First of all, I am NOT an expert on different types of embroidery machines, but I have had three top of the line machines -- two different makes.
If you are going to invest in an embroidery machine, first of all take a hard look at what you plan to do with it. I can tell you from experience that as soon as you start embroidering, either you will fall in love or you simply won't use it at all. There isn't much of an inbetween. To those who find that they love to embroider, you will find that there is never the EXACT design, that you want, you will always want to change things. So be sure that your machine allows you to edit designs.
My last investment -- the Singer XL-6000 was a pricey investment -- over $5,000 for the sewing machine, and software. However, the machine/software is incredibly powerful -- I wish I had time to learn all of the feature/functions, but as it is I can only create lettering and combine and edit multiple designs to create original embroidery. The software will allow me to scan images, photographs, etc., and digitize them so that they can be sewn, but that takes a higher level skill set that I presently have.
Whether you plan to buy on line or from a brick and morter store, be sure to go look at the machines in person and give each a test drive. You will find as you get deeper into the embroidery craze
that you will need someone who will be willing tohelp you with your particular machine with little quirks and questions. Make friends at the sewing machine store