Quote Originally Posted by Photo-John
Welcome to the site. I hope that we can help you make a good camera-buying decision.

What kind of output do you expect to do most? Are you going to mostly e-mail photos to friends, post them on the Internet, or do you actually want to do some large prints? You asked if 5 megapixels is really necessary. For most people and most purposes, the answer would be no. Three or four would be fine for sending photos via e-mail, posting on the Web, and even making 8x10 prints. However, the 5 megapixel cameras are going to have the latest processors and best features right now. They'll be faster and should have better image quality.

What kind of sports do you plan to use the camera for?
Hi Photo-John!!!

Eventually I would like to do large prints, I also would like a camera that can be fast ,that if I want to use it ,for example at F1 races ,or whatever sporting events thats got fast action, that I can still get good quality shots .I would like a camera that is built solid ,and not too big for travelling purposes.
I would like an all around camera that I can have fun with & that my wife can use too.

also ,I'm not to keen on plastic cameras ...

I also would eventually use it for scuba diving (I know not every manufacturer carry housings for their model, but I can have other options with different companies for housing choices .) So I don't want to be limited on choice of digital camera because of housings.

I see a lot of new cameras comming with big LCD screens ...I find them to be pretty cool ....maybe thats going to be a new thrend in the digital business in a very near futur ?

thanks for your time john ,I really appreciate any good imput you can give me ...