Here is what is available with 7 megapixels:
Canon S70
Canon G6
Nikon 7600 (point-n-shoot)
Nikon 7900 (point-n-shoot)
Olympus C7000
Olympus C7070
Sony P150 (Point-n-shoot)
Sony P200 (Point-n-shoot)
Sony V3
For advanced shooting I would eliminate the point-and-shoot cameras.
That leaves you five top knotch cameras to choose from.
All have excellent lenses.
They have enough manual override controls to keep you busy learning for a long time.
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The DSLR camera will had the advantage if you are shooting in low light. Because you can raise the ISO setting without adding much noise to the darker areas of the photo.
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I have been taking photos for a number of years and and want to update my point&shoot digital. I have been doing some research but still am undecided. I want a quality digital camera that will have a 7X or better optical lens. The camera will be used primarily for family shoots and vacations with some sports shots. I understand that a DSLR is the way to go but I am questioning the $1000+ to get there and thinking this may be an over kill. On the other hand I have read where DSLR gives much better pics. ANY RECOMMENDATIONS?
Thanks

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