If you do not know all your requirements (I assume that is what you mean by "special needs"), I would suggest a DSLR, that way you can get lenses that meet your needs as they change. My personal recommendation would be the Nikon D40 a six mega pixel, or the D43x, a 10 mega pixel camera. I own the Nikon D200 and love it, but it is expensive, the body alone is $1500 to $1800 so unless you have a need I suggest a less expensive unit. A d40 with a 18-55 lens is $469 on eBay, new from a dealer. Other vendors make similar units, you might want to go to a photo shop and handle them and see which is best for you, but regardless of the make, stay with a camera that has replaceable lenses.