Toxdoc8

I have a 16 year old grandson who is going to the Philippines this summer on a youth service project and he wants a camera to take. Last year he went to Gahana and I got him a pocket camera that he thought was not cool. When he got home it was permanently lost. His mother wants me to find a camera for him in the $250 range. I have always felt it not wise to stand out in a foreign country as a tourist so I like a pocket camera but I'm open to any ideas. Thanks in advance for an thoughts and advice

Strodav Loc: Houston, Tx

You got it right. Stay with a less expensive point and shoot like one from the Canon Powershot series. This is about his safety! If he carries any expensive electronics, like a smartphone or flashy camera, or watch, or jewelry, or expensive basketball shoes or jacket, his chances of being a target go up significantly. The youth service project organizers have probably provided information clearly spelling out what they should bring and what they should leave home. Follow their guidance.

jdub82 Loc: Northern California

Possibly a lower priced bridge camera such as the Nikon B500? It is powered by double a batteries so charging would not be an issue. It is small and should not be too conspicuous. It is within the price range at $259.00. Amazon also has a refurbished B500 for $199.00. I agree that he shouldn’t be carrying an expensive camera on the trip, but a lower end bridge camera shouldn’t be a problem, as long as he stays with his group at all times. Trips of that nature with teens are usually pretty well supervised. Of course, he does need to follow the team guidelines as to what to take with him.

JD750 Loc: SoCal

My thoughts are that the kid was ungrateful for your thoughtful gift and he needs to get a job an buy his own camera.

btbg

If it was me I would just tell him if he wants a camera to find the one that he "lost" last year. Otherwise, I guess he's out of luck. If he didn't like that camera what makes you think that he will like another inexpensive and uncool camera any better?

Bill_de Loc: US

Folks are being a little harsh on a kid that is giving of himself to help people. I would get his input after explaining the budget. What seems cool to grandpa might be just the opposite for a 16 year old.

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Country Boy Loc: Beckley, WV

If he is old enough to make that trip he should be old enough to give you input into what he likes. Have him do some research (with guide lines on price etc.) and discuss it with him to see what features etc. drove his decision and see if he made an intelligent choice. Then you can evaluate and explain why you like or don't like the choice and possibly he will better appreciate what ever he gets. Kids normally put the top priority how cool it makes them look holding it and photos are second choice.

kcooke Loc: Alabama

Tell him to find his camera. Jeez

bel air bill Loc: Bel Air Maryland

If he loves photography why not buy him a Canon or Nikon starter for around $900. Don't take it out of the country but he may love this Hobby and it may give him a lot of Joy.

SusanFromVermont Loc: Southwest corner of Vermont

First, have you talked with him about why the first camera got lost, and what he would do this time to take better care of a camera? This would be a gentle way of letting him know that his actions can have consequences, and might make him realize that he is not going to be getting a new camera every time he loses one! No need to be harsh or accusing, he does sound like a good kid.

You ought to discuss the choice of a new camera with him. What kind of camera would he choose? Of course you will let him know about the price limitations. Open up a website such as B&H, go to cameras, and choose the price range. Then you would not have to wade through a lot of more costly cameras. You can also choose a brand if you like, and any of the other filters that are appropriate. Have him look at them with you and point out what he likes! He is old enough to make choices, and would appreciate that you respect that and want him to help you choose.

A camera should not be a status symbol ["cool"!], it is a tool. Hopefully he can understand that, especially if he knows that this is a "starter" camera where he can learn principles of good composition without having to deal with a lot of other settings. If he continues to enjoy this camera, and wants to upgrade, that would be a possibility.

Hope this helps!

Vector

IMHO,

Get him a job so he can buy his own camera. Better yet, tell his mom to buy it since he doesn't respect what you bought. I wonder how she would respond if he did the same to something she spent her hard earned money on. If he came to you with something like, "...thanks grandpa, but I think I'm ready to step up to another camera and would like your guidance to get another one because this one lacks this, that, etc..". At least you know (hopefully) he's taking photography seriously. Or maybe if he asked you to HELP him with the purchase of a new one, but to treat you like "Mr Moneybags" and throw your hard earned money away because he thought the camera was "beneath him". Want to know what was worse than the old camera, no camera! This is a 16 year old young man, time for him to learn money doesn't grow on trees. A life lesson.

Sorry if I offend but entitled behavior bugs me. There's way too much of it going around.

Acountry330 Loc: Dothan,Ala USA

To me is seems the young man does not care unless it is cool. Throw the 200 in the trash. Or better yet make him buy his own camera.

dat2ra Loc: Sacramento

"Cool"? Really? Jeez! I'm with the point-and-shoot folks. Although I'm a Nikonian to the core, and have a pro portrait studio (tell your kid that I shoot hot chicks for money!) my Canon PowerShot is my go-to while overseas. It takes great pix, is simple to use, is discreet, and is not a target for thieves. But it is neither cool nor a chick magnet, but if your kid thinks that is more important, he can make up the difference and lose that one too. Well, you asked.

RickTaylor

You need to kick your grandson square in the balls to get his attention. I can guarantee he lost the camera on purpose expecting you to buy him an expensive DSLR. Sounds like a spoiled little brat That feels entitled to something. Maybe you should get him a D5 and an expensive full frame lens. His story stinks to high heaven and he is being very disrespectful to you. It is unfortunate that this behavior has become so wide spread. Turn on your bullshit detector and you will find out what happened to the permanently lost camera. Once you have the truth kick him in the balls again!

jdub82 Loc: Northern California

Really?!? He is a kid, give him a break. He is using his school break to serve others, not all teens would do that. Wow! There sure are a lot of grumpy people on this forum, lol.