Straight stitch, button hole, zig zag. I can do a ton of projects with a machine that has these stitches, but a needle threader, and needle up/down won't help if I can't zig zag. Just my thoughts. But I'd still never but a machine that only has these 3 features. KWIM? There are so many options!

I have more than one machine. Each does something the others don't.
First there's the garment machine with #1 reliability, #2 utility stitches, #3 knee lift
Then there's the quilt machine with #1 reliability, #2 excelent straight stitch, #3 FMQ capability. It also has thread cutter, needle up/down, knee lift
Then there's the light weight for travel with #1 reliability, #2 excelent stitch, #3 11lbs. It also as thread cutter, needle up/down and a 4" square embroidery which I don't expect to ever use.

my Quttro has a camera just above the needle. It is fabulous when you embroider. I can scan the item while it is in the hoop, if I need a precise location (over a pocket or near a button, etc) the camera allows me to see how the embroidery design is lining up. If the design needs to be moved, I can then use my location buttons and move the design, then embroider. LOVE this option.

knee lift for the presser foot, thread cutter, and auto needle up and down, all of those features that give you an extra hand when sewing.

Knee lift, needle down and needle threader.

Me too Bright light too

Needle up/down, thread cutter and knee lift for me. I didn't realize how spoiled I am by the thread cutter and knee lift on my new Jukis until I pulled out my Pfaff!

9" throat, foot pedal,needleup/down.

I'm with dunster! :) I do love the needle up/down, knee lever pressure foot lift - I probably miss the knee lever pressure foot lift the most when I'm sewing with my older machine. I keep pushing my knee over but it doesn't do anything. :D

Automatic needle threaded, needle up and down, and a foot pedal (I don't like the new machines where you just press a button).