Some items to consider:
*What is your budget?
*What is your focus (landscape, nature, sports, stars, water, people, etc...)?
*What is your goal (just to enjoy and share, learn more, get critiques, become a professional)?
*How does it fit your hands?
*How much weight do you want to carry?

*** The shooter makes the excellent shot - not the camera ***

Questions on Pixel count - lots of info out there on this subject... Basically, the higher the pixel count, the larger the print you can produce.
Image Size Calculator A quick explanation of Pixels and Dots...
Digital Image Size in Pixels and Photo Print Size A pixel to print calculator

Alternative buying options are refurbished and used. I buy refurbished/used and have been very pleased with the equipment. Other members buy refurbished/used and the comments have been very positive.

Top recommended sites for photo gear (all authorized dealers):
Adorama
B&H Photo & Video
KEH Camera

Equipment slings - the video is a good demonstration on how the sling strap works - there are various brands out there - you can find them by searching on camera straps or slings either in Google or Amazon:
OpTech Get in the Loop video.