Also look at the size of the CMOS CCD. That can make a big difference. A high quality camera with lower pixel count,but a larger CCD than a higher pixel count,but lower quailty cam,can end up equaling out the shots. It comes down to what features you need. When I picked the camera I have, I wasnt sure I was going to take as much pics as I do. So I opted for one that would be a lower initial investment,just incase I wasnt any good. So I picked a SLR type, so I didnt have to by lenses with it. It cost the same as a cannon rebel,but I get the macro shots I take,all the way up to a 200mm. So it does come down to like MGD said,what are you going to use the camera for. If you are going to take shots that you are going to usually have the prints blown up to a poster size,then you need a really good quality high pixel count with low noise. If you are going to never go past 8x10, and uploading online. Then your options are differnt. Just be sure to read lots of reviews of lots of brands,from different places before you decide. Then in the end, just make the desicion that you feel works for you, not by brand(only in that you get one thats from a reliable company) but what you feel has the most features you want,and flaws you can look over(just about all have some flaws).