I feel your pain, man. We have lost our share of "best friends". That moniker seems to be a weak attempt at explaining the man/dog bond. The only good part in their passing, is that another day comes, and we do it all over again, with love in our hearts.

This is real life, and a photo opportunity of a lifetime. Don't change a think, unless and until you use it for commercial purposes, in which case, you can customize it accordingly. That is a really, really good shot. J

The suggestion of the above responder, to take a good look at way Down East is prescient and worthwhile. This area provides a microcosm of iconic Maine's National Park, in the form of a smaller, more readily available set of parks and conservation land. The Quaddy Head State park is a smallish version of the larger Acadia, but always and ever under utilized. No competition for parking, trail availability, or over abundant flat-landers in ridiculous outfits. You'll save a ton of money, see more, and enjoy an experience that's fading into oblivion with time. See it while it's still there. With a little bit of effort, good meals, fun times, and lively entertainment are all available. You can rent a whole house or cottage for a week for the cost of a Bar Harbor night.

I would and have suggested non-hunting breeds of dogs, such as a herder. We have a cardigan corgi who fills this function to a tee. Hunters will run off or bolt at a swish of a squirrel tail, or the snap of a twig. Herders want to herd their pack, and this includes you. This, in short, means they will always be by your side. An old Welsh sayin, "get a corgi and you never will be alone again". Our dog stands by without drama, looking beautiful, always there, never distracting.

Look on EBay, or some other site for a used Surface Pro. They are very light, slim, and versatile, and for all intents and purpose, function as a computer as well as a tablet. It will also give you an opportunity to download via blue tooth. J

I've used various Nikon F film cameras over the years, and after several years, bought a digital Nikon. I love the 60mm macro that I've used since the late 80's, and kept it to use some time in the future. There came a day when we went on vacation to Vacation Land, Maine, and I realized I only had that one lens with me to use on my digital. I thought, vacation ruined. Sure, I always take some macros, but that's not the main focus of such trips. None the less, I screwed it on, and began shooting. It took a bit of getting used to, being spoiled by zoom lenses, you know, getting back far enough, and framing properly. But once under way, all of a sudden, I forgot I was using a fixed macro. The unexpected result was that I was taking pictures that far exceeded what I had been doing with the zoom. Go figure. The lens caused me to take a bit more time with composition, focus and light. It's not for every occasion, for sure, but when it's right, it's now my go to lens. I love this lens. J

I think most of your are missing the point. He needs something light enough to carry most places, but still powerful enough to do what needs doing. I suggest a Surface Pro. One can be configured with a large, solid state HD, lots of RAM, and a great processor. Though merely 12" screen, it's very high resolution, powerful, and easy to use. Does everything a traditional computer does. I have even put mine in a docking station, and use a monitor and keyboard, for my desk top application. It's a go anywhere, do everything tool, at a decent price. There are some deals on used and refurbished ones, too. Just saying...