Tamrock, an outfit like this:
Nikon D90 DSLR Bundle 000053001009 | eBay
...would be all you need. I've been using a D90 for many years, and it's one heckofa
bargain, still. You don't need 40 MP as it's the size and quality of the sensor that
makes the difference. Compared to your Kodak, the D90 will acquire massive amounts
of image data for each shot, and that extra data allows for larger, sharp prints and
the ability to process the image in a program such as Lightroom. THEN you're getting
image quality that is vastly superior to what your Kodak is capable of.
I took the liberty of re-processing one of your pics from above. I cropped it
to a landscape size, added some contrast and spruced the colors a bit. Not
much work, really, but here's what you can get from your pics:
Unfortunately, there wasn't enough digital data to sharpen it, but
once you make that change that won't be an issue.
With the kit on eBay, all you would need to do is add a decent lens or two
and you're set to go. The 18mm-105mm kit lens is a good one, and they
are well priced both new and used.
Overall, you should be able to get a good, used camera body with a minimal
shutter count and all the gear you need for <$500. I know it's a chunk of
change, but, you take a lot of gorgeous pics that could be much better when
taken with a decent DSLR. Once you take that step you'll never look back!
Maybe Dizzy can chime in on those. Once again great pics!
