Well, without a doubt, the megapixel "race" is a little like the WPC race we deal with here... big numbers are impressive to those who aren't exactly sure what attributes to search out when buying a camera.
There are sensors that are lower noise than others, but I would say the biggest overlooked aspect of many cameras is the quality of the lens. When people simply compare, say, 4 megapixel cameras by that factor alone, they think a $299 camera is a better price than a $399 camera. A better price, yes, but not necessarily the best value.... and it's very
possible (and I did say "possible"; it's not a given) that the lessor cameras' manufacturer cut corners in some important ways.
I like Canons.... I'm sure she'll enjoy it. I recommend rechargeable
powerex batteries if it takes AAs, and an extra memory card is a nice touch....
