ICN3S Loc: Cave Junction, OR

I started with a Nikon film camera and unlike Canon was able to use all my lenses when I switched to digital! I'm still using those lenses I purchased in the early 90s as well as a few new ones.

ralph polovich

It is not the machine it is the operator.

Hip Coyote

It’s the Indian, not the arrow.

CHG_CANON Loc: the Windy City

Success is the photographer. Failure is the equipment.

frankraney Loc: Clovis, Ca.

Earnest Botello Loc: Hockley, Texas

Welcome to the Hog, enjoy.

Blair Shaw Jr Loc: Dunnellon,Florida

Welcome & Good Luck WorldTraveler.....congratulations on your camera selection. You'll do just fine. Celebrate what you have and not what you don't ....all the cameras are worthy in most cases these days. Pick & use the one you prefer and not what others would choose.

PhotogHobbyist Loc: Bradford, PA

Welcome to the Hog. I feel your concern, but more so, I am a Pentaxian and we are farther down the question and answer list than Canon, Nikon, Fuji and Sony. It's all good though, I'm here mostly to check out the photos and critiques and once in awhile seek a general topic answer.

You will get answers and critiques and criticisms here from many directions and sources, most of them are helpful with a little humor thrown in.

RoswellNM Loc: SW Indiana

As I’ve told several friends who wanted to get into (or back into) photography beyond simple P&S, try several cameras/brands - what fits in your hand and is the most intuitive for you, go for it.

Nicholas DeSciose

All the cameras today are excellent.

aellman Loc: Boston MA

I hope this is meant to be funny.

Hip Coyote

My prior reply was a bit short. Here is a bit of unsolicited advice. I have seen, in the photography world, as well as in my profession, people emphasize equipment over competence. They think the latest and greatest gadget will somehow improve their skill. Typically, that is not true. Skill and competence far outweigh equipment. If you are new to the photog world, join a camera club that emphasizes, critiques, works on, and developes technique. I am a decent photographer. Sometimes I think I am a good photographer, then I get one of my photos critiqued and I get knocked down a rung or two.

You will also eventually find your niche in photography. I am like you...family, travel, etc. I could care less about going to some artificial event (Renaissance Fairs, battle reenactments, etc.) and take photos. I have found my niche. You will too. And when I do take those photos, I now look at them more critically.

Finally, one piece of equipment that does seem to make a difference (at least for me) is quality glass. I shoot Oly. My photos are small size compared to what other systems shoot...max of 16 meg. But I have very high quality glass which makes for razor sharp images. The camera I use can be bought for $400 on the used market. The glass is worth many times that. Canon is a great system. They make world-class glass as well.

Hip Coyote

If you have seen his many posts, you will find he is quite humorous. So this is consistent with his humor. And he is lso quite knowledgeable having written detailed posts on photo processing which have helped me quite a bit.

PHRubin Loc: Nashville TN USA

Really? Those of us that have been here a while know of your strange humor, but give a break to a newbie!

PHRubin Loc: Nashville TN USA

First - WELCOME TO UHH! ENJOY your new camera!

Just a note: a D80 is a Nikon model, an 80D is a Canon.

Those that own one brand or the other might say their brand is better, but the truth is as each puts out a new model, it leapfrogs past the other. The 80D is better than an entry level model and I love mine. It has overcome most every shortcoming of previous models, has more features and is better built. The 18-135mm lens is a convenient attempt at an "all purpose" lens and the USM version is the best of the 3.