Camera Recommendation for College Student: I'm looking for suggestions for a camera to be used by a student entering college in Maine this fall. She is looking to take a variety of...

Jeff Smith 1 Loc: Pocono Mountains, PA

I'm looking for suggestions for a camera to be used by a student entering college in Maine this fall. She is looking to take a variety of pictures, to include the normal friends, activities and landscapes, but also will need to be able to do closeups (I'm thinking macro or close to it) and "artistic" types of images. One challenging aspect is location -- a lot of time on or near the water or beaches, so a degree of water/sand/dust resistance is important. Another challenge is budget: in the $500 neighborhood.
As an old Nikon SLR guy, I'm not at all familiar with options that might fit the bill, including mirror-less. Any and all suggestions greatly appreciated.
Thanks in advance for your help!!

rjaywallace Loc: Wisconsin

Since it sounds like you may be mentoring this young person going foward, sticking with a brand you know might be a wise idea. KEH has a 16.2MP Nikon D5100 available for $257 in Ex+ condition, which would leave another $250 available for a high-quality used or refurb walk-around zoom. KEH did not have any used/refurb D5200 bodies in stock, but I didn't check with Camera Cottage (UHH member MTShooter), B&H, or Adorama. Best of luck to the young student!

rjaywallace Loc: Wisconsin

B&H has a Nikon 18-105mm f/3.5-5.6G ED VR lens (27-157mm effective field of view) available for $225 used or in "open box" condition in pristine condition with a full warranty for $259. Pairs nicely with my previous recommendation for a $500-range outfit.

Jeff Smith 1 Loc: Pocono Mountains, PA

rjaywallace wrote:

Since it sounds like you may be mentoring this young person going foward, sticking with a brand you know might be a wise idea. KEH has a 16.2MP Nikon D5100 available for $257 in Ex+ condition, which would leave another $250 available for a high-quality used or refurb walk-around zoom. KEH did not have any used/refurb D5200 bodies in stock, but I didn't check with Camera Cottage (UHH member MTShooter), B&H, or Adorama. Best of luck to the young student!

Thanks for your thoughts, Ralph. Worth considering. Unfortunately, I won't really have a chance to mentor her, since we're not close enough.

Jeff Smith 1 Loc: Pocono Mountains, PA

rjaywallace wrote:

B&H has a Nikon 18-105mm f/3.5-5.6G ED VR lens (27-157mm effective field of view) available for $225 used or in "open box" condition in pristine condition with a full warranty for $259. Pairs nicely with my previous recommendation for a $500-range outfit.

Thanks. And I guess she could add an extension tube for extreme closeup.

warrior Loc: Paso Robles CA

Jeff Smith 1 wrote:

I'm looking for suggestions for a camera to be use... (show quote)

She just might want to use her smart phone! Just a thought.

Jeff Smith 1 Loc: Pocono Mountains, PA

warrior wrote:

She just might want to use her smart phone! Just a thought.

Well, she has been using it, of course, but now she needs something a step or two up for classwork.

jerryc41 Loc: Catskill Mts of NY

Jeff Smith 1 wrote:

I'm looking for suggestions for a camera to be use... (show quote)

Assuming she wants an actual camera, rather than a waterproof (Samsung) smartphone, I would consider one of the many "tough" cameras. There's the Nikon AW series and the Olympus, to name just two.

Jeff Smith 1 Loc: Pocono Mountains, PA

jerryc41 wrote:

Assuming she wants an actual camera, rather than a waterproof (Samsung) smartphone, I would consider one of the many "tough" cameras. There's the Nikon AW series and the Olympus, to name just two.

Thanks so much, Jerry. I will check them out. I'm not at all familiar with either.

hj Loc: Florida

I'm not sure why many automatically assume a DSLR when someone asks for a camera recommendation. Consider the ongoing expense of additional lenses for example. In this case a college student who will be near water, sand/dust etc. Changing lens can be a problem. There are too many very good compact cameras to just ignore their benefits, including ease of use.

Jcmarino

Does she want to change lenses? If not then a Point and Shoot from Nikon or Canon would be fine or a Nikon bridge camera. (the Coolpix series). If she does, then check out the Nikon D5100, Sony a6000. All of these I have used and would recommend and they are around 500 or less, all great cameras.

Jcmarino

Oh one more thing. if she wants to take photos at concerts the non changeable lens cameras are usually permitted. The Bridge camera works great for this and also because of the telephoto capabilities without changing lenses.

sb Loc: Florida's East Coast

I would look closely at the Canon SX60 - a bridge camera that does not have interchangeable lenses and is sealed pretty well from the elements. No other lenses will be needed and it will let her do what she needs (macro, etc.).

sr71 Loc: In Col. Juan Seguin Land

Panasonic Fz 1000

mas24 Loc: Southern CA

B&H is presently selling new 24 megapixels Nikon 3300 DSLR with 18-55mm and 55-200mm lenses. Camera travel bag included for $497. Great entry level DSLR, and a bargain. This normally sells for $600.