Should I be looking at MP or Sensor types?

[glinka]

I am wanting to replace my sony DSC-H7 (8.1MP, 1/2.5"Super HAD CCD sensor)because the zoom broke. I am looking at the Nikon Coolpix P500 (12.1MP, 1/2.3" CMOS sensor) and Sony HX-1 (1/2.4" Exmor CMOS sensor). Reviews of both newer cameras said that pictures would not be good to blow up beyond 5x7" print.This surprises me because I printed photos from my H7 to approx 12x16" and they look great. I understand that not all of my H7's photos were not large print quality, but the reviews make the Nikon and HX-1 sound like none of the photos would be good enough for enlarging.

What features should I be looking at to try to determine what cameras take the best pictures? I won't be enlarging anything past 20x27". Thanks.

[David Metsky]

Both of those cameras will be fine for blowing up prints to 12x16 at minimum, you can probably go poster size if you don't plan on standing right next to them. I have no idea what reviews you were reading but they're not accurate. Now, if you take pictures in low light with high ISO you will see noise in the shots that makes large prints look bad, but that's true on your current camera as well.

If you plan on making 20x27 prints on an occasional basis, 12MP should be fine. MP isn't really as important as image quality, since at that size you'll see some pixelation if you examine the print close up. Most people view the image from a few feet away, and image quality will be noticeable. For either of those cameras, if you are shooting sunny outside shots they will be fine. If you are shooting indoor portraits then you'll want to make sure your lighting setup is right, more than what camera you have.

[Dread Pirate Roberts]

I don't know if it holds true for P&S cameras, but a few years ago when Nikon SLR's went from CCD to CMOs the image quality became significantly better. A lot less blown skies due to higher dynamic range.

[Paul79UF]

I don't know if it holds true for P&S cameras, but a few years ago when Nikon SLR's went from CCD to CMOs the image quality became significantly better. A lot less blown skies due to higher dynamic range.

It must be better. It seems like all of the new Canon P&S cameras (300 HS, SX230, etc) are using the 12mp CMOS sensors.

I'll definitely enjoy the better low light performance and faster FPS.

[glinka]

I am pretty sure the CMOS is the better choice especially because Sony has stopped using the Super HAD CCD in the cameras I have looked at.

Thanks a lot guys for the help.