Hi Dave! Good for you. Going back to the family is going to be great!!! When I was a young man I did weddings and anything else I could with a camera. But when Janny wanted kids I had to give it up. The small towns around us could not support a family and the Doctor bills. We lost 6 babies. But ended up with 2 wonderful boys. But I became a workaholic trying to get all the bills paid off. And stayed that way till both of my boy got through college 8 years ago. I got them through school without taking out loans. Some times I am sorry I missed so much of the kids playing and doing things with them. But they both know what and why I did it and are very thankful. In 2 years I will be retired and Janny and I are going to see the country. And my boys say they will meet us out on the road and join us when they can. This will be my second chance to get to know them!!! You are going to love retirement!!!! Enjoy those kids!!!!!!

I have no idea why so many people try to discourage newbies from buying high end cameras, if that's what they want. It's like telling someone not to buy a Corvette because all they ever drove previously was a pickup truck. If you have an interest in learning how to use a camera, any camera, then there is no reason not to try. There are endless resources available, many free, to provide you with the info and techniques necessary. The only people I would try to discourage are the ones who can't afford to buy high end gear, and nobody on here knows who those people are. If you have the interest and can afford it, then buy what you want. You will probably save money by not going through several lesser cameras before you get to the one you want. You have already learned that, so you are one step up. Enjoy your camera!