If you and your wife are happy with the pictures from your phone then it is easy to re-size them with software available free on the Internet. I use Light Image Resizer available here: http://www.obviousidea.com/windows-software/light-image-resizer/ With a little practice the Camera you mentioned will give you better images than your phone. It will also also introduce you the the hobby of photography!

I have ordered a refurbished D7100 body from Adorama. When I bought my D600, I (Like an idiot!) gave my D300 to my son. Ever since, I find it a struggle to get close enough to wildlife to get a decent shot. I thought about buying a longer lens than my 70-300mm, but it was cheaper to buy the D7100 refurb for $499. I will have enough reach for wildlife shots, and have the advantage of a second body. I see that Adorama now has the D7100 refurb for $489.

Jim

You have my sympathy. This a well know after effect of a GAS attack. Just get over it!

I have the Eagle Optics Ranger 10X42. My wife has the 8X42. They have good optics, are very light and we especially like that they focus as close as 5.2 feet.
http://www.eagleoptics.com/binoculars/eagle-optics/eagle-optics-ranger-ed-10x42-binocular

I recently sold my home. Because I was appalled at the quality of the pictures I saw on the Zillow and Realter.com websites, I decided to take all the pictures myself and provide them to the MLS. I am not a professional, but I consider myself to be a pretty good amateur. It turned out to be quite a challenge, but the results as shown in the listing turned out pretty well. The equipment you listed is pretty much what I used, but I think your equipment budget is way too low. My 17-35mm f/2.8 lens cost almost twice what you are budgeting. You could save a little by not using Lightroom. A free program such as IrfanView would provide everything you would need for post-processing jpegs. If I were a Realtor with limited photography experience, I probably would hire a service that specializes in this type photography.

My son gave a Dolica TX570B150DS Tripod. It looks like it is going be great for hiking as it very light and compact. It seems support my D600 and 70-300mm lens.

I am not sure that it is cool being "The last of a dying breed". Think about it!

My D600 appears to activate VR with either BBF or half press of the shutter release button. Full disclosure: I finished my last cup of coffee an hour before the test was done. ;)

Here is what I found on the subject:

http://www.the-digital-picture.com/News/News-Post.aspx?News=11539

Sorry, but I don't know how to convert this to a URL

Here is my best exampleTexas

These Texas Ranger Sage blossoms are about 1/2 inch accross

I always shoot RAW+JPEG. That way I can do any post-processing that might be required. I then delete any unneeded RAW files. I always save the RAWs for any image I think I might want to print.

I used to live near Mammoth Lakes. The whole Eastern Sierra from Lone Pine to Bridgeport is very photogenic. The attached photo is of Convict lake in the fall. Not a great image as it was shot in 1999 with my first digital point and shoot. If you can manage to walk a mile or so on a gentle trail at ten thousand feet, I would highly recommend Little Lakes Valley (2nd attached image). Drive 18 miles south on Highway 395 and turn right on Rock Creek Rd. Drive all the way to the end to the trail head parking area. It is a pretty drive in October even if you don't do the hike.

Convict Lake


Little Lakes Valley