DMF

Young girl has a significance interest in photography. Need recommendations for first camera for Christmas gift. Maximum price: $500. Thanks, Doug

Linda From Maine Loc: Yakima, Washington

There are many point and shoot cameras in that price range:
https://www.digitalcameraworld.com/buying-guides/best-point-and-shoot-cameras

https://www.digitalcameraworld.com/buying-guides/best-cameras-for-kids

One thing to consider is whether she might want a camera that looks more like a dslr or one that is rectangular (like the cell phone ).

Bobspez Loc: Southern NJ, USA

Panasonic FZ 80. I just bought a used one on ebay for $235. New at Amazon $300. Has everything she will need and more.

PHRubin Loc: Nashville TN USA

I'm happy with 2 of my smaller cameras, the Canon SX50 HS and Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS100. The former has more range on its zoom lens, the latter is "pocketable" and has a larger 1" sensor. Today the Canon SX60 HS is the current model. Both have non-interchangeable zoom lenses. Both are under $500.

One can use these as backups or as more portable than a DSLR if one goes the DSLR route later.

larryepage Loc: North Texas area

I have been working with kids for a couple of years now, and have encountered a few who are nurturing specialized interests, including photography and (to my great surprise) amateur radio. Of the ones interested in photography, (and also surprisingly), most prefer cameras that look like cameras. And the thing that looks most like a camera to them is generally an SLR. What is the chance of going camera shopping with her and see what her preference is in real life? And keep in mind that kids are kids, and even the most careful ones are not immune from damaging or losing what they are working with. So you might want to take a look at nice used DSLRs (I'm familiar with Nikon, so even a D40 or D40x comes to mind) with a zoom that is reasonably fast and whose range crosses "normal" focal length.

I've not tried them out on this lately, but KEH used to be a great source for manuals, especially when they had their Dallas storefront. Just in case one doesn't come with the camera.

Cdouthitt Loc: Traverse City, MI

More than a point and shoot...
https://www.getolympus.com/us/en/outlet/reconditioned-cameras/e-m10-mark-iii-black-with-14-42mm-ez-lens-carrying-case-16-gb-memory-card-reconditioned-1.html

Nice, small, powerful little camera system.

rgrenaderphoto Loc: Hollywood, CA

Get her a Smartphone.

Bobspez Loc: Southern NJ, USA

Well it depends on whether it's more important for them to be a photographer (produce their best photos) or just look like one.

Photocraig

My adult granddaughter just got a SONY Alpha 5100--APS-C. It is a mirrorless Interchangeable lens (Alpha Mount) camera. Nice little camra. I believe it's available for about the budget.

robertjerl Loc: Corona, California

Currently Sam's, Costco, Canon store etc are having sales on beginner level dslr cameras in kits. A quick check found both Canon and Nikon beginner level dslr (T6 and D3500 with two lenses for just under $500. Canon's on line store in both new and refurbished has some for even less and a kit with the T7 and two lens for just under $500.

However, those cameras are used mainly through the menus, which to me are a pain. I just got a used T6s with 4 lenses as a present for my wife on E-bay for $600(She currently uses an SX-50 - The other day she said "I want a better camera, with lenses.", so I ...) . The T6s has more controls and a top window for making adjustments - a system I feel is much better.

Keen

A bridge camera-a superzoom, non removable lens system such as the Nikon B700-would be good for a snapshooter who never wants to become more. A more serious hobbyist, who may someday go Pro, would be better served by a DSLR. A used Nikon D700, or D7000, or D7100, would be good, and still leave you money for a used lens such as a Nikon AFS 50mm f/1.8G,or a Nikon AF 28-80mm f/3.3-5.6G, lens.

Hip Coyote

My opinion is to get a used DSLR such as a Canon 60 or 70D. The 60 and a lens could be quite inexpensive and is an excellent camera. I’d avoid point and shoot.

Cdouthitt Loc: Traverse City, MI

A m4/3 camera will likely fit in her hands much better than a DSLR.

DMF

Thanks for all of the advice and suggestions, sincerely appreciated. This will be a fun Christmas, not only for her but the full family. Thanks again, Doug

E.L.. Shapiro Loc: Ottawa, Ontario Canada

7th Grade- Middle school? Early teens? A great age to learn photography. Don't worry, theses kids are tech-savvy and will learn quickly.

Thinking back- when I was that age, I already used a rangefinder 35mm camera- I knew my apertures and shutter speeds and new how to set my exposure for flashbulbs. I did all kids of shooting for the school newspaper and covered all the sports events.At tjhat age, I started my daughter off on a Minolta X700 and she took to it immediately.She was printing her work in the color darkroom at age 15.

So.. my advice is to try to find a decent DSLR with a zoom lens and a basic speedlight (perhaps on the used market) and teach her the ropes. A camera with a manual option will be a great learning tool and a programmed mode will also be a fun thing for casual shooting. Good results and fun will encourage her to advance.

My 13 year old granddaughter is using her mom's old D300 and I taught her to use the editing apps on her cell phone camera so she is learning a bit of post processing and special effects. When she visits my studio, I let her work with the lights and try out my Canon gear- she has her eye on it!

It's like music lessons- you gotta buy them an instrument and it's best to start early and see where the talent takes them.