Best camera for a young photographer
May 2, 2017 12:41:45 #
NJphotodoc
Loc: Now in the First State
Hi all,
Last year I gave my 8 yo granddaughter a "kids camera" which does both photo and video. I really is more of a toy (Fisher Price) but she has gotten very good at taking photos and is into composition, etc. She takes it with her everywhere and is now the "official photographer" for her Brownie troop.
So now the question is what's next. No, she can't have my D7200 although she's certainly like to have it but thinking of perhaps a refurb P&S as a next step up.
Thoughts?
Last year I gave my 8 yo granddaughter a "kids camera" which does both photo and video. I really is more of a toy (Fisher Price) but she has gotten very good at taking photos and is into composition, etc. She takes it with her everywhere and is now the "official photographer" for her Brownie troop.
So now the question is what's next. No, she can't have my D7200 although she's certainly like to have it but thinking of perhaps a refurb P&S as a next step up.
Thoughts?
May 2, 2017 12:46:29 #
NJphotodoc wrote:
Hi all, br Last year I gave my 8 yo granddaughter ... (show quote)
Why a point and shoot? If you have a d7200, then you more than likely have extra lenses that would work with a d3300 or d5300. You should be able to buy one used for the same cost as a good point and shoot and would be starting her out on a better camera for the future. My 9 year old granddaughter uses my daughters d7200 with no problems. I just gave her my old d5300 and she loves it.
May 2, 2017 12:52:15 #
A good starter, and image quality equal to your 7200 would be a refurb or clean used D3300. 24MP.
Comes with a great telescoping kit zoom. Does not have focus motor (neither does 5500). So limited to AF-S lenses.
Selling used around $350 all over the place... eBay, CL...
Comes with a great telescoping kit zoom. Does not have focus motor (neither does 5500). So limited to AF-S lenses.
Selling used around $350 all over the place... eBay, CL...
May 2, 2017 12:55:31 #
A real camera compaired to a fisher price is a big jump no matter what kind you buy, I don't know what your 8 year old granddaughter is able to fully understand as far as photography goes. First is the fisher price able to take any kind of photo on to an SD card? does the FP camera have working controls as a regular camera, bottom line is it is hard to give you help with the info provided, I would take her to a camera store and see what thay say. They would be better able to judge what she can handle. good luck.
May 2, 2017 13:00:07 #
Patrick9
Loc: Muncie, IN
I might look for a simple, old DSLR on ebay. I have had good luck with previous purchases of used equipment. An older Nikon or Canon superzoom would be about the right size for her.
May 2, 2017 13:10:33 #
machia
Loc: NJ
Used Canon Rebel . Inexpensive and very easy to use . Great camera . I'd look for a T3i or T4i at 18mp . These are a bit dated but are extremely affordable . Very capable dslr's with a nice variety of lenses to choose from .
May 2, 2017 13:18:09 #
If you think that your granddaughter can handle a real camera you might consider a bridge camera or some thing like a Canon G-15, the G-15 has been updated but it is small has all the controls like a DSLR so she can learn camera functions and not have to worry about changing a lens at this time, it takes real good photos as the one below.
May 2, 2017 14:31:55 #
NJphotodoc
Loc: Now in the First State
H- thanks for the many responses you've sent back. As to the FP she has, it is surprisingly well-featured. It works with a micro SD card, has an electronic zoom, and has some editing features such as crop and tilt correction. Not sure if a DSLR is right for her at this point. That's why I was thinking of something along the lines of a Nikon Coolpix (I'm a Nikon guy) and when she's older let her move into a DSLR. I'll most likely take over to one of our local camera stores (luckily we still have some some good ones here in northern NJ) and let her test drive some. and yes, she wants it to be in red or pink and this is not open for discussion as she's already told me
May 2, 2017 14:49:41 #
In my opinion, a 9-year old is way to young for a DSLR. It will be broken or get stolen in no time. Friends borrow it and drop it. Or it is left unattended at the playground and a thief runs off with it. However smart and careful the child may be, good judgement comes with experience, which a 9-year old simply lacks.
May 2, 2017 15:10:38 #
NJphotodoc wrote:
Hi all, br Last year I gave my 8 yo granddaughter ... (show quote)
The first thing that came to my mind is one of the Olympus Tough, waterproof, drop proof, shock proof. Even if your granddaughter is very careful with her camera, so many times other kids pick them up and they might not be as careful. Just a thought!
May 2, 2017 15:11:32 #
May 2, 2017 15:27:24 #
Both the D3XXX & D5XXX come in a red option! You could pick up a refurb with a kit lens that she could leave on the camera. Price would probably be in the ballpark of a new coolpix! She would get a color she wants and a camera that she can really grow with!
May 2, 2017 16:04:30 #
NJphotodoc
Loc: Now in the First State
Sounds like I have a number of options, all of which are solid recommendations. I do want to be sure she's mature enough to accept the responsibility for a good camera and if I get a refurb DSLR kit with a decent kit lens (i.e 18-55) or something like a Coolpix L8XX this should cover all bases.
May 2, 2017 18:41:15 #
Check the size of her hands and work back from there. One of the few consistent pieces of advice on UHH is to go with what is comfortable in your hand. It shouldn't be any different for a child.
May 3, 2017 06:15:05 #
No young person wants a DSLR, bulk, same goes for bridge cameras. So there are many quality SuperZooms new, used, refurbished. These cameras fit in the pocket or in a belt back. They are there 24/7 to take quality photos near or far. Most will take filters. When not in use the lens retracts and most have a auto cover. For well more than 10 years, I have personally used one for the 24/7 of the moment happenings.
Take her to a camera counter and have the clerk there as she tries to fit it into her brownie uniform. Her input is important. Do remember that 8 year olds get distracted easily and so investing hi bucks may be unwise should the camera get lost or snatched.
Take her to a camera counter and have the clerk there as she tries to fit it into her brownie uniform. Her input is important. Do remember that 8 year olds get distracted easily and so investing hi bucks may be unwise should the camera get lost or snatched.
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