Yes, it is an 18-megapixel camera, but more pixel count doesn't necessarily mean you will get better picture results.

It does not shoot RAW which I never do.

The specs for the Sony WX50 and WX150 are virtually identical except for the optical zoom range (5X Carl Zeiss lens vs 10X Sony G lens) and sensor size (16MP vs 18MP).

It has just enough MPs not to overwhelm the CMOS sensor.

Sometimes it's hard because it's such a wide angle and I can't get closer to what I want to shoot, but overall I'm happier with the image quality without any zoom.

The main reason for me (and the one most reviewers never mention) is the extra optical zoom up to 25x if you limit the image size to 5 MPix which is large enough for a quality 8x10 inch print.

For example if you want to emphasize your subject in the shot, normally you would adjust your aperture to blur out the background.

The camera has a digital zoom in addition to the 50x which I never use.

While I liked a few of the features on the old model better like the placement of the zoom buttons and picture display button - this is a great little camera.

I can use digital zoom on a computer after the fact.

It is lightweight at 133 grams - most cameras with this much performance weigh in at closer to 180 grams.

remember, the best camera is the one you have with you, and it's very easy to carry this camera.