I'm an amatuer photographer - so please don't take my word on it. However, my advice would be this: Don't get caught up in the megapixel game. My wife and I love what we are snappin pictures with these days (Canon Rebel XTI w/ 10.1 MP) but seriously - if you're just looking for something to take to the beach or out to the park; keep it real. You need nothing more than a 4 or 5 MP camera - if that or better yet, stick with a 35mm. I know, I know. Old school and cheap school. But its nice to have the negatives (keep those safe and cool!) a hundred years from now. After all, they will last a lot longer than any high tech equipment you have sitting around. Be kind to all and to all a good night!

A friend,

Christian