If you want the best, make sure it's Canon. For that matter make sure it's a changeable lens platform Canon. That way you can eventually do all number of creative shots based exclusively on how deep YOU want to go, not the limitations of your equipment. The expense can be a bit numbing but in the long run I definately feel it's worth it. I had an Elan 7E for less than 2 years when I purchased my 10D ($1500 body only). I won't sell it but am saving up for the 20D (approx same cost) but has 8 mp plus. In case your wondering I attend many races where changing between lenses is less then desirable therefore two cameras is the way to shoot! I know you can find a Rebel package for around a grand.
If that's not a plausible reality I noticed that a Fuji Finepix was not on your list. Now I'm no expert but the patented technology they hold renders magnificent digital imagery. The way I understand it is pixels are hexagonal in shape, and when you place four of them together they leave a diamond-shaped hole devoid of color. Well Fuji patented a technology that actually samples the four colors and places an average of those four in the previously blank diamond and voila clarity unseen before. I recommended one for my parents and now my brother has one and my girlfriends brother got one for his birthday, yada, yada, yada. I'd at least look into it before I purchased because (I think you can tell) I'm a Canon fan and your hearing it from me.
I'd also like to point out that depending on where you are in life the digital photography world has opened up so much more for people. No longer do you have to waste $$$ to find out if it was worth pushing the button or not, the results are pretty much there in front of you, only cost the battery power. No matter how much family and friends you have one thing always remains true - there is never too many pictures of all of you together. I've taken thousands and not one complaint (that they really meant) from anyone yet (I take care of the bad before they would have to make me). So I would bet it'll see more action then what's happening in you tank.
