Choosing The Right Camera
Below are the most common camera types and some details about why you might want to choose them for yourself.
Compact Cameras
Compact cameras like the one to the right are great if you want a camera with a little more functionality than the camera on your phone but don't want to deal with buying lenses or extra gear. If your plan to to take pictures of your family vacations, birthday parties, etc. and want to post them to social media, then a compact camera can be enough to cover all your needs. These cameras are very budget friendly and can give you a taste of using more manual settings without the complication of carrying multiple lenses. The sensor is smaller than other camera types but bigger than your phone sensor (for now). Probably the biggest benefit for these cameras over using your phone is the built-in zoom. These cameras have far more optical zoom than your phone, so getting a close up of something far away is much cleaner than trying to zoom in 20x on your phone. All the biggest camera companies make compact cameras, so if you are looking to buy one, check the latest reviews on each to find the one that best fits your needs and budget.
APS-C (mirrorless)
APS-C cameras are also known as Crop-Sensor cameras, as they function in most ways like a full frame camera but have a smaller sensor. They have interchangeable lenses and can use a lot of the same accessories as full frame cameras. Sony, Nikon, Canon, Fujifilm and Pentax all make cameras with APS-C size sensors, and they also make lenses to go with them. Why choose an APS-C camera? Size and budget are the primary reasons to go for a crop-sensor camera. The camera bodies and the lenses are both cheaper than a full frame camera, and they are also all smaller. These cameras are great for hobbyists who want don't want to spend a lot of money on a full-frame camera but want the versatility and fun of using an interchangeable lens camera. They are also great cameras for those who want a smaller, travel friendly camera.
Can you get professional results with an APS-C camera? Kind of... APS-C cameras will almost always have fewer megapixels than full-frame camera with equivalent technology. Also, a smaller sensor means less light being gathered, so full frame cameras are usually better in low light and have greater dynamic range. Lastly, manufacturers tend to put their newest technology into their full frame cameras first, so unless you buy the absolute latest APS-C camera you might not get all the bells and whistles available.
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Despite all this, APS-C cameras can take pictures that are worthy of printing, even in larger prints up to 20"x30" provided you spend a little more to get really nice lenses. If you decide to buy an APS-C camera, you can upgrade later to a full frame and either keep or sell your APS-C. If you want to do this, look at buying lenses that will work with both sensor sizes. APS-C lenses are designed to work with the smaller sensor, so they will typically give the best results on a crop-sensor, but they don't work with a full frame camera without changing your settings and making your full frame act like a crop sensor. Full frame lenses can work with crop sensor cameras provided both are mirrorless, but you will want to check the manufacturer's website for compatibility.
Full Frame Sensor (mirrorless or DSLR)
Full frame cameras are the digital equivalent to a 35mm camera. They have the most options for lenses, the most options for settings, and manufacturers will always put their latest technology in their newest full frame cameras. Even older full frame cameras are capable of taking great looking pictures, so they also keep their value the longest. On the downside, all of this is more expensive and takes up more space. If you plan to take all this gear out into the wilderness for landscape photography, make sure you plan it out properly as the weight can add up quickly.
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Full frame cameras also come in different series, from more entry level to professional, so check the manufacturer's details and look up reviews to decide which one will work best for you. Professional level cameras will have even more megapixels as well as add-ons like a second SD card slot, a slot for a faster memory card called CFexpress, and even a secondary grip so you can hold the camera in portrait orientation and still take pictures.