It is worth having a look at internetcamerasdirect (all one word) they have independent reviews on most popular cameras (as well as selling them) They link to on-line magazine reviews and have the reviews from the people that have bought from them!
Don't get bogged down in the pixel debate (higher is obviously better) the quality of the lens will always be important. It is no good having a 4megapixel camera, with only a blob of plastic for a lens!
Either camera you mention, come from reputable and quality manufacturers. Canon have been making quality cameras and lenses for years. Sony are great with the electronics and some of their cameras use Zeiss lenses. The memory card issue is important. Sony Memory Stick (MS) has not been taken up as well as Compact Flash (CF) But MS has other applications (esp with a sony PDA) CF cards can be obtained quite reasonably and can be used in MP3 players. CF cards will soon be available in 4gb capacity and one manufacturer has promised a 6gb card by the end of the year! But $8000 is the guide price (yes dollars!)
If you have the cash and want some control and not just point and shoot, look at the Canon G3 (the dogs biscuits in 4megapixel cameras) Me? I drive a Nikon coolpix 885 (3mp) have considered the G3, but I am taking the leap into Digital SLR to complement my 35mm system (all Canon)
Good luck!
(And I don't work for any of those mentioned above!)
Just seen the Canon on your link! Don't rely solely on a digital Zoom, always go for the highest Optical zoom!