I would avoid Amazon too. Shady like ebay these days. B&H is a safe bet though. If you are printing large format, like HUGE than you MPs may matter but for most printing it isn't that big of a deal with what is on the market today. I shoot a Canon XTi which has 10.1 MP and they can be had with a really good lens, which I use all of the time for under $600.00 which will get you started. Save up a couple hundred more and you can score another really nice canon lens. The upgrade of what I have is the Canon XSi which is also a really good camera but costs just a little more.

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There are some features in these cameras that you may or may not use. So if you find that one brand has a feature but another doesn't, don't let that sway your judgement in purchase unless you know that you are going to use that feature. I know my canon has a self cleaning sensor which is nice, and reduces the amount of professional cleanings that I need. I am not sure if Nikon has it or not.

In the end you will be happy with either Canon or Nikon, it mostly comes down to which one is easier to navigate through and use. Between comparable models of Canon and Nikon, the photographer makes the picture not the camera.

Sony also has a line of digitals out that you may want to look at. I don't know ANYTHING about them but I know there is a Sony store at Tampa International which you could go check em out at. I am sure it is comparable to a Nikon or Canon as well though.

Good Luck!