First year for Image Processing. Need Help!

[ctccromer]

Trying to plan things out right now and have a couple questions:

What's the easiest/best camera to use? We have the Kinect from last year, but I've heard a lot about "Axis" cameras, and I don't know if there's another good option besides those two. Are there certain pros/cons for each camera or any deciding factors?

Once I've decided which camera to use:
What is the easiest/best PROGRAM to use? I'm coding in LabVIEW this year but also know basic C++ and Java, I have RoboRealm (program provided in the KoP) installed and ready on my laptop, and I've also seen stuff about something called SmartDashboard. Again, pros, cons, deciding factors, anything helpful?

Thanks!