Elna and Bernina are top of the line machines, wonderful, but costly. Just bought a Janome this year and love it. Was mid priced, larger sewing throat area, needle down, needle threader, speed control, 1/4 in foot, walking foot, etc. An excellent, easy to use machine. Have trouble remembering how to use those machines with all the bells and whistles. :roll: If I don't use it regularly, I loose it!
Good luck with your search, just so many great machines to choose from. Don't buy because of the number of stitches a machine can do, ask yourself how often would you use them. What type of sewing are you going to be doing. You may not need them. Buy what you will be comfortable with.