Best camera for a young photographer
May 3, 2017 06:23:41 #
I also "got into" photography at 9, and believe me, the eye for composition and timing, and the passion for "getting the shot" were already there, something built-in. I'd get her a camera that can take the knocks of a 9 year old brownie troop photographer, and all the things kids get into, without the inhibitions of "be careful of the camera, dear". A Pentax Optio waterproof, Olympus Tough, or any other of the knockabouts would be just right for her.
May 3, 2017 06:29:10 #
The guys over at Bergen Counry Camera in Westwood NJ are great. Very patient and kid friendly, eager to teach the young ones.
May 3, 2017 06:36:03 #
NJphotodoc wrote:
Hi all, br Last year I gave my 8 yo granddaughter ... (show quote)
A compact would be a good choice. Used or refurb would be reasonable. One thing to keep in mind when buying a cheap camera: cheaper cameras tend to have greater shutter lag. You push the button, then you wait - frustrating. I'd consider an Olympus Tough model - waterproof, dropproof, dustproof.
Lower priced -
https://www.lifewire.com/intermediately-priced-digital-cameras-3897832
http://www.switchbacktravel.com/best-cameras-under-300
https://www.photoworkout.com/best-compact-cameras-under-300-dollars/
May 3, 2017 07:21:07 #
Good morning, all the suggestions made by readers are good! I would suggest that if you do buy your grand daughter a DSLR camera, that you purchase the drop and spill warranty! That way if one of her "careless" friends drops it or spills Kool aid on it, it will be fixed or replaced! Just my thought, hope she enjoys and learns from her new journey!
May 3, 2017 07:36:11 #
Get her a TG4 by olympus. Damn things are nearly bomb proof and they're a blast to use in a pool and underwater. I use one in our work office where I know it gets dropped, used in extreme heat and cold and gets drenched every now and then. If our designers and project managers haven't managed to break them, then I'd consider them truly kid proof. My kids (6 and 9) both have earlier generations of them, and love them.
May 3, 2017 08:29:07 #
I'm giving my soon-to-be 6y/o a used bridge camera, a Fuji Finepix S8600. I bought it on eBay for $76. It's a full automatic super zoom with manual options to learn and use if his interest in photography remains. It almost looks like a real DSLR, not like a toy, which I think is important. It has good specifications and performance, and a 36x zoom. The reviews I read on it are good to very good as well.
Using it in a responsible manner will be a small learning curve for him. As I will be with him when he uses it I see no trouble with that.
...and I'm looking forward to go picture hunting with him!
Using it in a responsible manner will be a small learning curve for him. As I will be with him when he uses it I see no trouble with that.
...and I'm looking forward to go picture hunting with him!
May 3, 2017 09:13:55 #
I would look for a used but good condition canon Elph. Easy for a young child to handle, lightweight, and should have a hand tether attached so the child can keep it in reach. Prices for a good used one should be 50 bucks or less.
May 3, 2017 09:44:22 #
rook2c4 wrote:
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.
My friends have 7 YO twins who would love to have cameras. However, they feel like they're not responsible enough to actually own one (each, of course) because of just what you state. They mom says when they show responsibility for their current toys, we'll think about cameras! That may be awhile.
May 3, 2017 09:53:54 #
NJphotodoc
Loc: Now in the First State
Agree. Go there and to Unique Photo in Fairfield as they both have very knowledgeable staff and they run excellent programs on technique, etc. Plus they let you try out lenses, etc on your camera and want to be sure you are satisfied with your purchase before you leave the store
May 3, 2017 10:06:36 #
AzPicLady wrote:
My friends have 7 YO twins who would love to have cameras. However, they feel like they're not responsible enough to actually own one (each, of course) because of just what you state. They mom says when they show responsibility for their current toys, we'll think about cameras! That may be awhile.
My 5 y/o granddaughter has loved "picturing things" since she was 3 1/2! I had a Nikon P5000 that I was not using and I gave it to her, with the stipulation that I keep the camera and she uses it when she is with me. It is black like my D7200 & has manual settings, although for now she leaves it on auto. She loves the camera and is very careful with it and when she is done using it she puts it with my camera out of reach of her 2 y/o sister who is now wanting to "picture things"....but she looks at MY camera and holds out her little hands! We quickly gave her a little point and shoot that my hubby had and wasn't using...no way am I handing over my beloved D7200 to a 2 y/o no matter how adorable she is! But I do believe that with children that if you become "photo buddies" and spend time with them, knowing they have short attention spans, you can create a love of photography with real equipment, instead of cell phones...which are great, but they are not about the "art of photography"!
May 3, 2017 10:15:58 #
I would look for a used Nikon D40 or D80 with a couple of lenses. It will be broken and scratched up but that's all part of the learning process and won't be a big loss even if she drops it off the roof.
May 3, 2017 11:04:20 #
Just because she's young, doesn't mean she doesn't deserve a Nikon D5! At least she'll have something to grow into! Depends on your budget, but I would buy something Nikon so that you two could share lenses IF you feel she's responsible enough for that! Great Story! Best of luck.
May 3, 2017 11:11:23 #
May 3, 2017 11:18:59 #
May 3, 2017 11:24:28 #
NJphotodoc wrote:
Hi all, br Last year I gave my 8 yo granddaughter ... (show quote)
Get her a used camera from the Nikon 1 line at KEH. You should be able to find a camera and kit lens for $150 or less. That will work fine for her for many years. Small camera fits a young girl very well.
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