get a Sony Cybershot DSC T7. You can get one here http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16830150062

But, if you prefer a super-fine, really good camera, you should get this, Panasonic DMC-LX1S Silver 8.4MP Digital Camera, http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16830134035

Answer 7

5 megapixels should be plenty for 8x10, but more wouldn't hurt as long as you have enough card space. as for memory, any brand should be fine but I prefer sandisk