robertsimpsonnorth

I also have a compact Lumix LX100 - fits into my coat pocket or a small shoulder bag. Have it with me when ever I go out. Doesn't shout "I'm a photographer" as loud as a DSLR. Here is an example shot of a street performer with the tele-zoom. I wouldn't have got close enough with a kit lens

I can't view the photos. I get forum error when I click on view attachment

I have also struggled with mild anxiety, a bit more general than you maybe, (include heights and motion, separate and together). If I was to just use a camera with only a 35mm lens, my anxiety alert would be going off, like a geiger counter, way too much, and I would end up backing off too far to get a decent . So I have adapted. I have found shooting at events like festivals and parades and outdoor concerts are far less anxiety provoking than just cruising the streets so-to-speak. I have also found that using a telephoto lens works for me, otherwise I may not have gotten close enough to get a shot of any kind.

I have had a D70s with the 18-70 zoom since 2005. I really splurged and bought it for my 55th birthday at that time. Bought a used D80 in 2013 for a third of the price of a new D70s. Last year I upgraded to a D5300 and a 35mm f1.8G lens for 60% of the cost of a D70s kit. Since the key word in your post is BUDGET, the D5300 is worthy of consideration. The D5600 wasn't worth extra cash for me. I sold the D80 to help offset the cost. Have to stay in budget on that retirement income. The D5300 has definitely been worth it for me.

My immediate reaction was - the guy has got to be English. This was before I saw the news source. My mother was born and grew up there - so I can spot 'em

Hi there, old guy here, Shot film on and off for 30 years. B&W darkroom on and off for 25 years. Digital processing since late 90s on and off and on again. Shooting digital since 2005 on and off and on again. Retired now, just got a subscription to Adobe Photography CC. Got time to learn it. Also have a small program called Picture Window Pro - still use that for the quick and straight-forward stuff. I have boxes of negatives, slides and prints, both of mine and the family, including tinotypes, that I want to scan, fix up and archive. More than enough to keep me going until I leave this physical world. Arthritis in knees limits what I can do outside, but I am good for a couple of hours at time, as long as it doesn't mean too much up and down - that annoys my knees.