More megapixels or More zoom? Which would you get?

It all depends on what you want to use it for. I personally would probably choose the 12x zoom, so I could take close up pictures of birds and stuff. Plus, I think it might have better image quality, because more megapixels on the same size sensor in the point-and-shoots usually means more noise. However, sometimes the ones with more megapixels do have bigger sensors, so that is something you can take into consideration. Plus shooting at the full 16.1 megapixel size would give you a better resolution image at the larger sizes of prints. Probably not noticeable with regular 4x6 prints. The aperture range does make a difference, but again, it depends on the type of pictures you will be taking. Basically you just have to decide which one would better suit your needs.

You forgot to mention the cameras sensor and processor. They are more important than the mp or zoom. You may have a lot of mp but if the camera has a slow processor or small sensor it will not be as good. I have a Canon G12 for my point ans shoot camera. It has a 5x zoom and 12 MP but I can still take some sports action shots indoors with it and get good results. The G12 is considered a DSLR like compact camera.

I agree with connierebel, in that the camera you choose needs to depend on what you plan to photograph. Good luck in your decision-making.

For dramatic landscapes and photogenic scenery I'd go for the 16.1 megapixels camera, if you want to take action shots, take pictures without being noticed etc, I'd say go for the other one. Higher aperture range is a good thing, but maybe the other one compensates with having a better ISO range?