I would recommend Nikon. I have had Nikon cameras for many, many years, both as film and digital, and still use them today. My original Nikon film camera lenses which are marvellous pieces of glass, fit my digital bodies, and can be used in manual mode, with no auto focus. Gets you back to basics!!!

Also worth considering some of the new mirorless cameras made by Sony and canaon that are less bulky

Thanks Geoff, I am still looking at my options, there are so many choices to wade through

I use Nikon cameras and have become familiar with them, but more recently got a Fuji and am working on learning again.