How important are megapixels in a DSLR when choosing to buy?

I did a lot of research on cameras and went to lots of stores to choose the right one to buy but I still can't decide.Obviously I'm a beginner so I want to know how important the difference between megapixels in a camera is. My top choices are the Nikon d3200 and the Canon 600d.Nikon has more megapixels(around six more) but the Canon has better color depth while shooting and also a flip-out lcd screen which i believe is really helpful.Of course the lens is important and the person behind the camera to make a good photo. I would be really grateful if you could help me to choose and explain it to me.

Actually the pixel count isn't the really big deal, it's all about the sensor size. A larger sensor will produce a better, cleaner, less pixelized photo than the smaller versions - I'm thinking now of point and shoot cameras.

Of course the more pixel the finer the resolution of the photos and the larger you can print them and keep full detail.

Megapixels define the resolution of a photo. Resolution is important when you print and when you crop. That said, 6MP is plenty for most of us most of the time. Professionals may need up to 12MP for certain assignments. So MP just really isn't important.

While various aspects of a camera may be important to professionals and enthusiasts, like aliasing and pin cushioning, it really doesn't affect the rest of us. You said you handled these two. If neither of them stood out to you, try to handle their competitors, Sony and Pentax. If nothing really stands out then, I'd buy based on cost.

Marginally less than the name across the front.

Of course Sony's SLTs have the edge in video over true DSLRs, and they provide sensors to both Pentax and Nikon.

Find a dealer and handle All the DSLRs within your price-bracket, not just Canon and Nikon. You may be pleasantly surprised by the handling of another manufacturer, at the expense of being considered able to think for yourself.

I don't see where the Canon 600D has better colour depth than the sensor on the Nikon D3200. Where did you get this information?

http://www.dxomark.com/...50_801_692

If you really, really want a fully articulated LCD screen, the Nikon D5000 series cameras have that as well (although unless you are shooting from flat on the ground or with the camera held high over your head, fully articulated LCD screens are rarely used)

For the average person, not at all. The Nikon D40 'only ' has 6.1 MP. And I've seen magazine quality photos taken with it.

If you mean to print to bus-sizes, you need the most megapixels you can oay your hands on. If not, 6MP will do. Where would you find a 6MP camera right now? Simply set a budget and get the most expensive you can afford.

I have recently been using an 8MP DSLR and can't tell the difference between photos taken with that and those taken with my 12MP DSLR.

The difference between 18 and 24MP is likewise, trivial.