To be more specific about it, 512 MB will hold 200 pictures at 6 megapixels and 600 at 1.7 megapixels. 1 GB, obviously, will hold twice that much.
If you’re concerned about the availability of processing services whereever you’re going, you could buy a photo printer. Many new ones will let you print straight from the memory card, no computer required. Of course, this is pricey.
Depends how those pictures are saved, and what, if any, compression is used.
My 5 megapixel camera can fit about 50-60 pictures on a 512Mb card if i save them in RAW (uncompressed) format. If i save them in jpeg format at the highest quality setting, i can get about 140-150, and at medium quality i can get over 200.
Another vote for the digital camera. My brother is with the Peace Corps in Cameroon right now, and he has no trouble with the digital camera. The PC also supplied him with a cell phone, which we use to call him. We have no trouble at all getting through, and the connection is surprisingly good.
One caveat: The issue he has had is with being able to recharge things, like his cell phone. Power is intermittent, and he has gone for weeks straight without it.
But for the most part, he uses his digital camera.
If you’re interested, his blog (complete with digitasl piccies!) is here: http://ericinafrica.blogspot.com/