I'm not familiar with the M43 cameras in general, so cannot reflect on that. Your budget crop sensor and full frame suggestions are spot on. I concur that mirrorless is just so much more versatile, and makes life so easy and that does result in less frustration, and ability to take photos in tricky situations. DSLRs are perfect when we shoot in zen-mode, aka have all the time in the world to take the shot, and have the time to set up the camera settings properly. Small animals, kids, parties with low light and short attention span - that's pretty much exclusively mirrorless.... (can do it DSLR, but you need to have significant experience, and even then the keeper rate will be low.) I would add the 6D mark I to the full frame list, that would be my no1 budget camera recommendation. Not much more expensive than the 5Dc, and it adds low light capability and little more modern megapixel count (20MP). Has the same super basic 1 point (usable) AF..... I would also keep the M series Canon as a recommended crop sensor camera. Especially with the 22mm pancake lens, it is so tiny as a point and shoot, and adapts old EF lenses wonderfully. The M2 has an absolutely tiny body, and has an amazing filmic sensor (for crop sensor mirrorless). Much nicer rendering than the more modern and expensive M50. Probably because of its lower 18MP count vs 24MP for most of the later M series. The M2&EF-M22mm is a phenomenal camera for those who need a small, very portable camera that you can pocket and take everywhere with you. For some, that is more important than any other feature. I personally prefer bigger, heavier body that balances well with a big fat prime lens... yet, I had occasions where the only alternative is the tiny body & pancake lens, and I can take it anywhere without the slightest compromise of what I can / need to pack for the trip. I'd say the M2 would be the XT1 equivalent from Canon...

Good list, I mostly agree with you. I think the Sony A7 II would be a better pick though, as it had IBIS which is a real advantage, and gives the camera more life for someone to grow into. I had a secondhand A7 for about a year and liked it, but couldn't afford the glass that had stabilisation. It was cool to mount older manual lenses though, I had a Minolta 50mm that was really fun to use.

As always, very interesting and well-justified choices. I don't have a D200 yet but I'm excited that such an "old" camera is recommended. Same with a Canon 5D Classic. You didn't name it and it's not so cheap anymore but the Nikon D700 is always an option, a camera that I have and adore. I also have an EM5 when I need to go light and it's such a handy and discreet camera that I can't stop using, plus it has the best build in the series. I had an A6000 but I sold it. The two Sony cameras that you have recommended to me have a fairly well-known and discussed problem, the Sony color science of that era. Unlike Canon or Nikon, with the Sony the skies were very artificial, especially in light blues and blues, and the skin tones were somewhat extraterrestrial. I like that in any case you have recommended systems that have more than enough quality native and third-party optics. Cheers from Japan.