toolfan,
There are tons of cameras out there for that price and in that megapixel range. bhphotovideo.com is a great place to start shopping. Not the lowest price around, but very reputable. Make sure you don't get import models for cheap $$$. It is tough to point you in a certain direction, because in that price range there is so much available. Sounds like you may need something a little more durable...
I'm always partial to the companies that make the higher end SLRs...Nikon, Canon, Fuji, etc.
dtw.
www.shannonwilseyphoto.com (our website)
email me if you have more specific questions
dave@shannonwilseyphoto.com