The only thing I can offer is that I have seen very few reccomendations of Sony Cameras on Consumer reports. Very few of them (from the reports I've seen) test very well at all. Hate to say that to you but that's just what I've seen. As far as the mega pixels go you will see NO advantage of the 7 mega over a 5 or even a 4 with normal size prints (8x10) The only way that could be an advantage is on large poster board size prints. I have a Kodak DX7630 and love it. Only draw back is that it has a removable lens cover. It is 6.1 mega pixel and I leave it set on 4 Mega pixel. Frees up space. Just my two cents.