You are so wrong. I started with a Compaq luggable with DOS 1.6 in 1984 and used Windows machines professionally until I retired in 2015. We stopped using Windows machines at home in 2007 and have never looked. Dell is certainly initially cheaper but the MBP is not a toy and we don’t have to pay for upgrades to the OS. The Apple OS also includes a good word processor, spread sheet, presentation, and photo processing software packages.

This is a good recommendation. The cost of a tricked out MBP plus a good 4K monitor approaches the cost of a better IMac. If you go the MBP route you should also need to factor in the cost of a Thunderbolt hub to facilitate connection of peripherals. We have both, my wife uses the MBP and I the IMac. Apple’s monitor offering was a 2k at almost $1000. We went with a $500 4K Acer which is acceptable after color profiling but not in the same league as the IMac. We needed the MBP for traveling.

Since you are just staring out, look for a good bridge camera with a good zoom. Plan to have extra memory cards and batteries. If the camera uses a proprietary battery, take a couple of spare batteries, and look for a system that allows quick charging. You may be limited to electric power for charging. In an ideal world a weather sealed camera would be an advantage. But, whatever you choose practice, practice and practice some more before you go. You will not have a lot of time to setup the camera for the one great shot. My preference would be an Olympus or Sony camera with a view finder. Bright ambient light will cause problems for a camera with only a back LCD screen.

Have a great time.

👍👍👍

If the images can be seen with the card in the camera then try using a USB cable to connect the camera to your computer. If not then check with your card maker for their recommended recovery program. I was able to recover deleted images using the Sandisk suggested recovery program.

Good luck.

I am also interested in your comments after seeing results.

Since you are new to Lightroom you might check out laurashoe.com. She offers two excellent but reasonably priced video courses on LR. An excellent reference book is Lightroom the Missing FAQ by Victoria Brampton, the Lightroom Queen.

You can find some good advice if you do a search with the keywords "gene51 tripod". Gene51 is an experienced member that has provided meaningful info on tripods in the past. Scroll through the comments to his entry. MTshooter sells the Nest Tripods at his store cameracottage.com also a recommended brand.

Since you are in Houston you might want to check out Houston Camera Exchange on Richmond just West of Chimney Rock. They have a large selection that you can "try on".

I bought a Kata (now Manfrotto) 3in1 bag thinking I would like to have the sling over one shoulder feature, but it did not work for me. I now use the bag in back pack mode to get my cameras, lenses and stuff along with 15" MBP to where I will be staying. I then use a cheap canvas non-descript messenger bag to carry what I will need for the day. The canvas bag goes in the luggage. You will find your photography equipment and PC will be pretty heavy. I have made several international trips with my setup. Lowe pro makes good stuff though, I still have my Lowepro bag from my SLR days, but it has no place for a PC, strange? 😉

I have limited knowledge of gimbal heads but I suspect you will need to try and mount the lens and camera so that its is balanced on the gymbal. Normally this is accomplished using a long Acura-Swis plate that allows you to move the lens and camera back and forth. If you are not able to use such a plate you might try adding additional weight to the camera. Use the tripod mount on the camera to attach the weight.Hope this helps. Send us some of your photos. Good luck.

Thanks for sharing, I will certainly check them out. 👍👍

Hence his question, Duh. How does your response help? He is reaching out for help from a location with limited resources.

When I moved to digital I looked hard at Nikon (always wanted a Nikon since my early film days) and Canon. I settled on a Pentax K7 because I could purchase a fully sealed camera and two wearher resistance kit lenses for less than the body of a comparable Nikon or Canon. I was impressed that I could use any existing Pentax lens with the K7. I now have a K3 and will probably someday get a K1. It is an amazing camera. But, I live with the inability to take advantage of the new lenses from Tamron and Sigma and the selection of Pentax lenses is smaller than the other guys. The mirrorless cameras from Sony, Olympus and Fuji are also impressive. But, whatever your choice, you need to be prepared to spend time learning how to use your DSLR and possibly some more time and money to become proficient with a post processing software package. I am having a great time hope you do as well. You will get a lot of good information here on the Hog.

Good memories with the photo, thanks for sharing. 👍👍👍

I am a Pentax user and cannot speak specifically about Nikon. For me the best solution is an 18-135mm f/3.5-5.6 walk around lens and a 50mm f/1.8 for low light situations. The 50mm is quite small, easily carried in a pocket and unobtrusive.