Iwata Eclipse HP-CS

Information

Great at wide range of applications
Perfect for beginners.

It's not too finicky about paint consistency as other airbrushes.
It very economical with paint.
When in doubt, this is my default airbrush to recommend to people.

Cut-Away Handle
Self-Centering Nozzle

It cleans up a little easier. Not to mention the nozzle threads can't get broken off inside the airbrush (there aren't any nozzle threads to break!)
Teflon O-Rings

The Eclipse CS is my favorite airbrush.
It cleans up easily.
It's got a big cup on top for paint with a cap for when I get a little wild.
The Eclipse CS is a great tool for general spraying. It does everything good.
On the flip side it doesn't do anything spectacularly well.
It's a workhorse airbrush. It's perfect for doing most of your spraying, gross detail work, and general backgrounds.
It's really hard to go wrong with an Eclipse.

No place to set it

More so than siphon or side feed airbrushes gravity feed airbrushes just don't set down very well. Some kind of airbrush holder is a godsend when you've got paint in the airbrush but simply need to use both hands to do something else for a minute or two before you can spray again.
Tip Dry

If you're using spray equipment and the needle is long and pointy, you WILL have tip dry. A slow reducer can help depending on the type of paint you spray. Otherwise, get good at knowing how to recognize and remove tip dry
- Approved Tip Dry Removal Method
- Unapproved (though common) Tip Dry Removal Method
Clogs

Yeah, I'm sure you know that EVERY airbrush clogs. The Eclipse is about as good as it gets for not clogging but still having detail ability.
Bent Needles

Well...I'd love to tell you this is a problem with the airbrush but it's not. It's really your fault. Here are your options.
1. Stop removing the Needle Cap or purchase a Crown Cap instead
2. Suck it up and keep a spare needle around for when you goof up.