I find that I get asked this question at least once a week "what is the best camera" or "what camera should I buy" and since we are going to be sneaking into the holiday season soon, I thought I would just answer it for everyone. The best camera for you is (drum roll)..... dependent on your need. I know, that wasn't the answer you wanted to hear so lets talk through some points:
1. I subscribe to the "best camera is the one you have with you" school of thought. In short, you can have the most megapixel, whistle and bell featured DSLR but if it is in the closet when your child takes his first step then it is worthless. So choose a camera you will carry or have ready. Most pro photographers have one or two old cameras that they have retired from day-to-day service that live in their vehicle as the "car camera". You can be assured the best sunset ever will happen when you're stuck in traffic and have no camera.
2. Camera style - point and shoot vs. DSLR (Digital Single Lens Reflex). Typically a point and shoot has an attached fixed lens and although that lens usually zooms it cannot be changed at your whim. The DSLR (or SLR for film) is typically defined by a changeable lens system (the view is directed through the lens via a series of mirrors that flip up during the exposure). A point and shoot usually takes the points for lower cost, ease of use and compact size. The DSLR excels in lens options (wide angle, zoom, telephoto, macro and other special applications), manual control, speed and many times quality of image. The nature of a DSLR and its expandability is both a pro and a con. Pro because you can add to a base system and create new options; con because those additions are costly and can quickly turn something that you would carry on a strap over your shoulder into a full backpack worth of equipment.
3. Once you decide what style of camera is right for you there are a myriad of brands and models to choose from. One thing is true, nearly every new camera is better that what was available even 5 years ago. One trend that has surpassed the need for most people is the race for megapixels. We have this "more is better" mentality that just isn't true. Nearly all users will find a 10 megapixel camera is more than sufficient. More important that the megapixels is the ability to photograph at high ISO, this allows the camera to function better in low light.
For the techno minded, this is a great site to look at all the data and compare brands and models:
http://www.dpreview.com/
Once you're ready to buy, check out your local camera shop. You may pay a few dollars more but it is good to have someone you can go to for advice and tips. Often they will have classes to help you start using your new equipment.
For those the must but on line, these are great sources:
http://www.calumetphoto.com
http://www.bhphotovideo.com
Remember, in the quest for the perfect image, 50% is the perfect moment, 49% is light, color, contrast, and composition and 1% is equipment.
