What's better, 8MP-normal-compression or 5MP-fine-compression?

Question: What's better, 8MP-normal-compression or 5MP-fine-compression!?

I have a canon ixy camera and was wondering which setting would be better to have for a general everyday photo shoot!. I've been told that compression is not as important as size, but is "normal" compression going to give me crappier photos compared to a smaller size with "fine" compression!.Www@QuestionHome@Com

Best Answer - Chosen by Asker:

All you can do it this:

Shoot the same shot using 8MP normal compression and fine compression !.!.!. then shoot 5MP normal compression and fine compression!.

Then on your nice large computer monitor look at the detail of each and see which produces the best quality images !.!.!. then leave your camera at that setting!.Www@QuestionHome@Com

A good answer already from fhotoace, Normally i would suggest always using the cameras highest settings 8mp fine but I'm assuming the reason your wanting to shot 5mp on fine rather than 8mp on normal is that you want more photos on your card!. have you considered buying a larger memory card!?

I know it sounds pretty obvous to say but sometimes its easy to over look the obvous and complicate things for yourself!. they really are quite cheap online ￡5 will buy you a 2gb sd card!. just do a search for who is offering them the cheapest!.

With a larger card you can shoot 8mp on fine and keep your exsisting card for the times when you want to really go wild and take loads of pictures!.Www@QuestionHome@Com

Dude, if you are really interested in your images then shoot them in !.RAW!.Www@QuestionHome@Com

i'd set it to 8MP fine compression:)Www@QuestionHome@Com