Digital cameras forum: What do you mean LARGE pictures or major cropping?

Thanks for the info. Reviews are good on the camera; however, I think i want a bit more features. Also, still haven't figured out the many Cnet reviews where Josh Goldman or others say that if you want larger prints or extensive cropping, this camera isn't as good. I am trying to find out what the reviewers mean by larger prints and cropping, i.e. "poster" size prints, or just 5x7's.

Have a good day.

I can think of two reasons they might say that a camera isn't good for large prints of severe cropping.

1. Not enough pixels - for an 8 x 10 photo to get optimum results you need at least 7 megapixels.
Too many pixels can yield a poor large photo too. The average point and shoot camera of 14 megapixels or larger will suffer from lost detail because the sensors are so noisy.

2. Poor resolution - If the photo is not sharp down to the pixel level, large photos will show a smudged appearance on small items such as blades of grass and leaves on trees.

Take a look at the Panasonic ZS15 (TZ25).
It is 12 megapixels and produces very sharp images.
You can probably find one for about $200.

Snapshot - that info helps with my question. I guess I thought higher megapixels automatically meant more quality - but then kept seeing the pixel warning on their reviews. You explained it well.

A local discount store has a Panasonic Lumix ZS19 on sale for $169, but it is 14.1 mp and a 20 zoom. More than I need, and I've read that some of the cameras with touch screens aren't great.

I will check out your recommend, and some of the other smaller MP cameras.

Thanks much.

The ZS19 is the same as the ZS20, except without the GPS.
I prefer the ZS15 over the ZS19 or ZS20.
The lens on the ZS19/20 shows vignetting, which means the corners of the pictures are slightly out of focus.
And they both use a 14MP sensor, which means more noise, which means a loss of fine detail.

Every once in a while, camera companies put together all the right parts and produce a real winner.
That is the Panasonic ZS15.

The ZS19/20 is a good choice but the ZS15 is a better choice.
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I appreciate your help. How is the battery life? Is the battery charged with USB in camera?

Also, it's not a huge deal, but does it have the shiny, slippery case? A lot of cameras do, but I see some now have a less-slippery case that does not show fingerprints.

Here is a link that discusses the battery charging and battery life.

http://www.steves-digicams.com/camera-reviews/panasonic/lumix-dmc-zs15/steves-conclusion-197.html

There is no mention of a slippery case.

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