Recent economic events found me selling the cameras I had just so we could have a little bit of money. The 2 I sold were Canon SX40 and Fuji HS50. Fortunately, our situation has changed and I will soon be able to purchase another camera except, this time, I want to get an entry-level or mid-level DSLR to shoot for general photography, sunsets, nature (including closeups), landscapes, night scenes, just things that a couple in their early 60's would enjoy taking (no complicated lighting situations or fast-moving sports). My budget will be $1K or less and I am OK with buying refurbished. Based on your OWN experience with cameras you have ACTUALLY USED, what would your suggestion be for a camera and lens or lenses that fits my budget and shooting situations? I'm well aware of the benefit of actually holding a camera to measure its likeability, but I simply need a starting point of cameras to go hold and that's where your personal recommendation comes in. Remember, I want you to tell me your choice(s) based upon your actual usage. If you are only recommending a camera based upon reviews or others' opinions, I want you to tell me why YOU think it is worthy of consideration---please do not simply refer me to a website for comparisons. Thank you in advance for your choice(s) and I wish you well in your own photographic journey.

Not having had a Tamron to actually use in the field I cannot say for sure. But with its specs I would assume it would. I do know the shortcomings of the Canon in the field and am not a fan of it. I have used the Sigma 150-500mm OS model side by side with the Canon and find no appreciable difference in focusing, but I do like the OS in the Sigma much better than the older IS in the Canon. Hoping Canons upgrade to their 100-400mm shows some marked improvement but the last rumor I heard is that its release has been delayed once again. Have to wait and see.