Well done! Congratulations!

Like you, my eyesight isn't what it once was. Low-end consumer cameras, with mirror boxes rather than true glass prisms, felt to me like I was looking down a dark tunnel. Mid-range camera viewfinders, although better, still felt darker than I remembered.

So, if I were you, I'd start visiting camera stores and actually looking through all the mid-range selections. For me, the EVF cameras opened new visual worlds. I'm currently using a Sony SLT, and it's amazing what I can see--100-percent viewfinder with fantastic magnification.

Nothing beats actually comparing viewfinders in person; look through every camera you can. Then, you'll be able to pick the camera that best suits you.

It's been decades since I photographed Yellowstone, but I must say, back then, Hayden Park was my favorite area for wildlife.

Welcome to the hog... excellent first shot, btw.

The tailights are ugly, but the rest of the car... wow.

Born and raised in Montana, and I've never been to this area... that's probably true of most Montanans, though. Big place... great shots, btw.

Thanks!

Do this instead... about a month before you leave for your trip, buy or collect a set of ten or more nesting boxes. In the smallest, place your gifted camera. Gift wrap it. Place the box w/camera in the next largest box and gift wrap that... see where I'm going here?

Pranked nicely and no one horrified. And your daughter has the opportunity to learn the new gear.

Perhaps, a tad too devious. Please update us if you do carry out this bit of evil. I'm sure everyone wants to know if she ever speaks to you again.

Depends on the size of the artwork... a good macro (1.1) for small paintings, and a nice 'normal' prime lens (35 to 50mm) for larger works should do fine.

All the other suggestions here seem on point. Good luck!

A quick note about 'half-frame' vs. APS-C... Half-frame film is just 1/2, or 50% of a 35mm frame. So, a 50mm lens would be the multiplication factor of around 2X--about equivalent of a 100mm lens on a half-frame camera. Closer to a 4/3rds format.

APS-C format, whether film or sensor, is larger than that. So, APS-C sized sensors are around 1.5-1.6 in their multiplication factors.

Please, everyone, correct me if I got this wrong... just going from memory.

Are we talking about a reflex 500mm lens here? If so, there was only one autofocusing 500 f/8 lens...

Ah, the 5D... my first digital slr... sold it only last year.

Welcome! My first (and only) MF camera was a Mamiyaflex C... I'm not sure, but I think it was as old as I am. It was really amazing what you could do with those interchangeable lens boards.

You need to play with your food more often! Nice work.