I have had an X-T2 for several years now; love the film simulations and the external controls so I don't have to dive into a menu constantly. I came from Nikon and didn't experience much of a learning curve as it was similar to old film cameras with the dials plus the newer tech as a bonus. It sounds like a good deal.

Spain, Greece and Israel- lived in Spain but doing things 20-somethings did, not overly into photos except as snaps. Went to other countries but decided I could take nice photos or enjoy the trip. Chose the latter. San Francisco (again lived there but not into photos at the time). And of course revisit any of our national parks.

I agree that the B&O Museum in Baltimore is worth a visit. My husband and I went there in 1978 on our way to DC to see the newly finished display of the Southern Crescent engine in the Smithsonian. When I was back in Baltimore in 2019 with my son, I went back and revisited the museum. Neither time disappointed me.

No handshaking anymore when people meet. I agree with Bridges in that masks are probably here to stay for a long time to come.

My 97 year old mom had her second shot; nothing more than a sore arm.

I still occasionally load film in, and use my first "real" camera, a Nikormat FTN. Except for light meter, all mechanical and still works very well. It's like an old friend.

Oh, and I just looked the Kindle Paperwhite with 32g (!) memory with no ads is $40 off. I got mine on a similar deal over Black Friday and they said 6 weeks to ship. I think I got it in two.

I own a Kindle paperwhite, a computer and a tablet. I use the Kindle for reading because it doesn't have the glare that the tablets or computer has and it is easier on my eyes. It is small and lightweight and fits in a jacket pocket or my bag so I carry it anywhere I might have to spend time just waiting around (like a doctor's office). You can adjust the font to suit your eyes (I use rather large print myself). At first I thought it redundant to have this device but I like reading on it so much better than the other devices due to it's weight.

As others have said....why do you want a camera? More creative control? Better reach for your photos? What do you want to photograph? Are you dissatisfied with your smartphone photos? How much are you willing to learn to get better results? I would suggest looking at some different models in a store if possible and speaking with (again if possible) a sales person who is knowledgeable and can perhaps help you narrow down a choice. There are so many options out there....

Most of the time lately, I use my photography time for relaxation and to work on my creative skills. And sometimes I want to document events or places before things change (not always for the better).

After a long vacation from photography (besides what I would call "snaps") working long hours and raising a family, I got into digital with a Nikon bridge camera. It offered quite a few nice features and did give me some creative control, but I outgrew its capabilities within 2 years and purchased a Fujifilm XT-2. This was several years ago and I am sure bridge cameras have improved. I am not sorry that I had the bridge camera as it was a good learning experience and gave me a good idea of what I would want in a DSLR or mirrorless camera.

My first camera was a Kodak instamatic (not sure of the model, circa 1964) and I remember it used the "magic cube" flash bulbs. It lasted me from age 8 clean through to college age, when I acquired a Nikormat FTN which I still pull out and use from time to time. My regular camera now is a Fujifilm XT-2 which reminds me of an older SLR because of the control layout.

Sorry..this should have gone with Granny and Nubbins on Saturday night...

Nubbins and her Granny on an exciting Saturday night...

What type of photography business do you want to do? Weddings? Child birthdays and bar/bat mitzvahs? Business portraits? Real estate? This might influence the type of camera and lenses you need or want. I agree that if you can apprentice with a photographer in your interest area, this would help you immensely.