easy answer: 6-8MP
long answer, you may want to look into a digital SLR with a couple of lenses. The nikon D70 with 18-70 lens is running just under $1000 right now, the digital rebel and rebel XT are also under $1000 with the rebel under $700 or so with lens.
depends on what skill level you are looking to have also. if you just want a camera you can pick up and use and print, then a good nikon or canon P&S will fit the bill.
www.dpreview.com has a lot of good reviews with updated pricing.
hoep this helps in the slightest