The quest for a perfect camera will always be an exercise in futility because we, as humans, are never satisfied with what we have for long.. and we simply cannot agree on the definition of perfect as it applies to cameras…. or anything else.
For some a point and shoot is perfect. It fits in the purse or coat pocket. No real brain power is involved, you really don’t have to understand the relationship between shutter speed, ISO and aperture… just set it to Auto Mode and then just point and shoot.
For some a rangefinder is perfect. It has a small form factor with a full frame sensor and relies on the operator to focus it. Great for shooting things that don’t move and if you aspire to be a street photographer, it is a must have item. Shoot in color and convert to black and white because that’s just what rangefinders are for. Rangefinders also proclaim you are in total control of your photography and that you are not in control of your bank account.
For some a Micro Four Thirds system is perfect. It has a small form factor, auto-focus and allows you to use just about any lens you wish to hang on it… with the proper adapter.
For some a DSLR is perfect. Big and bulky, it proclaims you are more than a hobbyist…. possibly a pro. Auto-focus, full frame (on some) and its weight helps build upper body strength, especially the arms. Downside is that, depending on how many lenses you carry with you, you may develop shoulder and back pain.
For some a Holga is perfect. Light weight, uses film and allows you to take artsy photos without really trying. No auto-focus issues either. No one will ever think you are a Pro if you use a Holga.. even if you are. And one other benefit.. you can recycle a Holga since it is 99% plastic.
For some a Polaroid is perfect. Uses film (kinda) and offers the same instant gratification (60 seconds or so) that digital offers. Scanning negatives is a bit difficult though.
For some a pin-hole camera is perfect. Had to throw that in so pinhole users will not feel left out.. I honestly don’t know why anyone would enjoy using one.. but that is my problem, not theirs. More power to the Pin Hole Users. You don’t rush your photography when you’re a pin-hole user.
For some a Medium Format Camera is perfect. Big and bulky, implies you are a pro and allows you to make extreme crops due to the huge sensor and the detail it can capture.
For some an iPhone is the perfect camera. Fits in your pocket or purse and you hardly ever forget to take it with you and you can instantly post photos directly from the camera to facebook, Flickr and other photo sharing sites. It’s also great for capturing police beatings and selling the video to CNN or MSNBC. Downside is that it’s hard to find lenses for the iPhone camera.
I wonder when they’ll make a Digital Twin Lens Reflex camera? Haven’t tried one of those yet.
I have owned or currently own: a rangefinder, several point and shoots, numerous DSLRs and two Micro Four Thirds cameras… none of them are perfect…. nor am I.