Most first-camera regret comes from buying a body for its spec sheet and discovering the lenses cost twice as much. Here is what to weigh, in order.
The lens system outlives the body
You will change bodies every four to six years and keep good glass for a decade. Choose the mount whose lens range fits the work you want to do and the budget you actually have.
Sensor size, explained simply
Larger sensors gather more light, giving cleaner high-ISO files and shallower depth of field at the same framing. Full frame is the commercial default; APS-C is lighter and cheaper with a real-world one-stop trade-off.
Micro Four Thirds remains excellent for run-and-gun video and travel work.
Specs that matter — and ones that don't
Matter: autofocus reliability, dynamic range, buffer depth, dual card slots for paid work, battery life, ergonomics in your hands.
Rarely matter: megapixel counts above 24 for most delivery, burst rates above 10fps outside sports, in-camera filters.
A sane first kit
Body + 35mm or 50mm prime + a fast zoom later + one off-camera flash + two batteries + fast cards. Buy used bodies, buy new glass when you can.
