Choosing a camera for a teen [Archive] - The DIS Discussion Forums

kmccain

06-11-2006, 01:47 PM

I am sure you have been asked before but I need your advice an a inexpensive digital camera for DS 16 and DD 14 for Christmas. This will be their first digital camera.

I see Target had a Kodak310 4 mega pixel with 5X zoom for $88.00

Would this be a good starter camera for them? We have and old DX3900 that we have had a lot of problem with because we droped it but we have the doc.

We are thinking about moving up to a different camera also but do not want to spend more that $200 if anyone has any advice. We are not professionals, need the easiest model available!

Thanks so much for our help!

Anewman

06-11-2006, 01:55 PM

My only advice is to wait until December to buy the camera, you did mention christmas. Digital Cameras will drop in price and get better between now and Xmas. If you buy today you will kick yourself in Dec. because there will be BETTER cameras available for less money than what you paid.

Kelly Grannell

06-11-2006, 03:33 PM

All I can say is don't touch Kodak. On the other hand, the $200 budget is extemely restrictive to get a decent quality camera. From year to year in the past several years, the decent quality camera of any given year is at least in the $300 area.

Professional on any given year's models usually start in the $1,500 area (body only).

jann1033

06-11-2006, 06:17 PM

we just got my daughter and sil the canon A610 ( or 620 i can never remember which is which but it's the 7 mp one) and it was $230 including shipping, the 5 mp was about $209. the pictures look really good, and it has some auto modes but creative/fun modes also so you can do as little as point & shoot in lots of settings or adjust shutter etc if you feel more adventurous...it has some nice things like the ability to change colors in camera, make the picture b&w except for one thing color, some pretty nice stuff ....i'd wait a little too though as it seems the prices go down as newer things come out. just keep an eye out and when the price seems low, go for it

my other daughter has a 4mp easy share...some pictures are fine with it( the one of my Grandddaughter below i took with it) but she got some real lousy shots on her last vacation too along with some good ones ( she is definitly the point and shoot type of girl so it was just probably one setting for everything, jungle or bright sunlight :rotfl: )

i have noticed... make sure it's optical zoom( good)...some of the lower priced ones are digtal zoom ( not so good)only

Kelly Grannell

06-11-2006, 08:01 PM

poconoboatniks

06-11-2006, 08:33 PM

Definitely wait till Christmas time. Last year we bought a Nikon Cool Pix for our then 10 yr old. It's a great point and shot with enough bells and whistles to keep her busy. She has taken some nice shoots and is learning how compose her photos. Unfortunately, I don't remember how much we paid for her digi camera. Your kids will love you .

I'm saving buckets full of money on the photo finishing. We use to give her disposibles for class trips etc. Now we only print the good shots.

Poconoboatniks

kmccain

06-11-2006, 08:57 PM

Thank you all for such great advice!! :thumbsup2

I guess I will wait. I don't usually Christmas shop this early but I knew I wanted to get the kids camera's for Christmas and then they will have them for our trip next August.

Last week Target had a Phillips camera for $88. and I was mad that I didn't get there to get them and it wouldn't let me order them on line. I was thrilled to see the Kodak this week but I am leary with the Kodak. I don't really want to spend much more than this but I don't want to waste that much either!

Thanks again!

:tinker:

spoon2003

06-11-2006, 09:24 PM

OMG !!! US pricing is sooooo far lower than Canadian pricing. A620 is about US$360 here PLUS 15% taxes !!!

Aaaargh, just don't listen to me anymore with regards to pricing. Now I'm so very frustrated living in Canada.

One of my brother in law lives in Calgary and another in Toronto. When they come to visit, all they bring are the clothes on their body and empty suitcases. :rotfl2:

grover

07-15-2007, 10:31 PM

photography??
ds is exhibiting a interest!
he does take alot of photos..and has now expressed interest in upgrading to a camera with more features:goodvibes

tinksdad

07-15-2007, 10:47 PM

I think it's great when a child can share a hobby or something similar with a parent. My daughter has an interest in photography as well. She has an older PnS of mine, and really comes up with some interesting ideas. I'm thinking she needs to a better camera, but want to make sure that the interest is not fleeting......:rolleyes1

Suburbanmom

07-16-2007, 02:29 PM

My 12-year-old is having a snap-fest right now. :) He has an inexpensive point and shoot, but he's having lots of fun with it. He's also experiementing with photoshop elements.

Anewman

07-16-2007, 03:00 PM

My now 15 year old son is like all 15 year old boys, cant stay focuse on one interest very long(other than girls and sports). Yes he did go through a photo stage and even purchased a nice camera with his own money, but it passed and has not used that camera all year.

But he has always been that way, he will get into an interest(hobby) very deep and then just drop it when he moves onto another interest.

Master Mason

07-16-2007, 03:11 PM

my older boy got into it for a while, I gave him my old pentax K1000 to learn... then I gave him my digital P&S when I got the dSLR. Doesn't do much with it though

my younger son took a year of Digital photo in school, and is way better at Photo Shop than I am... He bought himself a digital P&S... and when I finally upgrade from the XT he will take over the usage of that camera... We have planned to do some photo safari type stuff....

grover

07-16-2007, 09:41 PM

yes..that is the thing hey..sometimes the interests can be fleeting!
will have to see..he does like to use my camera..and he has my old p&s..but he also has a huge interest in digital film..along the same lines i guess..and he has stuck with that for a year..only time will tell!

i do love to see photos from his perspective though..never know what your going to get do you!

AZ JazzyJ

07-17-2007, 02:33 PM

My daughter showed an interest a couple of years ago. I encouraged her to explore with the camera and she began taking lots of pictures. She really started to enjoy being behind the camera and when she got to high school she decided to take photography. She was really excited until the first week of school when the teacher told them that she hated digital and that she felt it was a fleeting fad and would go away. The whole year was spent learning the history of film with the final 6 weeks devoted to taking some black and white pictures. I thought that might destroy my daughter's enthusiasm but instead she signed up for advanced photography for this year. Hopefully this teacher will at least acknowledge that digital has a place in photography.

Jeff

S. C.

12-17-2007, 01:48 AM

I couldn't believe all the cameras that they make now without viewfinders. :confused3

I'm thinking of getting him either the Canon Powershot A560 $129.99 at Circuit City. Or the Canon Powershot A570IS $149.99 at Circuit City. They have a bundle pack too, i can add a Canon Pixma MP160 Photo All-In-One Printer for only $29.99.

Anyone have either of these cameras or the printer? Are you happy with them?

ukcatfan

12-17-2007, 05:15 AM

You can save a few bucks on the A570IS through Buydig. They offer fast free shipping and do not have to collect tax. Having IS is a nice feature. I would not bother with the printer b/c places like Walmart only charge ~$0.15 per print. The cost of ink is usu. higher than that.

Kevin

My2Girls66

12-17-2007, 11:25 AM

I switched from Nikon to Canon for my point and shoot because the Canon's have a viewfinder. My kids don't mind not having a viewfinder, DH and I like viewfinders. I have the A560- it takes very nice pictures, has a lot of settings and responds pretty quickly. Its not as slim as the Nikon L6(it died) I had, tho. The L6 also took nice pictures but no viewfinder.

S. C.

12-17-2007, 07:12 PM

Thank you :)

Gdad

12-17-2007, 09:37 PM

Hmmm- I had an Argus C4 when I was that age. :rolleyes1 :)

PixieDust32

06-03-2008, 09:26 AM

dr_zero

06-03-2008, 10:03 AM

Yes, another recommendation thread :hug:

Alright, my DD (14YO) wants a digital camera that she can take to WDW on our next trip so she can take her "own" pictures :hyper:

We don't want to get her a super expensive camera, she's only 14, but not a cheap low quality one either.

Any ideas :worship: please. I think we can pay up to $150.00. She saw a couple at wal mart for about $100.00 a polaroid, samsung I think.

Thank you.

My coworker and her daughter have the polaroid and love it!
However when I was talking to the lady in the camera section at wal mart she said they have the most of those come back as returns for issues, the samsung also were not well rated as far as returns they had one blitz day and many of them came back with issues.
Might want to talk them and see what model they carry they have had the least amount of issues with, they do vary by store.

There is some inexpensive Canon, Nikon and Olympus ones out there also check those out.

And if you get it a few days before the trip you can try it out and if you don't like it you can still have time to swap it out, nice thing about wal mart.

OHDisneyDaddy77

06-03-2008, 10:34 AM

Speaking from personal experience after having 2 Kodak camera's die on me when I needed them most I went and got a Canon A570IS, was about $170 two years ago, my in-laws following my reccomendation went out and bought one and took it to Myrtle beach with them, my aunt did the same and took it to Alaska and Italy this past winter and the pictures were fantastic, and then a co-worker did the same and took it to various Florida locations including disney and up in his father's Cessna and got great clear pictures, his is a A590IS (newer model). I (DW)have used mine on my last two disney trips and daily for taking pictures of DD.
The Canon Powershots with the IS after them are image stablized and really help eliminating blurred pictures.
I would recommend the Powershot Series by Canon Highly and just checking with Dell Online (where I and co-worker) got ours the A590IS is currently on sale for $149.99. (Includes a 2Gb SD card as well)
There are other Powershot models that are about $120 but do not have the image stabilization
These cameras take regular or rechargeable AA batteries not a special camera specific battery, so if they die on you, or you forget to charge them, you can pick-up spares and be going again in no time.

PixieDust32

06-03-2008, 11:41 AM

Thank you both! Taking notes.

DVC Jen

06-03-2008, 11:53 AM

epfootballcutie04

06-03-2008, 02:25 PM

i bought myself the cannan powershot and LOVE it. Mine was 249 though so basically 100 bucks more than what you want to spend, but it's well worth it!

just my 2 cents:)

PixieDust32

06-04-2008, 09:52 AM

i bought myself the cannan powershot and LOVE it. Mine was 249 though so basically 100 bucks more than what you want to spend, but it's well worth it!

just my 2 cents:)

I have the powershot SD850 IS, but it was like $400.00 last year, I had a coolpix and it worked fine but is only 4mp and very slow.

Thanks!

PixieDust32

06-04-2008, 09:54 AM

I bought my 14 yr old the pink poloroid from Wal-Mart last year. It took terrible photos, and then broke. Not worth the money I spent on it.

This year I bought her this camera - http://www.beachcamera.com/shop/product.aspx?sku=CNPSA470R

she is really enjoying it and the photos are a much better quality.

Oh this one looks good, is a powershot and the price is reasonable!Thank you!

She wanted the pink polaroid because is pink and it looks pretty but i wasn't sure :confused: now I know for sure not to get that one.

Thanks!

Kim&Chris

06-04-2008, 10:28 AM

Another vote for the Canon Powershot. The A470 is a step up from a camera I bought last year, the A460. Totally reliable, great photos, easy to use, and priced right. You won't regret buying this camera! Plus, I've seen it on a few sites for as low as $109!

PixieDust32

06-04-2008, 11:08 AM

AydensMom

06-04-2008, 12:13 PM

I bought my DW a Canon A460 last Xmas because she hates the size and weight of my Nikon setup. Lovely little camera that can take some nice pictures. I would say Canon for P&S anyday.

Pat.

thomas998

06-04-2008, 12:36 PM

Frankly you should probably stay away from Wal-mart if your looking at a 100-150 budget.... the cameras they sell at that price range are pretty much junk.

Aside from the canons mentioned you might consider a Olympus FE-310 if you wanted more optical zoom... you can find them for your price range.

Once you know what you want, you might try bhpphotovideo.com or adorama.com as places to buy from.... they are reputable and usually cheaper than your Bestbuy or other big store.

kait13

06-05-2008, 09:49 PM

love the polaroid. i have the green one and my friends have multiple other ones. i think it takes great pictures and we have all had them for a decent amount of time (they are also pretty durable because they have survived mixers at fraternity houses:sick: ):sick:

Corryn

02-23-2009, 08:09 AM

Hi Everyone :) I haven't been on in a while.....
My daughter will be 15 this coming Wednesday. She loves taking photos, I think she's found her niche! My father is also an amateur photographer, but hasn't taken photos for years. When he looked at some of her photos, he stated that she had "the eye", that not many kids her age have it...Of course, hearing that makes me proud!
She just started Freshman year and her media arts teacher has put her in charge of taking photos for the yearbook! And it's a very large high school so I'm guessing even he sees something in her photos...

Anyway, she really wants a SLR for her birthday. Is there an inexpensive one that we can get for her? I'm looking around and I see cameras for $500 and up. Is that really the starting point?

I would appreciate any comments or opinions. Thank you!

Pea-n-Me

02-23-2009, 08:18 AM

You want digital, correct?

Will your father be letting your DD use any of his old lenses? If so, what kind are they?

Yes, it is an expensive hobby. Besides initial camera costs, there are lots of others in buying lenses, bags, software, and accessories, etc.

SueInBoston

02-23-2009, 08:21 AM

Another option is to buy used. Lots of people buy a starter and than upgrade within a year (some even a few months). Look on Craigslist for local sales where you can meet and examine the equipment.

pointandshoot

02-23-2009, 09:57 AM

I started my 10 year old daughter with a Nikon D40 6MP with the kit lens for around $450. You will also need a SD card and some camera body protection. So $500 seems about right.

I tried to get her to use an old digital point and shoot but she complained about the shutter lag and missing many of the pictures she wanted to capture. So I figured that I would get her a camera she could grow into, use the program mode at first, and not ultimately get frustrated and give up due to equipment. By saving a few dollars you could end up wasting the overall investment if it does not meet her needs as she learns photography or is not pleased with the image quality.

It is small, light, and takes a great picture. I am sure Canon has a DSLR in this feature and price range.

In the end, my daughter has placed in a photo contest for a state wildlife magazine and has been published. They wanted a high quality image for reprint in displays at local museums. A lesser camera might not meet that need. If your daughter will enter contests, this is something to consider.

My last comment is to encourage and shoot with her. My daughter and I have photowalks, take a day on vacation and just shoot pictures, shoots martial arts, etc. Find ways to print and put her pictures on walls in your home, enter into state fairs, etc. Our family takes martial arts together, shoots pictures together, etc. It seems like you have a similiar family situation. Make it a family hobby!

Best of luck! Please share her work when she gets started. Would love to see it.

Chuck

afo

02-23-2009, 10:30 AM

Like Nikon, Canon has a starter kit with lens in the intro DSLR range.
The Canon XS is a lighter, simpler camera that is a great option for starting out in DSLR. Its listing on Amazon for ~520.00US$. You will need to consider cards, a bag and other stuff.
A good option for learning about this stuff is DPReview.com, it has a camera database (to compare models) as well as a buying guide that allows you to enter specific features that you want to see on the camera, then give you some options.

Hope this helps.
AF.

YesDear

02-23-2009, 11:17 AM

I agree with the look at used on Craigslist. If $500 is out of your range. The D40 is a great nikon to start with. There are others, canon, sony, pentax, etc. Take her to the camera store and let her get her hands on some. See which one fits her hand and the controls are easy to operate.

Be careful, if your husband gets his hands on it, it may rekindle his interest!!!!

Corryn

02-23-2009, 11:56 AM

Wow!!! So much information - wonderful!! Thank you :goodvibes

Yes, she wants digital. She also said many times when she gets her camera for her birthday she wants me to take her into Manhattan. She really likes taking pictures there.
As for the better lenses, that was one thing my dad told me, that he thinks the Nikons have the best lenses and that quality is what matters when taking photos.
She has expressed interest in entering photo contests, but admits that she doesn't want to just jump right in. Her media arts class is helping her, and her media arts teacher has kind of taken her under his wing and giving her pointers, etc.

I would buy off Craigs List, but my husband is not that trusting. From your responses I see that $500 is the cost to start her off, but like another said, I don't want to pay less for something and have it not work, so I guess I'll just bite the bullet :headache: and spend the cash :eek: This is something she has been trying to "get into" for over a year now, so I see this as a good investment.

I appreciate all your answers and I would appreciate any more if anyone wants to give them!
Thank you:goodvibes

bob100

02-23-2009, 12:00 PM

spinetnglr

02-23-2009, 12:36 PM

I used a D40 for a year and half before moving up to the D300. I love my D40 its great camera for the price. I agree with some others though about letting your dd handle some different brands and models if possible to see what is comfortable to her. I liked the way the D40 felt to me and handled. I was concerned when I bought the bigger, heavier D300 that it would be a problem for me but now after just a month it feels "natural" in my hands. If she gets something that feels comfortable the rest will just follow along. Good Luck with whatever camera you get her ... sounds like she has the natural ability and "eye" she needs to excel.

Edit : Happy birthday to your daughter !!

RCDisneyFan

02-23-2009, 02:08 PM

An entry level DSLR from Canon, Nikon, etc. is a good choice but bring along a laptop if you see a bargain on Craigslist - you will need to check the pic quality and settings from different lens. Other alternatives are refurbished models from www.Adorama.com or www.bhphotovideo.com, those cameras include a warranty. if buying online check http://www.resellerratings.com for dealer info

Adorama currently has a refurbished D40 with the 18-55mm kit lens for $374.95 with free shipping. That would be a great starter kit for someone young! The D40 has nice, rich colors and the kit lens is quite sharp for a zoom lens.

The only drawback for someone who might be seriously getting into photography is that the D40/40x/60 camera's won't autofocus with Nikon's older prime lenses (such as the fantastic 50 1.8) but you can still manually focus them.

Golf4food

02-23-2009, 02:47 PM

Check out Pentax cameras - almost all Pentax bodies will work with the older lenses, which can be had cheap and are still good glass. Good cameras but lower price because they don't say Canon or Nikon on the side (got to pay extra for the name on those, you know...) :)

ukcatfan

02-23-2009, 04:51 PM

Also check KEH.com They are one of the best places for used gear and are very reputable. B&H and Adorama also have used sometimes instead of refurbished that should be a little cheaper.

wenrob

02-23-2009, 06:58 PM

Adorama currently has a refurbished D40 with the 18-55mm kit lens for $374.95 with free shipping. That would be a great starter kit for someone young! The D40 has nice, rich colors and the kit lens is quite sharp for a zoom lens.

The only drawback for someone who might be seriously getting into photography is that the D40/40x/60 camera's won't autofocus with Nikon's older prime lenses (such as the fantastic 50 1.8) but you can still manually focus them.
It's $409.00 brand new w/18-55 and 55-200(non VR) kit on Amazon. Might as well spend 25 more bucks and get the warranty.
http://www.amazon.com/Nikon-Digital-18-55mm-3-5-5-6G-Zoom-Nikkor/dp/B000KJQ1DG/ref=pd_bbs_sr_1?ie=UTF8&s=electronics&qid=1235435932&sr=8-1
FWIW I had the D40 (same set up as above) for a little over a year. It was great learning camera, not too overwhelming but fully functional. I adored that camera.

KCmike

02-23-2009, 07:03 PM

If you have an Office Depot by you try to see if they still have a Canon XTI. They were selling these for $399 at Christmas time. Some still have the old 18-55 lens and some were packing the IS version for the same price. Steal of a deal.

dpic

02-23-2009, 07:04 PM

Think about buying a used camera. http://www.fredmiranda.com/forum/board/10 This is an excellent site for used photo equipment. I've bought many items from here and have saved more money than I'd care to admit. Many/most will have original boxes because these are people who take care of their equipment (LNIB--like new in box).

Just checked the site and found one used Canon 10D for $280. This is just an example. A good used 20D would be perfect. Easy enough to use, advanced enough to allow growth. I bought my son a used 300D last year (he's 15, too). He and I are taking a father/son photo trip to Montana this summer. We'll both have new toys to play with :thumbsup2

Liljam

02-23-2009, 07:59 PM

Golf4food

02-23-2009, 09:49 PM

Ritz Camera (and a few other places online) just had a deal on a Pentax ist DL for under $300 and I thought about getting it for my DH or just as a back up to take on my little excursions because I almost always have someone with me who says "Ohh can I see your camera to get a shot." I actually considered plunking down $300 to buy a second camera for that but it was quite unrealistic to do so. And DH would rather wait and buy a second Canon anyway. BUT, when I read the reviews, it didn't sound bad and back in 2006 it was rated very good for an entry level DSLR. According to one review, it even rated better than the XTI which was it's competition at the time. I would say to check this out and then maybe surprise her with a cool Lowpro Slingshot or M-Rock Olympic bag with the money you'll save by going with this camera first. If she likes it and sticks with it, maybe she'll find a way to earn the money through work or competitions to buy a "better" model later on down the road.

It is a great little camera - doesn't have the newest fancy features, but those are not "necessary" to take good photos (how ever did our photographic ancestors ever take good photos on plain SLRs using - gasp! - film!?

One advantage of the istDL is it's smaller body size and very light weight, which may be perfect for a teenage girl.

While I look forward to the day I can afford to upgrade mine, the istDL gets the job done and can do everything you need.

MickeyReeds

06-10-2009, 09:48 PM

My daughter (13) wants to buy a digital camera with her own money. I was wondering if any of you have suggestions. I think she could spend between $100-$150. She wants a camera that takes "good pictures" (her words!), not a camera for kids! I have been trying to do some research online, but it's overwhelming! I'm hoping the great people here on the disboards might be able to help.

I've been looking at the Nikon Coolpix S220. I found it online for $125, which seems like a good price. I only looked at this one, because a neighbor recommended it. I have a Casio Elixim, which I like.

I really want it to have a rechargeable battery.

Any ideas?

Thanks in advance!!

ukcatfan

06-10-2009, 10:08 PM

We have the S210 and have been happy with it.

mommykds

04-16-2010, 04:22 PM

Hi, I was looking for a graduation gift for 14 DD. I thought a digital camera would be a great gift. I know less than nothing about digital cameras so I could use some suggestions please....

Able to shoot video & pictures
Slim design
Maybe in a color (pink or purple?)
Around $100 or so
Some fun features (ie black/white, fireworks setting, etc)

Thank you!

Gianna'sPapa

04-16-2010, 04:47 PM

There are so many point & shoot cameras on the market today, it would be hard to make a recommendation on a specific camera. Each of us has our favorite manufacturer. I would recommend www.dpreview.com as one resource. They have a camera database and buying guide where you can do side by side comparisons. I'm a Pentax DSLR shooter and I have a Canon and a Pentax P & S for back-up. In the correct circumstances, they each can take great images.

DawnM

05-29-2010, 10:46 AM

I am debating on this one.

My almost teen is starting to get more into photography. He has a very nice P&S that takes good photos and he really likes it, but is also starting to play around with my Canon 40D and quite honestly is getting it faster than his old mom!

I am debating getting him a lower end DSLR to learn on.

A friend is offering a Canon Rebel 6.3 (I believe this is the original Rebel) with 2 lenses (18-55mm and wide angle), and some equipment, for a very low price. They say there are only about 5,000 actuations as they haven't used it much.

I just am not sure this camera will be "quality enough" for very long and wondering if I should just let him continue to play with mine and use his P&S until he is a little older and then get him a better camera when he is a little more ready. OTOH, it might just be "enough" for the next few years for him.

He doesn't seem to mind either way, but he does like learning and using mine.

Thoughts?

Dawn

ukcatfan

05-29-2010, 11:45 AM

If I were going to make an investment in a new camera for him, I would be looking more into a personal upgrade and hand down. Your camera is still capable, but is getting a little outdated itself. While on a different level, the T1i and T2i have some advantages over your 40D. I am not saying you should move down, but maybe the 7D or the 50D replacement (assuming it is coming soon) would be nice upgrades for you. Even if the old Rebel was not used much, it is really old! IMO after using your 40D, he will be frustrated and begging for an upgrade very quickly. You might go ahead and get it if the lenses with it are still a good deal for the price. If they are just kit quality lenses, then it probably is not worth it. Try checking E-bay to see what they are going for now.

gokenin

05-29-2010, 11:49 AM

I know its contradictory to most people but there is nothing wrong with using an older DSLR. My own cameras are 3 and 4 generations old for my cameras but they still take fantastic pictures as far as I am concerned. I know a professional photographer who shots with a K10 from Pentax which is 2 generations old as far as the flagship cameras are concerned. So I think your kid would be fine with him using an older camera to start with if you get him something too advanced beyond his ablities he may get discouraged.

ukcatfan

05-29-2010, 11:51 AM

I just peeked over on KEH for you to get an idea on price. The Rebel XT (one model newer than what you are looking at) is going for around $250-275 for and excellent to excellent plus rating. They also have some 10D and 20D models for similar prices. Those might be a better fit for him since the body shape and capabilities would be closer to what he is used to using.

DawnM

05-29-2010, 12:13 PM

Thanks for the input. What is KEH?

I will add that he really doesn't like the weight of my camera and would prefer something less bulky, which is another reason I was considering a lower end model.

Dawn

I just peeked over on KEH for you to get an idea on price. The Rebel XT (one model newer than what you are looking at) is going for around $250-275 for and excellent to excellent plus rating. They also have some 10D and 20D models for similar prices. Those might be a better fit for him since the body shape and capabilities would be closer to what he is used to using.

ukcatfan

05-29-2010, 12:22 PM

Thanks for the input. What is KEH?

I will add that he really doesn't like the weight of my camera and would prefer something less bulky, which is another reason I was considering a lower end model.

Dawn

http://www.keh.com/ They are probably the best and most reputable place to buy used gear. They stand by their rating system and offer a guarantee that you get what they say you are getting. I personally would not go lower than and "EX" rating, but that is just me.

A Rebel series might be the right thing for him then, but I still doubt that the original Rebel or the XT would be enough camera for him after seeing what yours can do. The XTi is the lowest I would go. Again, just my opinion.

DawnM

05-29-2010, 12:29 PM

Thank you. I will take a look.

He says he is happy with his P&S. It is a good camera, although I wish we could get a longer lasting battery for it.

He has a Sony Cybershot DSC-H5 7.2MP. We got this 2nd hand as well, but it works perfectly.

I just know he is fiddling a lot with my camera and this last vacation he took quite a few pictures with my camera, and when this offer came to buy this one it got me thinking.

Dawn

photo_chick

05-29-2010, 12:39 PM

I agree that there is absolutely nothing wrong with using an older DSLR. The 4 variables of photography have not changed, we just use different media now to record our images. And what you're getting with higher end or newer models might not be worth the price for everyone. The main thing is to make sure you're not paying too much for an old body. Old DSLR's don't hold their value as well as old 35mm SLR's did.

I taught my daughter to use an old 35mm SLR when she was 7. For her 8th birthday I wanted to get her a camera. I had considered a used DSLR, but I went with a nice point and shoot (Fuji S1000) that has manual controls as well as the nifty auto modes. Now that she is 10 and I have a new camera I was going to pass my XT to her, but she said she likes her Fuji better because of the video and the size. So you never know what they'll like.

I think if he wants a DSLR, get him one if you can afford it. There is nothing wrong with an older one.

KAT4DISNEY

05-29-2010, 01:58 PM

If the price makes sense - ie, I wouldn't pay a lot for the older rebel - then I don't think there's anything wrong with getting an older model. It may provide several years of fun and it sounds like it's compatible with what he would like to use. And, by spending less on an older model if he uses his P&S more then you might feel better too. :goodvibes

DawnM

05-29-2010, 03:10 PM

They are asking $250. This seems a little lower than some are selling for, but do you think that is a good price?

ukcatfan

05-29-2010, 05:30 PM

They are asking $250. This seems a little lower than some are selling for, but do you think that is a good price?

If it includes the lenses, I say go for it.

KAT4DISNEY

05-30-2010, 01:24 AM

They are asking $250. This seems a little lower than some are selling for, but do you think that is a good price?

Seems like a pretty good deal. For the price of an average P&S you'd be getting a DSLR, lenses and other equipment for your son to learn on and see if he want to continue with the hobby.

DawnM

05-30-2010, 08:55 AM

I really hope he does get more into photography.

I have downloaded Aperture 3 for the 30 day free trial and he has figured out more than I have already. He loves fiddling with photos and effects.

I think soon I will have him start working on the Photography Merit Badge for boyscouts too as it is a wealth of info on intro to photography.

Dawn

DawnM

06-03-2010, 08:50 AM

Thank you all for your advice.

After going back and forth for over a week now, my 12 year old has decided he doesn't want the older DSLR. He says he would rather keep using his good P&S with occasional practice on my DSLR and use the money for a camcorder as that is a more pressing need at the moment.

If he seems to still be interested in a couple of years we will look into what is out by then and maybe get him something then, or get me something new!~

Dawn

lov2b@disney

06-03-2010, 09:08 AM

Your DS sounds like mine...he uses a p&s, when I got my D5000...he wanted one too! He grabs it whenever I have it out (which is often) he has a great eye. I just cant justify the price for a 13 year old...but used might work...

he has gone through the camcorder phase too, he likes to video himself and friends skateboarding...

since I have a nikon, a nikon would be best for him, we could learn together...

TechGuy

06-03-2010, 10:46 PM

I am just a "dad" but my Rebel does great things for me and gets your DS moving onto a lens/body frame of mind that are better than the P&S.

It seems like a good way to have him be responsible for his own gear and he can improve the lenses and bodies as he gets older.

plutosgirl

10-18-2010, 06:40 PM

We are heading back to Disney in December. My 14 year old has really gotten into take pictures lately. She has a good eye and takes pictures that just amaze me...sometimes of things I would never think of taking a picture of.

Does anyone know if there is a book or maybe like a scavenger hunt type list of pictures for her to take? I'm sure she will find many things she will want to take photos of but I'm thinking some sort of a "game" type thing might be fun for her...something different now that she is getting older so that it is not only about the rides or meeting the characters.

Any ideas? TIA!:)