I've done some initial research and haven't really learned anything, but I have found out that there is much more reading to do than I thought there could possibly be. This seems like a good place to start.
Thanks that's an excellent post. I've forgotten much of what I used to know about optics. I remember finding it incredibly annoying how my dad's telescope with a 12" primary mirror seemed to work just fine with the "bright light" plate put on it... a plate that covered the mirror but had a 3" hole cut into it, off-set to one side even. Heck you could stand in front of the thing and still see. I know near nill about sensors though.Welcome!
Many find this thread to be a good start at learning camera basics such as chase sensor size not MP and get the proper focal length for the distance you are wanting to IDENTIFY.
It also includes the most commonly recommended cameras (along with Amazon links) based on distance to IDENTIFY that represent the overall best value in terms of price and performance day and night:
The Importance of Focal Length over MP in camera selection