M'O,
Your pictures are truly fine just the way they are, because they are from your heart to mine. Besides, I do not know what the current site rules are pertaining to them. Just remember whatever you post in a public area can be found in a google search (just would not want you to make yourself vulnerable by accident).
Now if you are looking to have some winter fun with a camera, then there are oodles of choices. Obviously you can tell my preference from my username. Do not worry about the number of pixels as the camera resolution usually far exceeds any home printer resolution, and you have to lower the resolution if you wish to email or post them.
I like to fumble with lenses, but many want something all in one. I would just make sure the "optical zoom" (not digital) focal length went from at least the equivalent value of 35mm (modest wide angle) to 300mm (excellent portrait, modest long range zoom) so you can easily frame your subject without needing to move around much.
Also most digital cameras let you go from beginner to advanced and have some basic editing features for a reasonable price. Some salespeople try to talk into one large data card, but I prefer getting three or so smaller cards for the same price. That way if one breaks (or goes bad) you have not wasted all your money or lost all your pictures.
In addition, if you like video and then taking stills from video, make short it has that feature. I do not do much video, but the few clips that I have of my deceased boys has been a blessing. It only takes a few seconds to bring back your own "memory videos", so the clip acts as a good trigger.
The only other thing I have to have is "TTL" (thru the lens) viewfinder as it is easier to compose and easier to see in sunlight.
Hopefully this helps you get started, but as you know I have been out of the market for so long in terms of "technology time".
Warm Regards,
IN
