The more mega-pixels the better. Pay close attention to the different lenses. A camera with 3X optical zoom will probably outperform a 10X digital zoom under most conditions. The quality of the optics is largely responsible for the price of the camera. As a lifelong amatuer astronomer I can tell you with certainty that when it comes to optics, you get what you pay for. I have a Nikon Coolpix 995. If I can ever get it away from my wife I'm sure I'd enjoy it very much!