After thinking about it for several months, I finally took the plunge and upgraded my camera.

This is actually a significant upgrade for me. I've been using a Canon SX40HS, a point-and-shoot camera from Canon's Powershot series, since 2012. This camera is a DSLR, which represents an entirely new world for me.

The kit I bought comes with two lenses, two tripods, a camera bag, filters, memory cards, etc.

Now I have to learn how to use all of this stuff.

This is the beginning of a long journey, one I am looking forward to.

The new camera is a Canon Rebel SL3 DSLR camera.

The kit I bought features two lenses. The smaller 18-55 mm IS lens is complimented by a 55-250 mm IS lens.

The SX40HS's 35x optical zoom translates to a 24-840 mm equivalent focal length. In order to make that work in a point-and-shoot package, a small 1/2.3 sensor was needed. The new camera features a much larger APS-C sensor. A larger sensor means better pics ! The two lenses in the kit give me an 18-250 mm focal length, which is almost 14x. So what I'm losing in terms of zoom will be replaced with superior image quality.

All I have to do now is learn how to use a DSLR camera and all of its features.

The first thing I did after charging the battery was to start taking random pics of things in my house.

My dad's Melvin Jones Fellow award from the Lakemont Lions Club in Altoona, Pennsylvania.

The SL3 features a built-in flash which works the same way that as that in the SX40HS.

Later that evening, Danita and I were out and stopped at the local Kroger. This gave me an opportunity to take a few pics outside.

I tried zooming in on some clouds.

I also tried a macro shot of my steering wheel for no particular reason.

With the 55-250 mm lens, I was able to zoom in on Danita at the self-checkout.

So far, so good with the new camera. Here's to many years of good pics !