Digital camera (professional like)--upgrade from sony cybershot dsc-t1??

ok, so i have a Sony CyberShot DSC-T1, and it is really cool, sleek, good pictures, etc. problem is that it is only 5 MP, is that bad?? i mean, they have cameras w/ 7.2 MP, 10 MP, so bascially i want a digital camera---should i buy one with where u have to buy lenses and more professional (something to do w/ SLR but if i'm using the term SLR incorrectly please give me the right definition) or should i get like the cybershot, just a regular camera. sony is great, but im open to anything. i mean, my camera wasnt cheap, but seeing how technology changes all the time, 5 MP is bad compared to what they have. please give me some advice or places/websites i can research too, but i would like some personal knowledge as well. thanks, i appreciate it.

OH, i bought this expense memory stick, like sandisk (SD) or something, memory stick PRO, you know what im talking about, and its 2 GB, so, i wanna be able to use that in any camera you recommend. thanks again

reading the second answerer, i made a mistake, it is the memory stick Pro Duo

5MP is fine as long as you are not planning on blowing up beyond 16x20 or do a lot of cropping an zooming. You can print all the 4x6 up to 8x10 you want. We survived for years with a 2MP!

If you have a memory stick PRO, it will not fit today's cameras. The new Sony's take memory stick PRO Duo which is 1/2 the size of the PRO (however, you can use the PRO Duo w/ adapter in older cameras).

Only Sony takes PRO or PRO Duo so you would have to stick with Sony.

Sony does make the Alpha dSLR which has gotten good reviews. It's under $900. dSLR's are not cheap, so, I wouldn't let a memory card be the reason to pick a camera. If you upgrade to a dSLR, look at Canon (XT or XTi) or Nikon (D40/D50 or D80). If you want to get serious, get a dSLR. Great for portraits, macros, fast action (sports, kids). You can get a vast number of lenses to suit your needs.

If you just want another point and shoot, Sony's T10 is the 10MP version of your camera.

It all depends on what you plan on using the camera for. Most are really good. I'd stick with Canon/Sony/Nikon. So, think about what you want/need, decide your budget, and do some research. If you narrow your search down to a couple of cameras, post a new question and we can give you advise or other options in the same price range.

It depends on what kind of photography you are into. Do you do professional print work or are you a leisurely photographer. If you are the latter, your 5MP is just fine. I have a 5MG cybershot as well and it still takes great pictures. I probably don't even take advantage of the full pixal capabilitity. I don't know much about SLR..but I do know that you have a sufficient camera for nopn professional picture taking.

Tak to your local camera club members, check out their photos, ask questions as to why they chose their camera. Hold your short listed choices to see which ones are comfortable. Photography is an emotional hobby, decide on a budget and let your senses decide for you not every Tom, Dick or Harriette tell you that their Canon, Nikon, Sony, Pentax or whatever is the best. Its your money and its your decision, so go with your feelings and it will show in your photos.