Big question = Long winded answers
1. What size pics do you wish to print, generally ?
2. What size camera do ya want, pocket model for easiest carry ?
3. What subjects are you gonna shoot, wildlife, humans, portraits or landscapes.
The lowest end cameras can do portraits, wildlife demands the other end of the spectrum.
If you're gonna print 5x7" prints like most people, then extra megapixels are only good for one thing "artifical zoom"
You can use your photo software to crop the fluff out of a picture to zoom in on a subject that is out of range normally.
Can you wait till a deal "arrives" ?
If so, Dell sometimes prices the cameras pretty cheap, then adds discount coupons to sweeten the deal. I've gotten both cameras and memory cards from them waaaaay below wholesale.
I will offer ONE suggestion, my most portable camera with over 3mp is the Kodak DX-3900, I carry it on the Jet-Ski and use it to capture family photos also. It can be had for some $300 or so and uses CF memory and AA batteries.
As a rule of thumb, I shy away from Sony's offerings, mainly because of the high priced "memory stick"
I'll await your answers to the riddle before offering more suggeestions.