if you just doing normal pics...a 3 or 4 pixel is fine, i got a 4 and Im happy with 98% of my shots
but you really get what ya pay for , i only wanted to spend 200 or some, ended up spending close to 400...but i got what i paid for
along with the cam your gonna need a memory card (may or may not be included) and those can be a little pricey...add another $50 or so onto your purchase...and your gonna need a warranty as well, (recommened) cause i mean shit...its electronic and shits happens...add another $50-100 depending on the plan...
the Megapixel rate from what i remember has a lot to do with the sie of our prints...if your doion larger print like 11x17 or poster size then you want higher MP....
i got the Kodak dx7440 and im pretty happy with it...like i say altogether with accesories and warranty it was about $400....oh yeah and dont you want one of those little printers for home...add another 80-200
although the Nkon Coolpix series i've seen takes some fuckin BEAUTIFUL pics...ask Lightyovga..he got one and im thoroughly jealous and conteplating buyin one...although i dont think you'll find a good on for $180...i might be wrong.
as Xraidedloc on here too...shit he sells dig cameras...