Need inexpensive DSLR for grandson's photography course in HS fall '16: Our 14 yr-old grandson will be starting HS next fall and he opted for a photography course, to his grandpa's...

Jersey guy Loc: New Joisey

Our 14 yr-old grandson will be starting HS next fall and he opted for a photography course, to his grandpa's delight. Course syllabus suggests students come with a "Nikon D3000 or equivalent". I know this is an oldie but certainly adequate for a beginner to learn with. Looking to equip hom wth this or something like it (even better).

burkphoto Loc: High Point, NC

D3300 two lens kit is about $500 new. Decent starter outfit. Sure you can find used D3200 on eBay. It's similar.

Ched49 Loc: Pittsburgh, Pa.

burkphoto wrote:

D3300 two lens kit is about $500 new. Decent starter outfit. Sure you can find used D3200 on eBay. It's similar.

I'll second that...for a new DSLR user, you can't beat a Nikon D3200 or D3300.

burkphoto Loc: High Point, NC

cjkorb wrote:

I'll second that...for a new DSLR user, you can't beat a Nikon D3200 or D3300.

Price is right, anyway. If he's serious, he may want something better or different. If not, he has a great camera to learn with.

I'd probably skip the earlier versions.

Jersey guy Loc: New Joisey

Thanks to all. Remember...he is only taking a first year (high school) course so whether or not this will eventually turn into a serious hobby is uncertain.

Cdouthitt Loc: Traverse City, MI

Keh.com

D3200 is about $200
18-55 $72.

Just an example.

But would I suggest that camera...probably not, but it would work.

par4fore Loc: Bay Shore N.Y.

Jersey guy wrote:

Our 14 yr-old grandson will be starting HS next fall and he opted for a photography course, to his grandpa's delight. Course syllabus suggests students come with a "Nikon D3000 or equivalent". I know this is an oldie but certainly adequate for a beginner to learn with. Looking to equip hom wth this or something like it (even better).

IMO, buy a used Nikon D80 and a 18-55mm or a 35mm f1.8 (=50mm) on eBay. It is for school so he should be learning on a more basic model. Also buy cheap until you are sure.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Nikon-D80-10-2-MP-Digital-SLR-Camera-Black-Kit-w-Nikon-DX-18-55mm-Lens-/252275193517?hash=item3abcc5f6ad:g:j24AAOSwFMZWsQ7e

If you want help selecting, PM me.

burkphoto Loc: High Point, NC

Jersey guy wrote:

Thanks to all. Remember...he is only taking a first year (high school) course so whether or not this will eventually turn into a serious hobby is uncertain.

Hey, I was super-serious by 13, and spent 33 years in the lab biz. 8 of them were as a multi-image photographer/writer/producer. 7 were as a photographer trainer.

He might just get bit by the shutterbug!

par4fore Loc: Bay Shore N.Y.

Jersey guy wrote:

Our 14 yr-old grandson will be starting HS next fall and he opted for a photography course, to his grandpa's delight. Course syllabus suggests students come with a "Nikon D3000 or equivalent". I know this is an oldie but certainly adequate for a beginner to learn with. Looking to equip hom wth this or something like it (even better).

Here on UHH
http://www.uglyhedgehog.com/t-370545-1.html

MROAK Loc: NH now, MA adult life, NY child

I have a camera and len's with instruction books that may do the job for you.
I tried selling it but several people backed out at the last moment.
It is still available but I am a snowbird currently in AZ and the camera is in NH.
I will be back in the spring. check out the ad i put up last year.
http://www.uglyhedgehog.com/t-328186-1.html#5596206

Jim

dpullum Loc: Tampa Florida

DSLR, is not a magic thing. The mod way ... well get him a pocket camera super zoom that will last him years and will give him the versatility of having camera on belt ready when the photo opportunity happens.

Buy with the leftover $ pse 13 and some Topaz... see my post today.
http://www.uglyhedgehog.com/t-371290-1.html#6259953

Bobbee

D200, nice camera, when mine seemed to go belly up I priced it, was disappointed at the low price. May be goo for you. I keep it around as a spare to a spare.

par4fore Loc: Bay Shore N.Y.

Op is looking for a camera for a high school class. Should be a DSLR.

rando Loc: Rochester NY

I have a Nikon D40 that was my first camera and it was a great starter camera. PM me if interested. It is in excellent condition.

Dan Mc Loc: NM

rando wrote:

I have a Nikon D40 that was my first camera and it was a great starter camera. PM me if interested. It is in excellent condition.

I agree! That D40 takes very good pics and can be had on E-bay or Craigslist, with both 18-55 and 55-200 lenses very cheap!!! Excellent DSLR....I still use mine!!