Begin with subjects, not brands
A travel camera and a sideline sports camera solve different problems. Write down the three situations you photograph most. For each, note the light, the amount of movement and how far you stand from the subject. This immediately tells you more than a brand shortlist.
Spend for the photographs that are currently difficult, not for features you might someday use.
Choose the camera you will carry
Body weight is only half the story. Add the lens you expect to use most. A compact body with a large zoom can be heavier than a slightly larger body paired with a small prime. If possible, handle the complete combination and check the grip, viewfinder, dial placement and menu.
Keep room for the lens
Image quality is created by the camera, lens, light and photographer together. A modest body with a lens suited to your subject often produces a better result than an expensive body with the wrong lens. Reserve part of your budget for a lens, spare battery and memory card.
Buy for a real horizon
Plan for the next three years, not the next decade. Choose enough autofocus, video and handling headroom to grow, but avoid paying for professional speed or recording formats you cannot connect to a real project.
Separate needs from preferences
A need decides whether a camera can do the job. A preference decides whether you enjoy how it does the job. Weather sealing may be a need for a landscape photographer who works in rain. A silver body may be a preference. Write these in separate columns before comparing models. This keeps a visually attractive camera from quietly displacing a feature that your work actually depends on.
Test the complete workflow
A camera purchase affects more than the moment of capture. Larger files need faster cards, more storage and a capable computer. Advanced video formats can require new editing software and considerable time. Think through capture, transfer, selection, editing, backup and sharing. A camera that makes one stage dramatically slower can reduce how often you use it.