beagle1

better but not like full frame.  The newer M bodies have a much improved AF and more megapixels and some other features maybe useful for macro insect shots.    I use the M5 and Canon 100mm 2.8 ...

so you like the features of the old 430exII but don't like the button layout?

look at all the mirrorless cameras from Canon, Fuji, Sony, etc.  They can easily use DSLR portrait and macro lens and are smaller and lighter for travel www.flickr.com/photos/mmirrorless

The Canon T6i and 18-55 and 55-250 is good (around $500 refurbished which includes the regular one year warranty) But also look at mirrorless cameras from Canon, Fuji, Sony, etc.   can easily use ...

haven't tried the samyang 21mm but it would be extremely difficult to get better than the 22mm f/2 pancake .... and it has good AF www.flickr.com/photos/mmirrorless

keep you day job ! have you read the "pro" and business sections in camera forums?   photography as a business pays less per hour than working the fry line at McDonald's

I've used yongnuo manual flashes for a long time (> 6 years) an but use a 430exII for most flash shots. (ETTL)    I don't about the newer  yongnuo flashes - maybe ask in the lighting / flash section ...

I use a 22mm f/2 pancake lens for street scenes but  400mm + for birds .............................................................  all in a pocket-size camera  (with the 22/2) www.flickr.com/pho ...

yes, a summer sport that is played best with minimum  attire www.flickr.com/photos/mmirrorless

that would help,  Canon APS-C lenses are almost as small ....  "L" lenses for the M  would be good but don't think that's going to happen any time soon www.flickr.com/photos/mmirrorless

OK, get some practice time in, (mirrorless has different ergonomics) www.flickr.com/photos/mmirrorless

I agree, ask her (or get a gift certificate) www.flickr.com/photos/mmirrorless

I don't know, either will probably work fine. I travel with my pocket-size mirrorless and 22mm f/2 pancake lens.  (and occaisionally a few other lenses) www.flickr.com/photos/mmirrorless

the volleyball event was on the way to the surfing www.flickr.com/photos/mmirrorless www.flickr.com/photos/mmirrorless

get refurbished - you get the same one year warranty www.flickr.com/photos/mmirrorless

go to a store like Best Buy and compare ....  larger formats are advantageous for a couple of situations, maybe not applicable to you www.flickr.com/photos/mmirrorless

OK www.flickr.com/photos/mmirrorless

those are two different models and systems ...  crop  ... full frame For travel get "M"  but for portraits -  6D and  "L" www.flickr.com/photos/mmirrorless

actually Canon would have better "IQ" image quality ... but counting megapixels may not be the best indication of image quality. lens is more important. But why the SL2 is it size? or weight.  Go ...

Thx,  it has all the functions of a DSLR but smaller and lighter .... (but not so much smaller and lighter with the old original 100-400) www.flickr.com/photos/mmirrorless