Advice on camera for son

[footballmouse]

My son has expressed interest in taking up photography. I thought maybe for Xmas I could get him a decent camera to start off with (right now he uses his phone & ipod). Any suggestions? Not willing to spend too much money. I'm thinking a used camera off of craigslist to start off. Don't want to invest a lot if he decides it's not for him.

 

[fritodenny]

What's the budget? People would need to know your spending limit to make any kind of recommendation.

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[CaitlinMarie13]

My first camera was a Nikon D60 and I loved it! You can probably find it on Craigslist for relatively cheap.

 

[godders]

Personally I'd get him an Olympus Tough if he's just starting out. See if the interest keeps up before he gets into anything more. Plus it's drop, crush and waterproof which is always good as accidents do happen

 

[footballmouse]

I guess the budget would have helped. I'm looking to stay below $200, he's almost 16 if that would mean anything to the suggestions. And yes, I agree about not starting him off w/something expensive. I'm afraid that he could possibly change his mind. Then again, I would take the camera over and that would be perfectly fine w/me.

 

[xlxo]

If you are getting into photography...

• You need to be thinking of a DSLR. Compact cameras don't allow for flashes and accessories to really explore your potential. Tiny sensors make your pictures muddy, especially in low light.
• You need to be thinking Nikon or Canon. Other wannabees sound great, but their flashes, triggers, lenses and other accessories are so expensive compared to Nikon and Canon. There's a reason why professionals typically use these two brands.
• see what friends are using because you may need to ask them questions.
• Nikon offers longer warranty on bodies and lenses compared to Canon. This saves me money.
• Nikon has a great 18-300mm lens... Canon does not
• Nikon offers a 37 megapixel D800... Canon does not
• Nikon has a 28-300mm lens... Canon charges you more than DOUBLE for that same lens
• I like Nikon
  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DVQiN568izQ&hd=1

 

[Super]

He's 16!? Tell him to get a job and earn money to get his own one. LOL.

But honestly, an older DSLR with under 60k shutters will be fairly good and shouldn't be over $200.

 

[photo_chick]

My son has expressed interest in taking up photography. I thought maybe for Xmas I could get him a decent camera to start off with (right now he uses his phone & ipod). Any suggestions? Not willing to spend too much money. I'm thinking a used camera off of craigslist to start off. Don't want to invest a lot if he decides it's not for him.

Go to KEH.com or look at Canon refurb's and check out the the Canon T2i. Same image quality as the 7D but a whole lot less money. Get him a basic lens like the 18-55. See if he sticks with it. If it does then invest more later.

I'm also going to adamantly disagree with only thinking Canon or Nikon. Don't just look at Canon because I suggested it. I know plenty of "professionals" who don't shoot Canon or Nikon. Pentax gives you a heck of a lot of camera for your money and Sony has some great models if you like electronic view finders. Contrary to mainstream opinion there are great cameras and plenty of accessories for those "other" brands. In fact I think Pentax still holds the title for most lenses that are compatible with it's DSLR's. And triggers? I've used my Pocket Wizards with just about every brand of camera and they've always fired just fine. If there's a hot shoe or PC sync port they will work. Don't worry about brand.. find the features and price point you need.