SharpShooter Loc: NorCal

I gave him a real conversation he could relate to.
No dynamic range, no how it feels in his hand, no mumbo jumbo!!!
Just a few GOOD reasons!! 📷
SS

Peterff Loc: O'er The Hills and Far Away, in Themyscira.

Are you a time traveler also? Or do you just want one of those Hassys that's still on the moon!

SharpShooter Loc: NorCal

There's still one on the moon?
Well H*ll, there ya go, there's the next Everest, just because it's there!!! LoL
SS

papa Loc: Rio Dell, CA

I research the many reviews available for lenses and cameras. My two got to sites are; https://www.dxomark.com/ and, http://www.imaging-resource.com/ They both have excellent review and technical information for me.

canyondweller Loc: Tucson,AZ

Thank you

rmorrison1116 Loc: Near Valley Forge, Pennsylvania

I remember a conversation between ground control and the crew of the first manned Apollo rocket while sitting on the launch pad waiting for liftoff. Mission control asked one of the astronauts how they feel. He replied something like, how would you feel if you were sitting on top of a three hundred foot Roman candle built by the lowest bidder. My point is, NASA purchases a lot of gear by having competing suppliers submit bids, not because one manufacturers product is better than another's. NASA ordered custom built cameras from Hasselbald but their (NASA) DSLR'S are not custom made, they are off the shelf units.
One reason NASA went with Nikon years ago is NASA was apprehensive about using Canon's L series lenses that contained flourite elements for fear they would be too fragile, a fear that has proven to be inaccurate.
Bidding probably also has a roll in the procurement process. Canon sells a lot more product than Nikon or any other camera manufacturer therefore they don't need to submit the absolute lowest bid. As for NASA, they still get quality gear at a competitive price.

BHC Loc: Strawberry Valley, JF, USA

This answer was succinct, but not uneducated?

JPL

I am mostly using Nikon and Sony. If I were you and starting in digital I would get a Pentax if I already had some Pentax lenses like you probably have. It will be the most cost effective choice for you. Basically you will only be buying a new body for your lenses and that is the cheapest way to do this switch. If you compare pictures at flickr or other websites you will see very little difference in the quality of pics from one camera brand to another so that is not a factor to consider in this case. Like some other here I would recommend the Pentax K1 for you, it is full frame camera from Pentax and a good value for money.

When considering cost of ownership you will hardly be spending any money on the camera and not on film and processing unless you want to print your pics. But you might starting to spend on better computers, monitors and software if you get hooked on the post processing you can do with the files from the camera. This goes for any brand of camera.

If, at some time, you regret to buy the Pentax and think your pics are not as good as pics taken with other brands you will have to do 2 things to get to the level that makes you happy. You have to improve your composition and you have to learn more post processing. Those 2 things and keeping the camera steady are the things what will make the difference, not the camera brand.

Leicaflex Loc: Cymru

If you still have the K1000 and lenses, you can use the lenses on the Pentax K1.
Pentax now have a great range of lenses and are adding more and more.
Personally, I would opt for the Pentax K1 or the Pentax K3 Mark II more reach
with the cropped sensor. Both are excellent cameras.

dpullum Loc: Tampa Florida

I had a Minolta in 1986, those lenses fit my Sony SLT A65... Bought 3 lenses at a on line auction for total $51... Minolta was great glass. Have two Macro lenses... adapter for long mm M42 screw mount.
Not all A cameras accept the Classic Minolta Mount... the mirrorless changed I think? Sony is excellent having for many year won camera of the year:
https://petapixel.com/2017/08/16/sony-cameras-lenses-dominate-2017-eisa-awards/

for lens fit... reasonably good answer at:
https://community.sony.com/t5/Alpha-NEX-Cameras/which-sony-camera-takes-zoom-lens-of-Minolta/td-p/187985

The Pentax K 1000 is the ultimate camera... put up to your eye and adjust every thing while viewing... [except ISO of course] Loved mine....

delottphoto

I am a successful professional photographer. However, I do not do sports or wild life. That said the D7200 Nikon is the best camera value. I use the nikon 50mm for my studio head shots, the Sigma 85mm f1.4 lens, and the the Sigma "brick" 18- 35mm f1.8. Together with LR and Nik software at this time, you will have the very best images! www.delottphoto.com

CO

Nikon has been using mostly Sony sensors that are manufactured to Nikon's specifications. This combination yields a wider dynamic range than Canon's sensors. DXO Labs does extensive camera testing. Nikon cameras generally score higher than Canon cameras. A wide dynamic range can benefit everyone - both amateurs and pros.

Gene51 Loc: Yonkers, NY, now in LSD (LowerSlowerDelaware)

You don't need an expensive DSLR or Mirrorless camera to start shooting digital.

When it comes to camera brands, at the stage you are at, it really doesn't matter. No camera is perfect, everyone's needs are different as are the camera options. A camera that is ideal for me may not be your cup of tea and vice versa. And your criteria for cameras will evolve. So there is no point in suggesting that this camera is better than that camera. And to try and "sell" you on a camera system without knowing what you have experienced, what you like to shoot, how you will use your pictures (print or sharing on social media), or what your budget is. I will take a guess, using your "code words" that by describing yourself as a hobbyist you don't see a reason to spend a lot of money, and by saying you take all kinds of pictures sounds like you have no specific feature in mind, other than it can take pictures, and wanting a camera that is easy to use tells me you neither have the time or inclination to learn a camera or post processing.

You have just described a cellphone camera. Nothing is cheaper (you may already have one), and judging by the sheer number of images that are posted on numerous social media sites, no camera is easier to use or requires less maintenance.

If you think I am being a smartass, you're wrong.

http://www.nationalgeographic.com/travel/photography/8-tips-taking-travel-pictures-with-the-iphone7/

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Gd0NAceMH8Y

https://iphonephotographyschool.com/travel/

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/mark-hodson/iphone-photography_b_3430363.html?slideshow=true#gallery/302718/7

As far as more advanced cameras are concerned, there is not a lot of difference between current cameras from a functional perspective. Lens systems on the other hand can be quite different, but not at the consumer level (APS-C or smaller), they don't cost a lot, and they are decent enough optically. Though there are some exceptions - Sigma and Tamron have a few APS-C lenses that are every bit pro quality - great build, fast focus, excellent sharpness, environmental sealing, etc.

So if you are looking for someone to tell you how to spend your money, you'll get a more informed answer if you provide a lot more information. But based on your post, my advice is get yourself a low end point and shoot or use your cellphone for the moment, learn how to post process a little bit, and let the next camera you acquire outdo the one you will get now, and by then you'll have a better idea about what makes sense for you.

philo Loc: philo, ca

I believe that what ever name is on the body it will do a great job. I have been using Canon for a lot of years and they have served me well. They provide great service when ever I need it. (not to often). The problem you face is which end of the pool to jump in. If you have a shooting buddy see what they are using. When you spend time with them ask to try one of their lens.
Photography is my passion and it is learning something every day. After 60 years I'm still learning. You can take classes, go online, read books etc. What ever you decide to do; I would suggest setting the mode dial to Auto and just go out and have fun. Look at the world around you and then push the button. When you get home download your images and marvel at what you have done.
Seek out a photo club, meetup group and enjoy the trip with people that enjoy what you enjoy.
It is not a cheap world. It is cheaper then spending your money on booze, drugs and loose women.
One last point look for used equipment. We are a bunch of crazies that are always buying new stuff. Then sell of the great used stuff at a lot less price.

Blaster34 Loc: Florida Treasure Coast

Overwhelming is an understatement, options galore.....How deep do you want to get involved into the 'hobby', how much are you willing to spend, what's your budget limit, what is your ultimate goal, if any? Remember, its not hard to get caught up in Gear Acquisition Syndrome (GAS). The options and choices are endless and remember technology changes faster than you can open your wallet and all the camera companies will be definitely vying for that $20 bill (or more, much more). Photography for your personal enjoyment, maybe a quality 'Bridge' camera as a start since they're getting better & better. If you have old lenses, a newer body will make more dollar sense to start or like many will say start with a moderately priced DSLR system with interchangeable lenses if you want to go that route and there are many, many to choose from. Each poster has their own preference and brand. You might try renting a DSLR system with a couple of lenses for a week and see if you like it before you take the plunge....Lots of luck but whatever you do, shoot, shoot, shoot and enjoy.