[Todd Madson]

Recommendations? Would like at least 1.5 megapixels, USB and some sort of MPEG movie mode just for kicks if possible. Ideas?

[bradr]

Try the Epson 3000z. 3.3 Megapixel, uncompressed TIFF mode, Motion JPG movies, USB, all for around $750-900 (shop around). Epson isn't known as a camera company, but they make some killer cameras. I have the 850z and have no complaints.

[seanyepez]

Agreed.

Four years ago I bought a Casio digital camera in Japan. I wonder how they're doing with digital photography now...

They were awesome cameras a few years back!

Though they don't really have a great reputation as a camera company yet, I like Epson cameras. They tend to be pretty compact and power-packed.

Olympus has a good reputation as well, so you should check them ou.

I currently have two cameras, the Sony CyberShot that uses Memory Sticks, a Sony proprietary storage medium. I believe it has USB, but I don't use that interface, and the camera isn't with me (I'm in Hong Kong) - I use the Memory Stick reader in my VAIO. It's another brand-name thing to make you buy their desktops and notebooks. Another great camera manufacturer is Fujifilm. I believe they sell a USB adaptor for it...

[brock76]

Agreed x2

I have a guy at work that uses a Epson 3000z and he lives buy it. It is a workhorse and has never, to my knowledge, left him down.

brock