Best camera for a young photographer
May 3, 2017 11:31:45 #
NJphotodoc
Loc: Now in the First State
A D5! Hey even for me that's too much camera and too much $. I do love my grandkid but there are limits to my love.
I figure the end of the school year is quickly approaching so I'll take her over to the camera store and see which type she likes assuming she gets good grades. Be it $50 or $500, it has to be something she can handle and feel comfortable using. I did finnd some P&S that are look to be rugged (waterproof, shockproof, etc.) and they come in the right color (she's adamant about that).
Thanks again to all for your advice. Lots to consider...
I figure the end of the school year is quickly approaching so I'll take her over to the camera store and see which type she likes assuming she gets good grades. Be it $50 or $500, it has to be something she can handle and feel comfortable using. I did finnd some P&S that are look to be rugged (waterproof, shockproof, etc.) and they come in the right color (she's adamant about that).
Thanks again to all for your advice. Lots to consider...
May 3, 2017 12:33:34 #
NJphotodoc wrote:
Hi all, br Last year I gave my 8 yo granddaughter ... (show quote)
The D3300 is light and may be within range for an 8 yo. It will do great photos via the P&S modes, but capable to much more as she gains skills and interest. Cameta has some Nikon refurbs at a good price. I would get the after market warranty from them because the chances of an accident are higher at that age. The newer D3400 has one advantage that she might appreciate. I will send her photos directly to her cellphone for direct distribution to all her friends. At eight years old, many kids have a smartphone (No. I'm not sure I like it, but that's the real world.)
Wow. I am excited and applaud that you appreciate her budding interest.
Bravo.
May 3, 2017 12:40:27 #
Retired fat guy with a camera
Loc: Colorado
Find a old canon,10 or 20, 40D. You can pick them up for next to nothing. Put a used 50mm 1.8 lens on it, and turn her loose. Look around on ebay and craigs list and you could probably get it all for around a $100.00.
May 3, 2017 12:42:21 #
NJphotodoc
Loc: Now in the First State
Nope, no smartphone as yet, but she certainly knows how to use one. As to Cameta, know them very well and they have excellent choices. Plus their sales people can put together nice bundles (i.e camera, battery, case) which are very affordable.
May 3, 2017 15:59:12 #
amfoto1
Loc: San Jose, Calif. USA
NJphotodoc wrote:
...she wants it to be in red or pink and this is not open for discussion as she's already told me
Hah! At least she knows what she wants!
FYI: Canon makes a number of cameras in various colors....
I bet Nikon does, too.... But if not, there can be some pretty sweet deals "refurbished" at the Canon USA website.
May 3, 2017 17:43:05 #
I am teaching a young man right now and provided him a Canon SX50, and he doing really well with it. I got it under $200 right here on UHH.
May 3, 2017 18:42:24 #
NJphotodoc wrote:
Hi all, br Last year I gave my 8 yo granddaughter ... (show quote)
My 8 year old granddaughter loves her Nikon P530 and uses it constantly. It's a "real" camera as opposed to her 5 year old sister's Nikon L32 (with which she takes fantastic photos).
Please see my post on this subject. http://www.uglyhedgehog.com/t-438984-1.html
Mark
May 3, 2017 21:46:30 #
jefren
Loc: Montgomery, Alabama
I will tell you my experience. I hope you can decide to what extent it applies to you. A year ago I gave my responsible daughter, who was 10 and a good photographer, a Nikon D3300 kit. It was a great decision. We love photographing together, and will photograph a charity run together on Saturday. An adult family friend, after seeing my daughter photograph and seeing her photographs on several outings, purchased a D3400 kit for herself. Assuming that there's not a DSLR in her house, when she's ready for a DSLR, I'd get her a Nikon. That way you will be able to more easily talk with her about how to use her camera. You can also share lenses when you photograph together. Both are good ways to bond. Here's an opinion that you probably don't need: the relationship is more important than the photography. Best wishes!
May 10, 2017 18:17:49 #
NJphotodoc
Loc: Now in the First State
Hi all. Thanks for all you advice and good comments.
Took my grand kid to the local camera store and we looked at a lot of cameras: used DLSR, compacts, P&S, etc . Bottom line is that she preferred a simple yet solid point and shoot (low weight, ease of operation, features she wants including 720p video, 4x zoom, AAA rather than having to buy a brand-specifc battery, and perhaps for an 8 yo the most important criteria was that it came in purple). Price was well < $100 so grandpa was happy as well.
It is a step up from her FP kid camera and if she likes photography as it appears she does, there will be lots of opportunities for her to move up to a DSLR or mirrorless later on. But for now she's just a kid who wants to have fun, take pictures and videos of her and her friends and enjoy her new camera.
Bottom line for me: If she's happy, the I'm real happy.
Took my grand kid to the local camera store and we looked at a lot of cameras: used DLSR, compacts, P&S, etc . Bottom line is that she preferred a simple yet solid point and shoot (low weight, ease of operation, features she wants including 720p video, 4x zoom, AAA rather than having to buy a brand-specifc battery, and perhaps for an 8 yo the most important criteria was that it came in purple). Price was well < $100 so grandpa was happy as well.
It is a step up from her FP kid camera and if she likes photography as it appears she does, there will be lots of opportunities for her to move up to a DSLR or mirrorless later on. But for now she's just a kid who wants to have fun, take pictures and videos of her and her friends and enjoy her new camera.
Bottom line for me: If she's happy, the I'm real happy.
May 10, 2017 19:27:04 #
jefren
Loc: Montgomery, Alabama
You sound like a wise grandfather. Everyone has their own pace and preferences. All the best to you!
May 10, 2017 19:27:49 #
May 10, 2017 19:59:17 #
any of the $79.00 cameras will be a great next step for her. At 8 years old you dont want too advanced and you certainly dont want too expensive. then in a few years , move her up again working her way to that DSLR Plus at 8 she may put it down tomorrow and move on to something else and in 5 years its BOYS
when NOTHING else will interest her. ( been there done that 2 times)
when NOTHING else will interest her. ( been there done that 2 times)
May 10, 2017 22:00:44 #
NJphotodoc wrote:
Hi all. Thanks for all you advice and good comment... (show quote)
Sanity prevails. Happy ending!
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