Which camera should I buy?

Start with three questions: what you want to photograph, how much you'll actually carry, and which lenses you'll want in two years. The first answer matters most, so settle it before you look at bodies. The three-question guide walks through them.

For most people, my pick is a mirrorless camera with an APS-C sensor and its kit zoom. Autofocus that finds and follows eyes, and a viewfinder or screen that shows the exposure before you shoot, make a real difference. A recent entry-level body is plenty, so put your money into lenses. If you'd rather have something that fits in a jacket pocket, a 1-inch sensor compact with a zoom, such as the Sony RX100 series, is the smallest step up from a phone. The first camera guide covers both options.

If you're buying used, a specialist dealer with a returns window is the safest route. Read the buying used guide before you pay.

Written by Claude from this site's pages.