People often ask "enthusiast" photographers for advice on which camera to buy. This can be a good thing or a bad thing. One characteristics of enthusiast photographers is the tendency to place a higher value on certain aspect of both gear, and the images produced, than the average person does.
For instance, an enthusiast may put so much emphasis on image quality expectations such as resolution or high ISO noise levels that he isn't thinking that his friend Staci really does only need enough camera to get pics of her kids suitable for uploading to Facebook or Tumblr and maybe the occasional print to hang on the wall. A 'full frame' dslr or ILC that costs between $1500 and $2500 just for the body, and takes lenses the size of artillery shells may be the enthusiast's cup of tea, but is a bad idea for Stacy.
This brings up the other idiosyncrasy of many enthusiasts: they want to believe they are on par with professional photographers, so they tend to want to own gear that pros favor. This is one reason why Canon and Nikon are so popular. They have been the brands of choice for pros for decades. Part of this is because they have such a wide selection of lenses, something of great importance to a pro who may need a 600mm lens for photographing sports or wild life (and can justify the $10K price tag). Yet it's not an issue for Stacy or 95% of other camera buyers, since lens selection is pretty much moot.
I say this because data indicates that roughly 80% of all photos are taken in the focal length range of around 35mm to 85mm EFL (effective focal length compared to 35mm standard). That's pretty much the same range that the average kit zoom that comes with even an entry level DSLR or ILC covers. It's definitely within the range of zooms found on compacts and "bridge" cameras. This is the case because most people take photos based on what they see with their eyes, and this range of focal lengths covers the angle of view of human vision. (Sure, if Stacy wants closer photos of her kids playing soccer, that mid range to telephoto zoom will be necessary, but again, even entry level cameras can be bought with a zoom in this range.)
My point is that take what an enthusiast tells you about which camera to by with a grain of salt. That grain should include considering whether you are going to be taking photos at ISO 3200 or 6400, or that you want to print at 30 by 20 inches. Don't let the oft-heard justification for buying Canon or Nikon, "They have the best selection of lenses" become a factor unless you really do plan on spending thousands of dollars on long telephotos, or lenses with very large apertures, or specialty lenses like tilt and shift wide angles. Those are tools for pros and serious photographers who need them to capture certain images, but not reason for the average camera buyer to invest in a system.
I'm not saying don't buy Canon or Nikon. I am saying that there are better ways of making a choice of camera than what Uncle Irving the family camera guru has to say (that is, if he harps on a particular camera or brand by tossing out terms such as "better IQ" or "Great high ISO noise performance" or lens selection.) All the current major brands-Canon, Nikon, Sony, Olympus, Pentax, Samsung, Fujifilm-make cameras that are pretty much equal in features and results for the average user. They all produce a sufficient variety of lenses for their DSLRs and ILC cameras. They have a good selection of compact and "bridge" cameras available.
So how do you choose?
Simple, really.
Think about the photos you most plan on taking and compare which camera features will make it easiest to take those photos. Want to take photos of your prize winning gardening efforts? You can easily get by with a relatively inexpensive entry level DSLR, ILC with kit lens or bridge camera. Have a daughter whose a future FIFA star? Then you want a camera with a longer zoom lens, good continuous focus capability and a higher burst rate. Want to take video as well as stills? You would better off with a bridge camera or mirrorless ILC, which make video easier and more effective, than with a DSLR.
Also consider aspects of owning the camera some people overlook. Do you want image stabilization, and if so do you prefer the lenses do it or have it built into the body. Sensors can collect dust: how effective is the self-cleaning system of the camera? Does the camera have any special requirements such as only using certain types of memory card, or is the battery life poor and extra batteries expensive. Size: is the kit going to end up being bulkier and heavier than you want? (This is especially problematic with mirrorless systems where the body is quite small, but the lenses are still the same size as DSLR lenses) Also do some research into reliability and repair options. A great camera that has a poor service record is just going to lead to frustration.
At this point you probably won't find a lot of difference between the cameras, so...
As much as possible, pick up and handle the cameras you are considering. Do you like how it feels in your hand.? Are the controls easy to use and understand? Can you get the camera set up to capture images of a particular type of subject or situation without a lot of fuss? Does it fit your budget?
Finally, be willing to apply the concept that "less is more". Do you really need that $1500 DSLR kit when in fact you will do just as well with the $800 kit, or even the $400 bridge camera?
The bottom line is whether you feel comfortable with the camera, both in use and as an investment. Unless you plan on making photography a serious hobby or career, you may find that the cheaper camera gets plenty of use and is more than adequate. Conversely, a lot of people have expensive DSLR kits that sit in the closet except on birthdays and holidays because they find their smart phones do the job just fine the rest of the time.
Buy the camera you enjoy trying out in a store, even if Uncle Irving wouldn't approve and the sales person wrinkles his nose at your choice. It's your money being spent, and you using the camera, so to make the most of it get one you like using. Things such as image quality and lens selection are pretty much equal between brands for most people.
As a working photographer who specializes in performance photography, I have specific requirements that the average person doesn't when it comes to what my gear is able to do. The fact is that my current gear is "adequate", but with plenty of room to upgrade (which I am budgeting for in the near future.) Yet, what is "adequate" for me is overkill for a lot of people. My primary lens, as seen in the photo at the top (attached to my most used camera model), costs more new than most people need to spend on their entire kit: camera body, 2 kit lenses, cards, batteries, bag et al.
Marketing departments work hard to make people think that by buying a camera body or brand that is used by pros, their photos will reflect that fact. This isn't the case. Sure, the larger sensor and better optics of a DSLR or ILC will definitely improve the technical aspects of your images over a smart phone or compact point and shoot. That's only part of the equation though. A bigger part in your enjoyment of photography, and in producing images you are proud of and others enjoy seeing, is YOU. The more you enjoy using the camera you have, the better your photos will be.
I, and every other working photographer, started out the same way, producing photos I loved. Over time and with intent on my part, they happened to become good enough for others to start paying me for them. Many pros will tell you that while they may tote $10,000 or more worth of gear in their bag when they work, they turn to a cheaper, simpler kit when they are on vacation or taking photos of the family.
Right now I use gear that some would consider "amateur" because the cameras lack certain features of top of the line pro bodies. Those pro bodies don't necessarily make the photos themselves any better: they simply better facilitate the process of producing the photos under a wider variety of conditions, and according to the demands of a professional's way of working. Yet I take many personal photos with my smart phone, a Samsung Galaxy S3, because it's convenient to have with me, produces good results, and lets me process the photos and upload them online all in the same device.
Whether paying extra for the capabilities of higher end cameras is worth it is up to you.
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