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Camera Recommendation for College Student
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May 31, 2016 08:52:29   #
boberic Loc: Quiet Corner, Connecticut. Ex long Islander
 
T.,ake a look at a used or refurb Canon sx50. A bridge camera that some here use and have posted amazingly good photos, should be well under your budget. Just checked on ebay sx50 goes for about $350

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May 31, 2016 09:00:15   #
davidrb Loc: Half way there on the 45th Parallel
 
Jeff Smith 1 wrote:
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!!
I'm looking for suggestions for a camera to be use... (show quote)


Your idea is great! A camera to record the next chapter in her life could be the best thing that ever happened for her. You have not told us some important details though. Does she have any experience with photography? If so, to what degree? You might also think of three factors that all college students face. !) She has never been as busy as she is going to be when student indoctrination is over and classes begin. 2) College students lose things. 3) "Things grow legs" in college dorms. Unless she is already a camera person a new one might be an added burden. The obvious solution (?) is the iPhone. These phones come with cameras that are getting some great results. College kids live in (no typo) their phones and are less likely to lose them. Whatever her situation she is very fortunate to have someone who cares enough to mentor her. That can be very valuable for a kid in any situation. Nice going!

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May 31, 2016 09:27:21   #
Jeff Smith 1 Loc: Pocono Mountains, PA
 
hj wrote:
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.

You make a good point about the downsides of lens changing when out in the elements. Thanks for your thoughts.

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May 31, 2016 09:28:35   #
Jeff Smith 1 Loc: Pocono Mountains, PA
 
boberic wrote:
T.,ake a look at a used or refurb Canon sx50. A bridge camera that some here use and have posted amazingly good photos, should be well under your budget. Just checked on ebay sx50 goes for about $350

Ok. Will definitely check it out. Thank you!

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May 31, 2016 09:32:51   #
twowindsbear
 
You seem to hint that she will be studying photography. IF this is correct, I'll suggest following the requirements or recomendations from the school for the classes she will be taking.

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May 31, 2016 09:32:57   #
Jeff Smith 1 Loc: Pocono Mountains, PA
 
davidrb wrote:
Your idea is great! A camera to record the next chapter in her life could be the best thing that ever happened for her. You have not told us some important details though. Does she have any experience with photography? If so, to what degree? You might also think of three factors that all college students face. !) She has never been as busy as she is going to be when student indoctrination is over and classes begin. 2) College students lose things. 3) "Things grow legs" in college dorms. Unless she is already a camera person a new one might be an added burden. The obvious solution (?) is the iPhone. These phones come with cameras that are getting some great results. College kids live in (no typo) their phones and are less likely to lose them. Whatever her situation she is very fortunate to have someone who cares enough to mentor her. That can be very valuable for a kid in any situation. Nice going!
Your idea is great! A camera to record the next c... (show quote)

Thank you for your thoughtful response, raising some important considerations. I believe the extent of her experience is with her iPhone. She'll still use that, of course, but wants more control over her images at this stage. Some will be for course work.

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May 31, 2016 09:36:21   #
Jeff Smith 1 Loc: Pocono Mountains, PA
 
twowindsbear wrote:
You seem to hint that she will be studying photography. IF this is correct, I'll suggest following the requirements or recomendations from the school for the classes she will be taking.

I can see if there is info available from the school. The classwork is more related to environment, so not directly photography, but photos in support.

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May 31, 2016 09:37:17   #
Carl D Loc: Albemarle, NC.
 
As much as I can't stand cell phone cameras, this might be just the ticket for a college student, think about it, they might forget or lose the camera but they would never be without their cell phone and they even have a variety of clip on lenses as well available now. IMO the cell phone is the best option.

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May 31, 2016 09:41:52   #
jeep_daddy Loc: Prescott AZ
 
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!


More good advise

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May 31, 2016 09:44:18   #
Jeff Smith 1 Loc: Pocono Mountains, PA
 
Carl D wrote:
As much as I can't stand cell phone cameras, this might be just the ticket for a college student, think about it, they might forget or lose the camera but they would never be without their cell phone and they even have a variety of clip on lenses as well available now. IMO the cell phone is the best option.

She's a pretty responsible young lady, so l'm less concerned about that than might otherwise be the case. Always a risk, of course, since I've personally had my photo equipment stolen. Thanks for your input!

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May 31, 2016 09:46:10   #
Jeff Smith 1 Loc: Pocono Mountains, PA
 
jeep_daddy wrote:
More good advise

Yes, lots of good ideas!

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May 31, 2016 10:00:40   #
chapjohn Loc: Tigard, Oregon
 
Look at the Sony Experia phone.

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May 31, 2016 10:06:49   #
ole sarg Loc: south florida
 
This is easy a cheap one under $50.

1. The camera will be lost and that is for sure!
2. The camera will have gallons of beer spilled upon it and that is for sure too!
3. The above two justify the max $50 cost.


Jeff Smith 1 wrote:
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!!
I'm looking for suggestions for a camera to be use... (show quote)

Reply
May 31, 2016 10:46:44   #
flathead27ford Loc: Colorado, North of Greeley
 
Look into a Canon 40d. Built like a tank, weather sealed and since it is an older model, very reasonably priced. Cheers.

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May 31, 2016 12:41:01   #
sirlensalot Loc: Arizona
 
Ditto the D3300. Ken Rockwell has a good article on this camera. Arguably the best entry level DSLR for the money ever produced.

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