DavidPine Loc: Fredericksburg, TX

Honestly, it depends on what you are willing to spend. Hoggers will try to guide you to the least expensive equipment. If you have the ability to spend more you will ultimately save more money because it beats buying twice. If you just think you want to test the photography water and see how you like it but if you had an OM-1 you've already had a quality taste. If you liked it with film I suspect you will love digital. I made the same jump when I retired 17 years ago and I am now a full time photographer. It's cheaper than hunting, golf, fishing or riding bikes. You might be happy with the 5000 series but if you can dig a little deeper easily, you might be happier. The big issue is budget. Good luck and have fun.

Qt Loc: Michigan

Thanks everyone for the input. Between the links and advice I now have much more to go on. Cheers.

johneccles Loc: Leyland UK

As you did have an Olympus camera, why not consider buying one of their current models.
I have two Olympus cameras, an EM10 and an EPL-5, they are both excellent cameras and there are many other models in the M4/3 range.

lamiaceae Loc: San Luis Obispo County, CA

Nikon D5X00 or D7200.

par4fore Loc: Bay Shore N.Y.

I shoot Nikon but was thinking the same, go with OLYMPUS!

jerryc41 Loc: Catskill Mts of NY

Based on your choices, I would recommend the D5500. That flippy LCD is a very nice feature. Below are comparison sites. Don't hesitate to ask questions before you spend your money.

Read comparisons and specs, and decide what features are important to you.
(Reviews) https://www.youtube.com/user/TheCameraStoreTV/videos
http://cameras.reviewed.com/
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

camerapapi Loc: Miami, Fl.

I am more familiar with the 5000 series than the 3000 but I am sure both will fit your purpose.
By the way Olympus makes excellent mirrorless cameras and bodies. Perhaps you would like to look into them since you have used Olympus in the past.

RickL Loc: Vail, Az

I have a refurbished D7000. It has a one year warranty for under $400-500. We used Cameta
It is worth the upgrade. Entered my first photo contest with it and won three awards

fourlocks Loc: Londonderry, NH

QT - Sounds like we're in the same boat: 40 years ago I was a Nikkormat guy and amateur nature photographer. Although I went digital with an early Canon Digital Rebel (with a whopping 6 megabyte sensor) in 1996, I decided to upgrade this past summer, having retired this past year along with my best friend (who's also an amateur photographer). My friend opted for the Nikon D7200 and I went for the Nikon D5500. Looking at the reviews, the D5500 has the same picture quality as the 7200 (both have a 24 megapixel sensor) but lacks a few bells and whistles like an internal lens focus drive. At first comparison, I was somewhat disappointed with the 5500's smaller size and light weight as it seemed like a bit of a toy, compared to the 7200. However, after a while, I realized the compact size and light weight was a real bonus when out in the wild and after comparing results, I'm glad I stuck with the D5500. I will admit the D7200 is more of an entry-level professional camera while the D5500 is the top-of-the-line amateur model and the D7200 is the better piece of equipment.

If you have the money and don't mind the weight and bulk, go with the D7200. At this point and as an amateur, I would stick with my D5500 even if I had the money for the more expensive model and I'd put the extra money into a good lens. UHH blogs have repeatedly advised us that between camera body and lens, it's the lens that's more important and I agree.

cyclespeed Loc: Calgary, Alberta Canada

My first thought when you said "I'm leaning" was to yes you will given that you are in the last half of the life show and DSLR's are heavy compared to mirrorless like the Sony a6000 mentioned earlier. 📸

Qt Loc: Michigan

Thx

MtnMan Loc: ID

The D5300 gives you that plus built-in GPS. Great value in Nikon refurbs. I'd get from Cameta as they up the refurb warranty to a year for free.

I'd eschew the D3400. The numbskulls at Nikon took out the sensor cleaner.

Also be careful if you get AF-P lenses. They come in non-VR versions. Another stupid cost cutting idea. The advertising is often deceptive covering up (literally with the way they arrange the picture) that they are offering the non-VR version, particularly of the 70-300.

MtnMan Loc: ID

Alas those that tout spending on lenses vs. cameras are abput 15 years out of date. That was true with film because all cameras could use the same film. It isn't true with digital where the sensor and processing can make much more difference.

Check out the DXOMark test results for different lenses and cameras to see.

Qt Loc: Michigan

Thx

cjc2 Loc: Hellertown PA

Given what's available today, you can't go wrong with whatever you choose. Try the B&H or Adorama site for pricing and see if there is a local store you can go to and buy from who has a good reputation for helping their customers. Around here, there is a wonderful store that provides great free advice whose prices might be just a few bucks more than the big guys but their advice is well worth it. If you tell us where you're located, perhaps someone on here can provide a store for you to investigate. Add you location to your profile. As you have used Olympus, you might want to see what they are offering today. Best of luck.