For the 500萬像 issue, my opinion is: Not the more pixals necessary better. For pixals means that you may print the photos larger if necessary. If you just will print 4R or 5R photos, a 300/400萬像 DC is more than enough.
Thanks for the detail explanation. So do u know which brand is more reliable -- Nikon, Sony & Canon?
BTW, the latest issue of "選擇月刊" has got a report on digital cameras. I am interested in 2 of those cameras ~~ one is from Nikon (3.5 rating stars) and the other is from Sony (4 rating stars) [cannot remember the model no.] But the cost is a bit expensive ~~ around $2500