Looking for some reccomendations

[Dreamer2012]

15yr old daughter is interested in photography, a subject I know NOTHING about --- I would like to make her Christmas wish come true, hopefully without needing to mortgage the house! She has outgrown a point & shoot - but I'm not sure she is ready for full on manual... Thinking about this one: Canon Power Shot SX500 - thoughts? Advice? It's at Target for $249.00 - I'm also giving her a photography course at our local community college- IF I can figure out which camera to buy!! TIA FOR ANY HELP YOU CAN GIVE!

 

[Gianna'sPapa]

I'm not going to give a recommendation for a camera, however I would check the camera requirements for the class. Because of the recent animosity regarding camera makes/models, I hesitate to give anything more than general direction and research resources.

 

[Pea-n-Me]

Hmm, I must have missed something here.

OP, consider getting her a beginner DSLR.

 

[Gianna'sPapa]

Hmm, I must have missed something here.

OP, consider getting her a beginner DSLR.

You didn't miss much, just some recent posts where there has been some verbal jabbing about recommendations.

And, I agree I would go with a beginner DSLR. I just did this with my 12 year old DGD. I picked up a new Pentax (Red) K-30 body and a like new 18-55 DA AL WR from KEH for a total of just over $500. This gives her a complete WR kit. She is loving it. Plus she has access to my equipment for any other needs.

 

[Pea-n-Me]

Awesome gift. Love the color.

 

[SkaGoat]

She could learn with that camera, it does seem to have full manual mode, Aperture Priority and Shutter Priority.

Just remember entry level dSLRs are only $429, and she probably won't outgrow it as fast.

 

[havoc315]

The sx500 is essentially a point and shoot in a larger body. Quality and functionality, it's the same as a point and shoot.

I agree... Check the requirements of the class.

But a dSLR is the best learning tool for a budding photographer. And for under $300, you can still get a very nice used dSLR... For as low as around $400, you can buy something new. (Don't fear buying used... Almost all my gear is used).

 

[Dreamer2012]

I have no problem buying used. I've been looking on EBAY but a little nervous about it since it's electronic and nowhere to easily return if there is a problem...where do you buy used equipment your comfortable with?

 

[SplashMo]

I have found some good deals on dealsrunner.com

Nikon D3200, D5100 are excellent choices and can be found with 18-55 lens in the $350-$450 range. These cameras are way beyond what is needed to enjoy photography. Even better if you can add a 50mm 1.8 lens. But ask here before getting the 50mm lens (If you go that way) to make sure it works on the camera.

As a reference we have been using Canon Rebels T1 cameras with the above lenses and having a blast. Right now though the Nikons seem to have the reasonable prices.

 

[havoc315]

I have no problem buying used. I've been looking on EBAY but a little nervous about it since it's electronic and nowhere to easily return if there is a problem...where do you buy used equipment your comfortable with?

You can look at the online used departments of Adorama, KEH, and B&H.

eBay is typically a little cheaper. I've bought lots of photo gear from eBay, just need to pay attention to the feedback of the seller. There are camera stores that use eBay for used merchandise, and they will often have 30-90 day return policies. For example, look for Henry's, and 1080 photography (may be wrong about the exact name).
I bought an open box camera from a seller like that. Arrived " like new" but the charger wasn't in the box. No issue, they sent me a brand new charger and apologized for the error.
So just pay attention to their feedback-- if they have a 99.5% feedback on 3000 items, mostly photography.. Then all should be fine.

 

[dansamy]

There were some refurbished Pentax dslr on eBay for $100. Of course, now that I've decided to buy my dd a camera for Christmas, there aren't any now. But, continue to watch eBay. The ones that are all sold now were from the generation around my K-x. That's 3-4 years old. Which is certainly still usable.

 

[Frantasmic]

Check all the manufacturers. They generally have refurbished dslrs with some warranty. Canon refurbished usually comes with a 1 year warranty. Adorama offers a 1 year warranty on refurbed Canons. I am not as familiar with other manufacturers and their refurbed products.

Canon has a T3i with lens at their site for around $475.

I agree with everyone else: get a beginner dslr for the course.

 

[photo_chick]

15yr old daughter is interested in photography, a subject I know NOTHING about --- I would like to make her Christmas wish come true, hopefully without needing to mortgage the house! She has outgrown a point & shoot - but I'm not sure she is ready for full on manual... Thinking about this one: Canon Power Shot SX500 - thoughts? Advice? It's at Target for $249.00 - I'm also giving her a photography course at our local community college- IF I can figure out which camera to buy!! TIA FOR ANY HELP YOU CAN GIVE!

I'm going to reiterate... check the requirements for the class. Some want a DSLR, some use a film SLR, some use any camera you have. It depends on the instructor and how the class is structured.

Also... What is it that she has outgrown in the camera she has? That can help point to a camera that might meet her needs.

 

[wiigirl]

Hmm, I must have missed something here.

OP, consider getting her a beginner DSLR.

 

[KAT4DISNEY]

I have no problem buying used. I've been looking on EBAY but a little nervous about it since it's electronic and nowhere to easily return if there is a problem...where do you buy used equipment your comfortable with?

I'll second the recommendation for KEH. Also B&H photo or Adorama are known entities that allow returns.

But do check on the class requirements and the equipment they recommend or will allow.

 

[Dreamer2012]

I'm getting very frustrated...I don't seem to be able to find a DSLR in my $200.00 (ish) price range....but there's still some time left...send pixie dust please

 

[MAJPLO]

I'm getting very frustrated...I don't seem to be able to find a DSLR in my $200.00 (ish) price range....but there's still some time left...send pixie dust please

How about a J series? Not a DSLR but several places (B&H) have them new for $199 right now. More lenses would be additional cost though. What does the class require and what is your DD looking for?

 

[havoc315]

You won't get new in that price range. But you can get a perfectly good used dSLR for that price. I was using a Sony a100 until last year, it goes in that price range.

 

[Dreamer2012]

The only requirements are a DSLR camera. (Interchangeable lens not needed) just more than a point and shoot... Just CAN NOT spend more than my budget for a beginner who may not love it two months from now.. Xx

 

[photo_chick]

I'm getting very frustrated...I don't seem to be able to find a DSLR in my $200.00 (ish) price range....but there's still some time left...send pixie dust please

You can get a used Rebel XT in your price range from KEH. It is an old body. However, it can still compete for everything but low light shooting compared to today's entry level models. And that's not to say it's incapable of low light, it can do very well with the right setup. It just doesn't have the ISO range/performance that today's cameras have. Pair it with a used 18-55 and you should come in right around your price range. It's one option anyway. There are others when you go used.

This was my first DSLR and I still have and use it instead of my 6D when I want a light weight camera to use for day shooting.

Here are some older shots I have from it..

With the 18-55 (non-IS) lens

with the 50mm f/1.8 in a very dark museum