I need to build an application outside of my normal comfort zone (web/PHP/JavaScript). Should I use C++/C# or Visual Basic to create my application? I think that the syntax of C# is more like PHP, so that is why I'm thinking to go with C. But also, I have heard that VB is much more straightforward for building a semi-simple application.

Here are just a few specifics of this app:
Needs to be a windows application that is compatible with a touch screen.
Needs to be able to connect to a remote MySQL database.
Needs to be able to take a snapshot of a live video feed and store in JPG.
Needs to be able to use a serial port interface to read a weight scale.

Also, will the express versions of the VB or C# work for what I need? Any insight would be greatly appreciated.