Gessman, Thanks for taking the time to answer some of my questions. You sound like a guy that has years of experience and much knowledge. I wish we could get together and talk sometime...maybe a cold beer or a warm cup of tea. You don't happen to live near Chicago by any chance? -R.Kamantas

Thanx Blast, Best advise I've read so far. -R.K.

Hey SS, Thanks for the advice on the DSLR's . I forgot to mention that I also have a budget of about $1200-$1500 for the body and whatever lenses I can afford not including a printer. I'm favoring the T5i so far...what lenses would you recommend for me. I live right outside a national park and dunes area and I enjoy landscape/wildlife/botanical photography. I also have a large, close family with many functions to attend throughout the year. Not into sports or action photography that much. Please include at least one "fast" prime lens...maybe a 50mm...?
About a printer...how much will I need to spend on a middle of the road one? What about ink? Keep in mind that I'm a disabled vet and live on a fixed income so cartridges must be easy to get and inexpensive.

I'm new to digital. Have a Canon A-1, AE-1 and F-1 with a variety of some good lenses. I had a darkroom in my mothers basement but strictly B&W. I considered myself an "Advanced Amateur" When I left home in 1980 I packed the camera's and darkroom equipment up and haven't touched it since. Now 35yrs later I want to get back into photography...digital photography. Doing a little reading/research I've narrowed down my choices to two beginner cameras. Canon T5i or Nikon D3300. Will any of my old prime lenses work with any of these DSLR's? Canon vs. Nikon? What about a beginner/inexpensive printer? Is there a market for any of my old cameras and lenses or should I pack them up to show my great grandchildren in 20 or 30 years?