understanding a few terms, and putting together the entire set..

megapixels (MP):: (maximum) capacity, in pixels, of the digital sensor
   higher is typ. better, but anything above 4M is 'usable' by most standards.

zoom:: optical zoom is the 'real' zoom avl on the cam. donot worry about digital zoom for now.
   3X / 4X is typ. avl presently. for larger zoom numbers, a very steady hand is required, and for most requirements, we can do with 3X zoom.

speed:: no, this is not a quoted term. but the speed of the camera helps you figure - how quickly can you take a photo (right from starting the camera), how soon can you take the next photo
the flow of the 'photo' is::
sensor->internal buffer->digital memory (sd/cf card)

some params that affect::
* MP - the larger the photo, longer the time taken to move it from sensor onto the memory
* buffer siz - a larger internal buffer helps parallelise (if the circuitry allows for that!)
* speed of the memory card - a faster card helps read/write faster!

 

other noteworthy features::

* image stabilisation / anti shake

* inbuilt image optimisation / crude editing features

* higher ISO ratings

* faster circuitry

 

 

other tips::

* several 5MP models avl in the Indian market

* several models using AA batteries, can use disposable units avl freely upto 3000m in a few geographies

    careful on how many AA batteries the camera uses!

* checkout sample fotos, contemporary functionalities on offer

* in these days of good quality products, guarantees are not 'required', but they dont hurt much

* Dubai shopping fest is a good time/place to buy electronics, look for bundled offers - case+batteries, charger+sd card, etc.

 

[to be edited..]