A co-worker's 16 y/o has expressed an interest in photography. She wants to graduate from cellphone selfies! I'm thinking a small point and shoot with a moderate focal length range. Since I have no experience with them I am tossing it out to you knowledgeable folks for some ideas to pass on. This will be a Christmas gift. She didn't really have a price range in mind but if it were my kid I would probably stay in the $200-$300 price range in case it is a passing fancy.
Thanks in advance!
It would have to be a point and shoot for that price range but a really good one would be the Nikon Coolpix B500. You can step up and get a used/refurbished Nikon D3200 but then you would have to consider the lens you would have to purchase on top of that. There are a lot of good ones out there, I am just only familiar with the above.
Consider the Canon S110. It is about $200, small light weight (about the size of a deck of playing cards) and takes impressive closeups if you decide to do some closeup shooting. Lens is f 2.0 so will take photos in low light. IMHO, this is a VERY underrated camera. Just do a search on the camera to see videos and more information. I also have a Canon T3i with three lenses but for just walk around shooting and for closeups I use the S110. I have recently discovered that my best photos with this camera are shot with aperture priority (AV). The ISO is very easy to set if you want to shoot in other than automatic ISO. F stop is also very easy and fast to set.
shop around, you can find the canon rebel series cameras like my T3 with kit lenses for your price range. Most 16yo kids learn fast and its best to buy something that will challenge them some
I think a used d200 with a 18-70 afs lens would be just the ticket. Its possible to find the combination for under $300 in good condition. The camera does nice work and it is still used by some photographers. Many of us started with lesser equipment. The combination will allow the kid to learn the functions of most digital cameras. I sold my D200 to a lady who still shoots weddings with it. That camera has over 250,000 clicks on it and works fine. It has never been in for service. The best part of that camera over the D3000 and D5000 series is that it does not require AF lenses. Its a fine camera for newcomers.
There are many so-called “rugged” (dust and moisture resistant) cameras that are very reasonably priced under $500. DPReview recently picked its favorite, but in truth
any of the cameras in this Buying Guide would be highly suitable for a young person just starting in photography. In my personal opinion, the Nikon W300, the Olympus TG5 or the Panasonic DC-TS7 might be the best choices from this group.
https://www.dpreview.com/reviews/buying-guide-best-waterproof-cameras
Linda from Maine: Thanks for the link. I'm in the market for a better camera, These reviews on your link are very informative. I like the Sony RX100V but it's double the price of the CanonSX740HS. As my curent situation goes It must be small but quick from draw to shot. Because I'm primarily an opportunistic fotografer. I don't go out to fotograf but I want a non bulky apparatus when a scene is begging. I joined UHH about a month or so ago. Will make a purchase by March 2019.
After thinking about the subject the OP posted, the best camera is the one that would be used. The best for those who already a little bit familiar with photography may not be used by a newby
Thanks for all the replies. I will pass on the information.
BetoF16 wrote:
Linda from Maine: Thanks for the link. I'm in the market for a better camera, These reviews on your link are very informative. I like the Sony RX100V but it's double the price of the CanonSX740HS. As my curent situation goes It must be small but quick from draw to shot. Because I'm primarily an opportunistic fotografer. I don't go out to fotograf but I want a non bulky apparatus when a scene is begging. I joined UHH about a month or so ago. Will make a purchase by March 2019.
In my own mind, these two cameras are not even close to being comparable. Apparently, both are good cameras in their own categories, but quite different, for quite different purposes. For instance; if I were considering a high-end (true) pocket camera with an electronic view finder and the RX100V was above my budget, I'd go find a mint condition RX100III.
And, by the way, most cameras with a power zoom are not lighting quick on the draw, from "OFF". The fastest I own, or have tried, is an (Sony) a6000 with a prime lens.
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