lmTrying Loc: WV Northern Panhandle

So many posts are about asking for suggestions in purchasing the correct equipment, wether it be a GAS attack, or helping a friend or newbie. And lately these posts are dealing more and more with the question of going DSLR or mirrorless. It seems to me that one important fact that no one throws out there is the age of that person in question (or target). If that person is 80, does it matter? The camera will probably outlast them. If that person is 20 or 30, or even 40 and is just getting started, why would anyone recommend they start with buying a Brownie, Twin Lens Reflex, match needle, Single Lens Reflex, or even a DSLR? If they have the cash, a newbie should be starting with today's technology, a mirrorless camera, so they won't have to go through that complete replacement expense. If they don't have the cash then it's time to start a savings plan or buy something that will physically transfer into the current mirrorless market.

As for me:
The Ansco Regent died, history, a memory. The Canon AE1-P is a perfectly good - - paperweight.
The Canon XSi, while it could be a backup, is pretty much relegated to the same fate.

So, if you are the mentor helping that person trying to get started, why not put one of those oldies of yours , hiding in a closet or drawer, in their hands to try it out for a shoot or two? Teach them the basics. Let them get the feel of something in their hands. Maybe a couple of somethings. Take them to a real brick & mortor (not Walmart or Worst Buy).

I don't care if anyone answers or not. I put this out there just to get anyone who reads it to think about it. One of the most important factors is the age of that person getting started.

Bill_de Loc: US

And if you are teaching them to drive be sure to have an old car with a crank start and stick shift?

Don't teach anyone to use a computer until they can use an abicus.

I don't think we have to go back to the past for everything to live in the present, and look to the future.

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User ID

I never believe that "for a friend" shade.

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DirtFarmer Loc: Escaped from the NYC area, back to MA

The crank start is getting pretty long in the tooth and kind of rare, but the stick shift is worth learning. You can still buy cars with stick shifts (and trucks, too), but outside of the antique market the crank start is not going to be offered.

But then, any skill is worth learning, including abaci.

Edit:

When teaching someone to drive a tractor with stick shift, be sure it has a roll bar. It's so easy to do a wheelie in a tractor and go all the way over backwards. We had a guy do that in town. He spent a year in the hospital, half of that in a coma. Came out a couple inches shorter, and with stainless ribs.

Rongnongno Loc: FL

Cranky folks here...

BebuLamar

I don't think it's matter because the question can't be answered regardless.

CHG_CANON Loc: the Windy City

Who can be silent in August 2022 and allow a novice to be turned into a DSLRinosaur?

kpmac Loc: Ragley, La

Most newbies can't afford a new mirrorless camera. Many can't afford a DSLR, either. I don't think it is our place to tell them what to buy. Just suggest they do the research for their needs and budget.

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A top UHH specialty !

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Bill_de Loc: US

You know that how? Assumption or real statistics?

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User ID

They are not yet noobies. No ticket to ride. OTOH, I do agree with with your general idea about "advice" for actual ticket holders.

While UHH advice on what a noobie should purchase is usually BS, often enough theres some fair warnings on what to avoid. (Im NOT saying SLRs. Someone else will volunteer that.)

CHG_CANON Loc: the Windy City

A recent study found that 68% of the statistics on 37% of the discussion boards are 84% made up.

Bill_de Loc: US

That clears it up! Thanks very much.



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lmTrying Loc: WV Northern Panhandle

Read it again. That's not what I said. In fact I ask why anyone would start a young person on old technology. Personally I think every one starting out today should start with a mirrorless. But not everyone can afford it.

I did list the four cameras I have grown up with just for your information.

And I suggested that IF you are mentoring a newbie that you might let them try using some of your old equipment just for the hands on experience so they can make a better informed choice when they buy their own.

lmTrying Loc: WV Northern Panhandle

That's funny.