Jim,

I'm a serious hobbyist started with the Canon T2i, now have a Canon 70d. As Russ says lenses are another thing. You may want to check out the web site ;

http://www.uglyhedgehog.com Lots of lively discussion there on cameras and brands. Sometimes the debate gets hotter than whose arranger is better at SZ. LOL

Here's a couple of links to my web site where I post some of my better work.

http://steveonphotos.zenfolio.com/p335071355

http://www.steveonphotos.com

Jim, On the home page steveonphotos, the shot of the purple flower and the eagle believe it or not were done with a $199 close out model Canon SX50. The advantage of the camera is it's 24-1200 mm zoom range. Quality is Ok your wife would be much better of with a DSLR.