I have a Dimage 2300 which doesn't work directly. However I'm using a CF-Card reader (USB) that works fine with iPhoto. I actually like this better than using a perky USB cable supplied with the camera. You should get those card readers quite cheaply. Mine is a SanDisk reader. It works fine, out of the box, no driver needed.
I'd say: Choose the camera for itself. Buy a *good* camera. The Minolta is fine with me.