Can I go with USB instead och Firewire?

[folkmun]

Hi,
I'm buying a new camera to send sports events. The question is if I can go with a simple hard disc camera with USB-feed to the computer? Or do I need to get a proper laptop with firewire in order to get acceptable quality?

I there more obstacles that I need to regard when buying the camera? What formats will work in FME for example.