Louisa I have a Canon EOS, 400D digital. It’s a large camera because I have large lenses.

EFS18-55mm zoom lens ( I would recommend this one for you.) Has a great zoom for near and far.
EF 75-300mm for close ups. (Great for flowers or portraits), but really not necessary
28-80mm (not that much zoom)
EFS 10-22mm (my favourite). I use this inside and for panorama photography.

I also have an additional light source, which I really needed for my interior photos. You can lighten up your photos in a photo work shop, but you lose pixel when you do that, which affects the quality. I have a Speedlite 430XII. (costs about $300.-) You just place it on top of your camera.

But…my sons don’t have any of this equipment, and their photos are excellent. So don’t go by me.

I know what you mean about as challenging as buying a car. I thought that too. And yes, I def. would recommend going to a local dealer because of maintenance or other questions you may have.

Can't wait to see your new photographs!
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As soon as you trust yourself, you will know how to live.
Goethe