SJ, i have a sony mavica CD400 (4 megapixels). the replacement model is the CD500 (5 megs) which is cheaper than my older model:
http://www.steves-digicams.com/2003_reviews/cd500.html
it's about the size of a fullsize 35mm SLR, but quite light. the reason i chose the mavica is the mini-CD storage, as opposed to a flash card or microdrive. it's not as compact, but i can live with it, and i've had great use out of this camera over the past two years. it's got a zeiss lens, with exceptional clarity. but as you know, the ultimate quality of the photo depends on the photographer, with lighting being the most important factor IMHO.
this same question was asked by mad dog on tactical forums, and i went over the advantages and disadvantages of the mini-CD storage. here's the link to the thread:
http://64.177.53.248/ubb/Forum74/HTML/000288.html
jeff (USMC03) from the LF, TF, AW and arf.com forums bought a CD500 on my recommendation and has been very happy with it - he's been posting gun porn pics all over. shoot him an email at
Crpntr74@cs.com for a 2nd opinion.
what will work for you depends on your requirements. if you're looking for a small, compact camera, then mini-CD media is not going to be your choice.
HTH,
cheers,
MM