DSLR/Mirrorless upgrade recos from PowerShot SD1100 IS

[MJG1961]

OK Community I could use some advice and potential trade in.

I have an AE1 from 1979 that I used for many years.  When the world went digital, I purchased a PowerShot SD1100 IS which was great for a digital camera that fit in my pocket.  I would like to upgrade (and perhaps trade in both my AE1 and Powershot) to something that's still amateur friendly but offers great digital output and a camera that allows me to grow into the world of digital photography.

Please ask questions that can help guide me a bit.

Thanks,

MJG1961 

[justadude]

As someone who has been using film cameras heavily since the 1970's I can tell you that the Canon AE1 is still one of the two most sought after 35mm cameras by film enthusiasts (the other being the Pentax K1000).  Don't trade it in.  Look for a buyer, which actually should be pretty easy to do.  If you are on Facebook, look for the group "35mm Film Photography" which has 128,000 members and try listing it there.  

[MJG1961]

Great insight, thank you.