Hi eurox,
I've experimented some prints (just a few pictures taken from my oly and some from a Canon). This is what I found out:
for 4R prints: I coulnd't tell the diff between one taken at anything above 1024 x 768. but if you want to blow the picture up to a bigger print like 5R or 8R, you'll need to use a higher resolution.
I've tried using a 640 x 480 resolution printed on a 4R print. results were not good. I can see the jagged edges of pixels on the photos at close look.
Conclusion I draw is if I'm low on memory, I'll set the cam to HQ at 1024 x 768 so if i need to print, i can at least get a decent 4R print. If i think i want to blow up the picture, I'll set it to SHQ at 1600 x 1200 (max for my old oly). And I set it to 640 x 480 only when doing panaroma shots.
Here are some links which I think reflects pretty accurate results from my finding:
http://www.fujifilm.com.sg/html/help.php3
I tried their service. results of the prints were average to dull. It's probably due to the matte finish I chose.
http://www.photobeans.com/public/learn_more.aspx
I think this is a new site. I've just received my test prints. colours are more saturated and brighter. Again prpbably due to the gloss surface i've chosen. It's in this order that i found out that the 640 x 480 pixel setting is not suitable for 4R prints.
Sent my prints to 99photo too not too long ago. This site claims that minimum resolution for 4R is 640 x 480. Paper they use is Agfa. Kinda dull. like it's been masked by a transluscent sheet. dunno if it is due to the poor picture quality I've taken or the lab. Looks ok on the monitor but am dissapointed at the print result.
I'm a lazy bum. I'd rather sit at home and use my broadband then hand the shop aunties my smart media.
anyway, just my 2 cents worth.
