What's a good but simple camera for a 15 year old?

[IDoDis]

My DD is taking a photography class in high school that starts next week. It's okay if she has a point & shoot for the class, but we've been thinking about getting a DSL type of camera so that she can take full advantage of the things she's going to be learning in the class.

I'm looking for a decent camera for her that isn't too difficult to operate, but is better than a good point & shoot. I'm open to getting a used camera to not break the bank (need to keep it under around $500 tops). My only fear of buying a used camera off of Craig's list is that I would not know if there was something wrong with it.

So what's a good camera for a young budding photographer that isn't too complicated to operate?

 

[mouselovenfamily]

I got my DD16 a Nikon D5000 last year. If your going to shop Craigslist, I think getting her a somewhat newer DSLR in the important thing. Starting her young with a camera she can grow into is better that getting her hooked on a point and shoot. If she is into photography learning how to make the camera work will be key.

See what you can find on Craigslist, do a little research and jump on it. I think alot of people who are finding photography later wish they would have learned younger. The great thing with Craigslist is you can play with the camera and shoot around before you purchase.

Keep us updated on what you find!!

 

[photo_chick]

A couple of the new entry level DSLR's come in around or under $500 now. Several can be had with a kit lens for around $600. Any of them would be a good camera.

I'm not a big fan of used DSLR's, but if you really want to go that way KEH.com is the place to buy from IMO.

And remember, buying a DSLR is a lot like buying shoes. The person getting the camera needs to go to the store and play with them because they need to figure out which one is the most comfortable in their hands. They need to try out the buttons and make sure they can reach them easily and it doesn't feel awkward. It's not like a point and shoot that you'll easily replace if it just doesn't work for you, most people buy a DSLR and stick with it for years so you should make sure it fits the photographer well.

 

[MarkBarbieri]

I strongly recommend a DSLR rather than a P&S. You can get great pictures with a P&S, but you have much more control with a DSLR. That even applies to P&S that have full manual mode. The tiny sensors and lenses of the P&S reduce the effects of the controls. If you really want to learn photography, you want a DSLR. If money is a concern, an old used DSLR would be better than a new P&S.

 

[Jesusfr3ak90]

Although Im not a teen (just turned 21) i just recently bought myself a camera, because i want to get into photography. I got the Canon Rebel, and its Amazing. Its perfect for a teen, not hard to use, and takes great pics. Really great camera and the one i got was just a little over 500 after taxes. My cousin owns a more expensive Nikon, and she prefers mine over hers. Hope this helps

 

[IDoDis]

DD has been in her photography class for two weeks now, so I have more information. The teacher wants all of the students to use a 35mm film camera for the first semester. They will be developing B&W film in the darkroom. She said that a point & shoot 35mm is fine. I have a Canon that I've had since DD was born that I haven't used in years, so she is going to start with that. But my sister has a very old 35mm camera (not a point & shoot) that she used when she was in high school. She said DD could use that for the first semester if she wants. Although it's old, it's pretty easy to use. I don't want to go out and spend money one a film camera. These are hard to find anyway.

But for the 2nd semester, they are going to switch to digital cameras. The teacher said a point & shoot is fine for this beginner class, but since DD loves photography, I thought we could get her a DSLR or SLR for Christmas. I'm still not sure which one to get though.

Which model of the Canon Rebel is good for a beginner? What other brands/models should I consider? I'm looking for something that is not complicated to operate.

 

[Frantasmic]

http://www.adorama.com/ICADRXSKBR.html


Here's a refurbished Canon XS from Adorama with a 1 year warranty. That would be a great starter camera for a teen-ager.

 

[photo_chick]

Which model of the Canon Rebel is good for a beginner? What other brands/models should I consider? I'm looking for something that is not complicated to operate.

Here's the thing... once you learn about aperture, shutter speed and ISO all cameras are easy to operate. A higher end camera gets you more bells and whistles, not more difficulty when it comes to basic operation. If your DD learns to use a 35mm SLR (and kudos to the teacher for starting them out that way) she will be able to use any DSLR with just a quick read through of the manual to learn where things are.

I'd look at Pentax and Canon first if I were shopping for a teen myself. But that's personal preference.

 

[IDoDis]

Thanks for the replies. I'm looking at the Canon Rebel models now. Would this camera also need a lens? Many of the ones I've looked at say "body only." This one doesn't say that, so I'm not sure:

http://www.diymicro.com/Canon_EOS_Rebel_T1i_Digital_SLR_Kit_w_EF_S_18_55mm_p/CANT1I1855.htm

 

[Frantasmic]

That one you listed does come with the kit lens (the 18-55 wording).

 

[AbbysFamily]

Thanks for the replies. I'm looking at the Canon Rebel models now. Would this camera also need a lens? Many of the ones I've looked at say "body only." This one doesn't say that, so I'm not sure:

http://www.diymicro.com/Canon_EOS_Rebel_T1i_Digital_SLR_Kit_w_EF_S_18_55mm_p/CANT1I1855.htm

I have that EXACT camera and lens. It is an excellent camera to start with. It is a couple models back from the current one, but has most of the features of the latest model. Being a couple models back, having found one that is still new is perfect. Lower cost and a new body. You can't get much better than that.

 

[Daisy14'sDH]

Heck if they are statting with film cameras, I would look at Craigslist and find a cheap Pentax K1000 or something that comes with a good 50mm lens, if you get lucky you might find an "A" lens f1.4 or f1.7. Then that lens is transferable to the new DSLR...

 

[thomas998]

Honestly I would wait until she gets a little further into the class... she might not enjoy it and then you would be like the parents that buy their kids a trumpet for band and find out 2 months later when they can't take it back that they don't like band.

Once you are certain, then see if you have any lenses from film slrs around your house... if you do and they are from a Nikon or Minolta AF... then you might consider a Nikon DSLR or Sony DSLR so you can use some of the lenses you already have. The biggest expense in a DSLR isn't the camera its the lenses and flashes that go with it... I've probably spent way more on lenses than I did on the actual camera body... and flashes are going to start around 200 for a decent one... those things add up quickly.