Choosing a camera for a teen

[bob100]

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

 

[spinetnglr]

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]

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]

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]

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]

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]

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]

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

 

[Liljam]

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.

 

[Golf4food]

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]

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]

We have the S210 and have been happy with it.

 

[mommykds]

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]

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]

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]

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]

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]

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]

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]

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.