how many megapixels do i need?

[waterboy419]

i'm looking in the 4-5 mp range. i'd mostly be making 4x6 prints, but i may make a few 5x7 or 8x10's occasionally too and i want them to look good. would 4 mp be enough for quality prints of those sizes? would 5?

thanks for your help.

[coldrain]

Both 4 and 5mp would do just fine.

[BonjiB]

People call me crazy but 2 megapixels is plenty for making good 8x10 prints. Granted, i know they lack the fine detail a higher MP camera will give you but they are most certainly presentable (not pixelated or anything if that's your concern.) I just replaced my Kodak DC3400 2 megapixel and i've made some outstanding 8x10s with it over the years (many hanging up in the house right now.) But if you're PRIMARILY interested in 5x7 you don't need any more than 4 MP to produce some stunning results yet still have the ability to go up to 8x10 without compromising on fine detail. Some will tell you 6 is the bare minimum for 8x10. I disagree just from my experience. If you get a camera with a good lens you'll be just fine with 4. Although, even in the smaller prints the higher the megapixels the better the picture will look (assuming all other factors are equal.)