SBOHNE, I thank you for your kind concern and your offer of assistance. I regret to inform you that you are a tad tardy. I was so pleased with myself after diagnosing the problem and solving same, my camera and I began celebrating with a bowlful of chocolate ice cream. Actually, I had the ice cream and the camera got the rest of the day off. Like most things at my age, I will deal with the fatal virus, if any, tomorrow! Thanks again.

Today I decided to do some photography work. I took some shots and wanted to remove the clutter from the memory card. I went to the format function and the window message was "THE FORMAT FUNCTION IS DISABLED". Hmmmm. I always like to learn more about the camera so I went to Dave Busch's book and could find nothing on how or why the camera would give me the "disabled" message. At this point I was beginning to feel a little uncomfortable. I checked the memory card and it was ok. Several other cards produced the same message. I then noticed something interesting. The battery was about down to zero. If this were my car, I would say that it was out of gas. I replaced the battery with one that had a good charge and BINGO, the format disabled message disappeared. The lesson of the day: Make sure that you have enough battery power to complete the format process and if you get the format function disabled message, just replace your battery with a fully charged battery.

Great work! You have a talent. Keep shooting.

Hi, Jmss: Welcome to the Hog. You have asked an interesting question and have received lots of good information. The answer to your question is in your hands and your pocketbook. If you want a lighter camera, I believe that looking into a mirrorless model will satisfy that need. If you want a smaller camera, look into the mirrorless models. If you want a relatively inexpensive camera, you have to look at cameras in whatever price range you feel is your comfort zone.

I solved the problem by looking at the Sony A6000. It is a great mirrorless camera. It is smaller and lighter than a DSLR and will give you very high quality images with the reasonably priced kit lenses. I use my Pentax K mount lenses and my Canon EOS mount lenses with their inexpensive adapters which are available on Ebay. Keep the cost down and get a previously owned A6000 on Ebay. I believe that you will be pleased with the A6000. If you are not, the resale market is strong and you will be able to turn it over with little or no difficulty. Good hunting!

Frank, those eyes tell me a very interesting story. That cat in the house is like having a security camera in every room. Scary!

Really good work! Maybe Iceland should be added to my personal bucket list.

Welcome to UHH. I am not sure what model camera you have. If it is an early Canon DSLR you will find several adapters on EBAY that will allow you to use your camera body and the Nikon lense. It will not autofocus but using manual focus will allow you to shed the "amateur" in front of "photographer" and you will soon be a Photographer! A Canon 50mm lense from any reputable dealer will probably cost $100.00 to $150.00. Your hubby's Nikon lense with an adapter from EBAY will be $10.00 to $15.00. All of the inexpensive adapters are about the same in quality and function. If you spend $15.00 and use the Nikon lense and you don't like it, give the lense back to your hubby and put the adapter on Ebay and recoup some of the $$ spent. Then buy a Canon lense and snap away.

How about a cheer for the T2i!

Methinks that I will wait for the D7000. If it is a quality leap from the d6000, I may make the leap. If the D7000 is not a quality leap from the D6000, I will give the A7iii another look.........or make a sandwich, take a nap and wait for the GAS to disappear.

You have some lovely wildlife in Washington!

Hang on to your AE-1! This digital business is just another passing fad. When everyone is tired of buying more gigabytes, higher ISO, and faster fps, we will all want Kodak 64 ASA rolls of 36 exposure.

I saw this picture on the internet today and for some reason, it caught my eye. Is this photographer over or under exposed?

Thank you, Brent.

Merry Christmas and Happy Chanukah to all!

Every year this fellow and some of his friends visit the neighborhood. I offer hot chocolate but there are no takers. I am not concerned. They usually leave around Super Bowl time.

Thank you, UT.