people with big MP digital cams (like 6+ MP)... how good are 4x6 prints?

[ttown]

was reviewing a 7mp camera sample pic and noticed a fair amount of noise when viewed on my monitor
but didn't see any noise in reduced "thumb-nail" like display... so I was wondering what the print would look like.

basically, the 7mp full-image looked sub par and very unimpressive

comments from those with big MP cams?? edit2: is printing a 7mp pic at 4x6 actually degrading to the picture?

edit: i have a good 2mp cam (panasonic), and 4x6 prints come out crystal clear, and i couldn't imagine anything better.

 

[snoopdoug1]

Which camera?

 

[radioouman]

No. 2 megapixels is good enough for a 4x6.

 

[Saint Nick]

i have a 1.6mpx camera, actually, and i can make a good 5 x 7 outta it. 8 x 10s no, lol.

it makes a good 4 x 6. looks good, nice and sharp.

 

[ttown]

Originally posted by: radioouman
No. 2 megapixels is good enough for a 4x6.

but is a 7mp pic printed at 4x6 actually worse ??
it seems to me that it might be....

 

[Sketcher]

Depends on the post processing (if any) and the output media. I regularly print 4x6 and quite a few 8x10 that are indistinguishable from film.

Other factors such as monitor screen resolution, the program used to display the image, size of the image being displayed on the monitor as compared to the size that is printed out. It's important to note that images on screen are usually bigger than what you're printing at so noise noticeable on a typical 1024x768 full screen image isn't likely to show on a 4x6 or even 8x10 print unless the original image is poor to begin with.

Additionally, camera settings are important to note. Just as with different speed film there is a graininess to some output; different digital ISO speeds have different noise characteristics.
Just saying a camera has X number of pixels doesn't by virtue of that number guarrantee an impressive picture.

 

[Sketcher]

Originally posted by: ttown

Originally posted by: radioouman
No. 2 megapixels is good enough for a 4x6.

but is a 7mp pic printed at 4x6 actually worse ??
it seems to me that it might be....

Not enough information to make any kind of assumption. No, an image from a 7mp camera printed at 4x6 is not worse than an 4x6 image printed from a 2mp camera. The inverse is true if all comparable settings are configured properly and the image is a good acquisition in the first place.

 

[ttown]

Originally posted by: Doug3737
Which camera?

the samsung sv700 posted in hotdeals

noisy pic(s) are here at steves

nicer pics are here at dpreview

I already have a 2.1MP panasonic dmc-fz1(v2) and it's great -- except for indoor lowlight pics, plus it's a load to carry -- meaning I can't just stick it in my pocket as i'm headed out the door. I'd like something decent for indoor spur-of-moment shots, plus something that's small enough to carry for those "just-in-case" oppertunities. I'm sure something like a canon 2mp would fit me fine for those purposes. But the above samsung's features and price are really too good to pass up, so I placed my order.
I'd love to be convinced to cancel my order, though... seeing as i really don't need one, plus i shouldn't be buying things like this as i'm currently jobless.