Photocraig

If I were to start all over again, I think I'd seriously look at mirrorless models like the Sony or Fuji or Olympus. They are lighter and as you collect lenses the entire kit is easier to transport. And if you don't have it with you, or if its too big and heavy to drag along, there will be no pictures outside of your brain. I've got 25 years of Canon SLR and DSLR background and tons of stuff before that. And that drove my purchase--but is need not drive yours.

Follow the reccomendations, try out an inexpensive used camera like JPL suggests. See what pictures attract you and see what you can and can't do with it. Then you will be in a position to choose a more serious system. Meanwhile you will have a back-up everyday camera that we all like to have. Or you can sell it for close to what you paid.

Another suggestion is to set some time aside for a few days and take photos of whatever strikes your fancy with your phone, Then review them and play "what if" I could take a wider scene, or a closer picture or if only the light was brighter, or wasn't so bright. As you see the scenes you gravitate to and the conditions that suit your personal life style (like sunrise/set of no way am I getting up that early in retirement) you will have a better idea of what you want to do.

Then tell us "I love the Botanical garden, and car shows and grandkids parties" or what's right for you and we can help you narrow your choices.

bull drink water Loc: pontiac mi.

I wish we had knowledgable members near each newbe. there are many ways to assist you,from used to entry level cameras. there are good cameras and moderately priced lenses for way less than $700.00. good luck.
a quick look at keh found a canon 50d aps-c for $300. 00 and a 17-85mm ef-s for $192.00 ,appears to be worth giving a look see.

DUKE103 Loc: Boston Area

Just recently retired also. Two bits of advice
One: cards fun comments should be at the top of the list. Learn to drive first then by the Muscle car
Second. Between your wife, kids and grandkids, working around the house u won't have much time got yourself LOL
HAVE FUN

Mickey Mantle Loc: New York City

Hi Chuch. Go for the Sony A6000 mirror less the future of photography

katbandit Loc: new york city

why not just go to best buy and try the different cameras out ..there is the constant debate out there about Nikon vs Canon..both are great cameras..but it all depends on what you feel you're comfortable with..i use the Nikon line..i like their lenses and the style of the camera..i have the D700 D7000 and the D7100..all DSLR cameras seem overwhelming at first..however if you take it slow and go one step at a time you will find yourself figuring it out..enjoy the camera ..don't let it swallow you up in frustration..just know that you will learn it ..join a camera group..find a local camera store that may have a group that enjoys meeting up once a month..find a fellow camera buff ..go out together and bounce ideas and knowledge off each other..most photographers are still learning new stuff every day..and we all started at the beginning ..have fun and enjoy your retirement

John N Loc: HP14 3QF Stokenchurch, UK

I would second GWR's comments. Get your hands on as much as you can and see what sits best for you.

Here in the U.K. we are beginning to see specific packages put together for large retail chains (maybe with a modified model no. - but not to hard to compare), could well be worth a look.

And see what's available 2nd hand, might save a few $/£'s while you find out what you REALLY want.

Any close friends / relatives do a bit of snapology? I chose CANON mainly because my sister has CANON and some decent lenses.

A recent post on here suggested PENTAX offered more for your money than the big 2, and I know a few people who wouldn't touch anything else.

I hope you get the advice you want from here, but would also recommend you try and get to a 'physical' club rather than a 'virtual' club and see if members are prepared to give you the opportunity to get some hands on experience.

sb Loc: Florida's East Coast

If you have a good old-fashioned "brick and mortar" camera store, go visit them. They can discuss at length the various features of today's DSLR's, and let you hold some and see how they feel for you. Most name-brand gear is sold at MSRP by any authorized dealer, so you won't spend any more for your basic setup at your local camera store than online. (But, oh, all the goodies may tempt you to spend more on accessories! )

jerryc41 Loc: Catskill Mts of NY

Welcome to our forum!

Welcome to retirement!

Don't rush into buying. You have to decide on the format, as well as the model. We now have DSLR and mirrorless to consider. I prefer the DSLR, but I started with them in the 1970's.

http://camerasize.com/
http://www.imaging-resource.com/IMCOMP/COMPS01.HTM
http://snapsort.com/compare
http://www.dpreview.com/products/compare/cameras?utm_campaign=internal-link&utm_source=mainmenu&utm_medium=text&ref=mainmenu

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rmLLgUG1SkE

There is loads on information available on Google.

Erv Loc: Medina Ohio

Hi Chuck! I already don't like you!!!!:) I have 2 more years to be a free man.:):) The best way for a new to cameras is go to a real camera store and pick their brains. Most of the folks in a store just cameras are really into them and can tell you about all the things each camera can do. There are tons of cameras out there now, and they all seem to be great cameras. Go to the store and pick them all up and see how they feel in your hands. That is VERY important!! Then when you pick one you can go shop around and find the best price.

I like to buy from the camera store here. They can get me things I need when I need it. Not to many around any more, which is sad.

Have fun looking and take your time getting the right camera and lenses to go with it. I have had Nikons for a long time.:):)

Jim Bob

Nikon D5300, refurbished from Cameta Camera. 2nd choice, Nikon D3300, refurbished same retailer.

MikeMck Loc: Southern Maryland on the Bay

Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated! Thanks so much, Chuck[/quote]

Welcome to retirement. I did it 9 years ago and never looked back. I would go to your nearest Costco, Sam's Club, or BJ's and look at their Canons, but they also have Nikons in the same price range. Pick them up, see how they feel in your hands. If none of those warehouses are available, go to a Best Buy or a local camera store (if you have one), it is hard for someone else to pick a camera for you because only you will be holding it and carrying it around for years to come. Good luck!!

ValliPride Loc: Lost in Florida

Congrads on your retirement, their are plenty of Great cameras out their one thought, the Best camera is the one that with you. Enjoy your Life best of Health.

Leon S Loc: Minnesota

Welcome to the world of retirement. I've been retired for 8 years and have started two new businesses with my wife. If I was just getting into the photo hobby after starting to collect my retirement, I wouldn't start with beginner equipment. I'd head right for a camera with the bells and whistles so you won't find yourself in the position of wanting to up grade in the near future. I would choose at the least (in a Nikon brand) a D7100 in the dx fomat, or a used D700 in a fx format. Retiring from teaching should allow you to buy either one. Start with a high quality lens (in Nikon brand) a 18-55 vr for dx and a 24-85 vr for the fx cameras. Don't buy lenses again until you have decided if you like and use the that equipment. If you decide it isn't for you, you can sell the equipment and get most of your money back. Enjoy your new life. Leon. and ex teacher that now teaches other subjects.

PJHHobbit Loc: Kansas City, Missouri

Being a retired from teaching for 11 years I welcome you to the wonderful world of retirement. Make the most of it while you can. I will suggest a Sony but there are many other fine cameras out there. I will also suggest mirror less but that again is just my preference. Enjoy retirement!

Shakey Loc: Traveling again to Norway and other places.

I concur with Joer on this one. You have a budget, a DSLR and a selection of lenses will cost more than you think. Plus, all that kit is heavy to lug around. Then you have to think about flashes and a tripod.
In my honest opinion, take a look at bridge cameras; you get a very long, built in, quality lens, which will be light to carry. The learning curve is much easier than a DSLR. Later, when you have gained experience you can upgrade, but as a retiree I doubt if you'll bother. Go to your local store and try the bridge cameras on offer. Look for Panasonic with a Leica lens, Canon, Nikon, and Sony. Some bridge cameras (not the latest) are currently offered at very attractive prices, which are well below your budget. I use the Panasonic Lumix FZ200 bridge camera, it's outstanding. Other members will have their favorites. Naturally DSLR aficionados will decry this but shop around because bridge cameras give superb results.