Thank you everyone for your input...
Unfortunately, the technical vocabulary is lost on me, although I an loosely following along.
Jmik26-
Thank you for the specifics of brand names. I usually start there and work my way back as to why somthing is "good".
Do you post process pictures for display, submission, etc.?
As a side note, we blew up one of my wifes pictures to 24" x 36", framed it and hung it in the bedroom. What a thrill to see one of her images so large!