Choosing a camera for a teen

[DawnM]

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]

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]

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.

 

[DawnM]

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

 

[ukcatfan]

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]

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]

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]

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]

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]

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]

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!

 

[ChiSoxKeith]

Don't know if anybody has compiled a list, but you could also look at the Picture of the week contest threads to find out the topic list.

Or you could see the excellent series of articles over at www.wdwphotography.com on Signs.