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Mirrorless for most people. They're smaller, lighter, have better video features, and represent the future of photography. Choose DSLR only if you specifically want an optical viewfinder or need the longest possible battery life.

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12-24 MP is perfect for most users. Unless you're printing very large photos (poster size) or cropping heavily, more megapixels just mean bigger files. Focus on sensor size and lens quality instead - they matter much more for image quality.

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Start with the kit lens if you're a beginner. Kit lenses (usually 18-55mm) are versatile and affordable. You can always upgrade to better lenses later as you learn what focal lengths you prefer. Body-only makes sense if you already know which specific lenses you want.

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For casual use, yes. For serious photography, no. Smartphones are convenient and have improved dramatically, but dedicated cameras still offer better image quality, interchangeable lenses, manual controls, and superior low-light performance.

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Budget at least as much for lenses as the camera body. Good lenses last longer than camera bodies and have more impact on image quality. Start with the kit lens, then add a 50mm f/1.8 prime lens (₹10,000-15,000) - it's affordable and produces beautiful results.

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Yes, if you plan to record videos regularly. 4K is becoming standard and future-proofs your content. Even if you share in 1080p now, having 4K source material gives you more flexibility for cropping and editing. If you never record videos, it's not essential.

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Essential: Memory card and spare battery. Nice to have: Camera bag, UV filter for lens protection, tripod for stable shots. Budget ₹5,000-10,000 for basic accessories. Avoid cheap tripods - they're more frustrating than helpful.