For her purposes, a D-90 is essentially the same as a D7000/D7100...plastic body vs metal, but specs are so similar, really. A D90 with Kit glass can be snatched for $200-275.
Take a look at Canon's flagship, the 5D Mark III....ditto, no flash. Seems a pro camera with built in flash is akin to a four on thee floor Rolls-Royce.
Hemingway House and the Butterfly House for great shots of those things of every variety!! Duval Street for the local nutcases (like Bourbon Street in New Orleans). Mallory Square in the afternoon/evening for street performers and a great sunset!
I was stationed at the Academy from '83 - '90 and was Sup't. Cadet Clinic...I knew this story well. The Clinic is one of the few areas located in the Cadet Area. I have also visited that grave.
One of the best camera/kit lens set up I owned was a Nikon D-40 with 18-55 and 55-200 lenses. You can find them all over E-bay, etc. for well under $200.