Bike guy Loc: Atlanta

On my new Panasonic Lumix I have a couple of choices for setting the aspect ratio, 4:3, 3:2, 16:9, 1:1.
Also I can set the picture size at 18m, 12m, 8m, 5m 3m.

I think I understand the concept of the megapixel size. Smaller megapixel, more pictures can be stored on a card. That's simple. But if I am only interested in printing landscapes or similar photos at a maximum 14" x 10", or 8 x 11, what would be the best mega pixel to shoot at?
Now, the aspect ratio, I am really confused. Here again, what are the differences, and what should I be using most of the time.
Thanks in advance.

SharpShooter Loc: NorCal

Bike, Use the Aspect ratio that is native to your sensor at the highest mp and shoot raw.
Anything else will result in less mp and decreased IQ.
Unless you are shooting something special, learn to frame the shot to how you want the end result to look. Crop everything yourself or get it in-camera with no crop! ;-)
SS

rook2c4 Loc: Philadelphia, PA USA

If you intend to print, set the output to the largest megapixel size. Buy a second memory card to bring along if you are worried about running out of data space. Nowadays, a 4-gigabyte SD card is really cheap, and it is small enough to keep in your wallet.

MarkD Loc: NYC

3:2 is the aspect ratio of 35mm film. It's also the default ratio of DSLR's. 4:3 is the default ratio of most P&S cameras. 16:9 is the aspect ratio of flat screen TVs. If you like to make 4:6 inch prints use 3:2 as that is the same ratio. Otherwise use the default ratio to use the whole sensor and get the most MP's.

bull drink water Loc: pontiac mi.

some pictures lend themselves better in 16x9, in the monitor it's no big deal. if you are printing, then you decide if you want to print in landscape mode and have extra space at the top and bottom.