You all are amazing! Thank you thank you thank you for these excellent suggestions. I am going to print this out and carry it with me on the plane so I can review and get it into my brain. I appreciate the technical as well as the practical. I really can't tell you how much I appreciate this.

Hi! I have an amazing opportunity to be a photojournalist while traveling in Zambia over the next couple of weeks. I really want to take meaningful photos. For context, I work mainly with the poor, raising $$ for water. We will be out in the field. I would LOVE any suggestions, input, ideas on how to get that special shot when things are going to be moving fast.

Hi all,
I decided on a Nikon D500, to stick with a crop sensor vs. full frame, since cost is a consideration. (everything goes up with a FF!) I decided to switch to Nikon because my mentor / teacher / friend uses Nikon and it is apples to apples. The D500 is newer than the Canon 7DMII, and a bit of an upgrade. I think I can learn the new system easily enough.

What I really want to say is thank you!! As you all know, you really can't purchase a new camera without doing the homework. However, your input was so valuable to me. It gave me a starting point. I considered it all, spent hours reading about cameras, determined what was important to me, and finally made a choice. One thing I found very helpful were these stats on Wikipedia - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Comparison_of_Nikon_DSLR_cameras There is a set for Canon as well.

Thanks, again. Now - to go shop! Oh... I do have insurance and they are going to cover the loss with a $500 deductible. That makes it easier.

Thanks, everyone!! I am so appreciative of all the comments here. I have some work to do! I will let you know how it goes.

Got it! Thanks!!

You make a good point... If I was careful and watched ads etc. I might be able to pick a FF up for not much more than a 7DMII (got it right that time!! lol).

Sorry for your loss, but how familiar were you with your 7D Mark II camera? I ask that because you got the name wrong every time, once in the title and twice in the body of your post. Since you seem interested in a Nikon replacement for it, I'm surprised your internet searches for a Nikon replacement didn't immediately bring the Nikon D500 to your attention. And finally, the Canon 7D Mark II is a four year old design. There are a number of camera's that better it in many, if not most, regards today. Its main current value today is its 10 fps, its auto focus system and pro level build. I have been a 7D Mark II owner since early 2015,

Dyslexia. Thanks for you comments. 'Its main current value today is its 10 fps, its auto focus system and pro level build' very helpful!

Very helpful. I didn't realize about the video. frames per second.

Thanks for your comment. I liked my Canon... my friend wants to help me get started again and will help with Nikon lenses, flashes, etc. I'm just not sure I want to change.

Hi Everyone,
First, thanks in advance for your help. I just don't have the heart to do the research. Someone helped themselves to my D7MII along with another Canon 40D, all the lenses, case, everything. - I am heartbroken. I am sure that some of you can relate! I started with Canon because someone loaned me a Canon and that is the system I know. But, a friend of mine has offered to help me get set up with a Nikon. Do any of you know what could be an equivalent to the D7MII in Nikon?

Here are the specs off of B&H - • 20.2MP APS-C CMOS Sensor, Dual DIGIC 6 Image Processors, 3.0" 1.04m-Dot Clear View II LCD Monitor, Full HD 1080p/60 Video & Movie Servo AF, Dual Pixel CMOS AF with Live View, 65-Point All Cross-Type Phase-Detect AF, Native ISO 16000, Extended to ISO 51200, 10 fps Shooting at Full Resolution, Built-In GPS Receiver & Digital Compass, Wi-Fi Connectivity via W-E1 Adapter.

I'm not sure I need the video aspect. I think I just don't want to 'go backwards'.

Thanks again.

Hound dog. Teach him to fetch. Just saying.... you never know.

I like photos that send a message. I know you aren't into taking photos of people - but how about looking for things that show Christian love... people serving in a food line, carolers singing peace on earth, someone helping an elderly lady into a car, bringing food to a neighbor, kids doing yard work for a shut in. Simple things, with a verse added or a comment about what the photo means. An the more light side... something that has been rambling about in my head are all these deflated Santas in people's yards during the day. How about a photo of one of those with a clever comment like 'Christmas with out Jesus is empty', or 'there just isn't any stuffing when you take Christ out of Christmas.' There is a 'flat santa' just hanging upside down off the roof during the day near my home. It is just too funny... "too much party and not enough Jesus??" I don't know. Have some fun with it.

A genius simple way to date folders is Year Month Day (name). That way they are all in time order - example 171212 or 180430. Shout out to Gina for that information!