[stephaniesquires]

Elliot - what do you want to use it for??
There are so many types of cameras these days it really depends on your main purpose.

I have 2 35mm cameras. One an old Olympus for black and white still photography. A newer Cannon 35mm with option for automatic functions, and manual options (manual is great for taking artistic shots!!). Both of those have telephoto lenses, macro lenses, fish eye lenses etc... great for artistic and creativity, but when I'm going to Disneyland with my nieces and nephews, I take a compact digital, easier to carry, point and shoot, etc..

Do you want to take actions shots - people moving around - or still shots, portraits, landscapes etc...
The whole megapixels thing only matters when printing the pictures. If you are going to have them printed at a professional shop they have the ability to get the clarity the higher megapixels offer, if you are using a home printer, most dont have the ability to print in the higher range. You can print great pictures at home with an HP printer (look for the vivera color logo)...
I like Cannon quality, even though I used to be an Olympus fan...