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I gave non-advice to new photographer
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Aug 5, 2018 17:51:28   #
Davethehiker Loc: South West Pennsylvania
 
A young early twenty's couple from church asked me for advice about buying a camera. They had seen some of my work and my big full frame camera and asked me for advice about buying a camera. They do not have a lot of money and their first baby is about to turn one. Someone had given them a price on used Nikon. I looked the price up on eBay and told her it was not a bargain.

I then told her that she must ask herself why she wants a camera. It was to photograph her baby. I suggested that she buy a small camera that will fit in her purse. I explained to her that cameras are getting better all the time and camera years are like "dog years". What ever camera she buys will out-dated and old in a couple of years. I also suggested that an iPhone might be good enough.

The thought occurred to me to sell her one of my small very good cameras for a very good price and buy myself the latest model. I decided that was a bad idea because she would be constantly asking me how to use it.

Giving someone camera advice is as bad fixing someone up with a date. Unless they quickly fall in love, marry, have beautiful children and live happily ever after, it's going to be your fault. I told her to go to a discount store like Sam's Club play with the cameras they have on display and buy the one that appeals to her.

What would have you told her?

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Aug 5, 2018 17:57:23   #
Architect1776 Loc: In my mind
 
Davethehiker wrote:
A young early twenty's couple from church asked me for advice about buying a camera. They had seen some of my work and my big full frame camera and asked me for advice about buying a camera. They do not have a lot of money and their first baby is about to turn one. Someone had given them a price on used Nikon. I looked the price up on eBay and told her it was not a bargain.

I then told her that she must ask herself why she wants a camera. It was to photograph her baby. I suggested that she buy a small camera that will fit in her purse. I explained to her that cameras are getting better all the time and camera years are like "dog years". What ever camera she buys will out-dated and old in a couple of years.

The thought occurred to me to sell her one of my small very good cameras for a very good price and buy myself the latest model. I decided that was a bad idea because she would be constantly asking me how to use it.

Giving someone camera advice is as bad fixed someone up with a date. Unless they quickly fall in love, marry, have beautiful children and live happily ever after, it's going to be your fault. I told her to go to a discount store like Sam's Club play with the cameras they have on display and buy the one that appeals to her.

What would have you told her?
A young early twenty's couple from church asked me... (show quote)


Having sold cameras for a while I would have asked several questions that I did then make suggestions based on the responses. They did give some good info already. I would definitely have helped guide them in their thought process, who knows they might see that their cell phone is all they really need at that time or that some other option would be agreeable to them.

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Aug 5, 2018 18:19:55   #
Bill_de Loc: US
 
Get a cell phone with a good camera. She will always have it with her, and probably in her hand.

--

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Aug 5, 2018 18:22:22   #
Linda From Maine Loc: Yakima, Washington
 
From topics posted to UHH main discussion every single day, we see people who spent a lot of money for a camera only to discover that they might need to do a bit of work (i.e. learn exposure) to achieve satisfactory results.

A young couple on a budget with a young child...top priorities probably don't include learning the exposure triangle. I might have stressed that if they browse in a store, they ask about ease of use, such as which has the simplest menus, not which has the most megapixels

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Aug 5, 2018 18:26:28   #
DaveO Loc: Northeast CT
 
Bill_de wrote:
Get a cell phone with a good camera. She will always have it with her, and probably in her hand.

--


Safe enough!

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Aug 5, 2018 18:46:44   #
Davethehiker Loc: South West Pennsylvania
 
Linda From Maine wrote:

A young couple on a budget with a young child...top priorities probably don't include learning the exposure triangle. I might have stressed that if they browse in a store, they ask about ease of use, such as which has the simplest menus, not which has the most megapixels


A very good point! I wish I thought to tell them that. I'll see them next Sunday.

It must be hard for a newby to recognize a user friendly menu when they see one; another reason to go with a cell phone.

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Aug 5, 2018 19:42:55   #
Photocraig
 
Linda From Maine wrote:
From topics posted to UHH main discussion every single day, we see people who spent a lot of money for a camera only to discover that they might need to do a bit of work (i.e. learn exposure) to achieve satisfactory results.

A young couple on a budget with a young child...top priorities probably don't include learning the exposure triangle. I might have stressed that if they browse in a store, they ask about ease of use, such as which has the simplest menus, not which has the most megapixels
From topics posted to UHH main discussion every si... (show quote)


Even if they don't need to worry about diaper triangles, you're right on. Those baby moments and the very few months they are in them, require the camera to be in hand. All this MPIX stuff overlooks that top pros were doing weddings and major portrait shoots for major $$$ with 8 MPIX not that very long ago. And some folks turn out really fine work with the 12 MPIX Eos 5D "Classic." I'd also suggest, if the couple does have some interest is the add on camera apps which help with backlighting and selective focus.

Baby pix seldom are enlarged beyond 11x14 or whatever that is today, and they are small subjects that love for you to be close, until they learn to walk some morning and then run that very same afternoon. So it is easy to fill the frame with that charming expression.

C

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Aug 6, 2018 03:10:14   #
Stardust Loc: Central Illinois
 
1> Think you did good not to sell her one of your cameras unless they are already experienced and just looking to upgrade. That is the only way I will sell my extra cameras, computers or tech equipment.
2> A phone camera may be best, especially assuming most pics of kids will be uploaded to Facebook or emailed to family & friends. No transfer from camera needed.
3> When asked for advice on cameras or computers I always ask three questions... what is max willing to spend, if they have any brand preference and how automatic or manual they want? Only then I MIGHT make a suggestion.

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Aug 6, 2018 06:26:32   #
jerryc41 Loc: Catskill Mts of NY
 
Good idea not selling her your camera.

I would have recommended a nice compact of some kind. Which one would depend on the couple's budget and current reviews and availability - probably not a Leica.

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Aug 6, 2018 06:36:37   #
John N Loc: HP14 3QF Stokenchurch, UK
 
A quick resume on the differences and then tell them to go and play in the store - whilst sticking within a preset budget. Maybe making a small allowance for a flash as most in built ones seem to be little better than a flickering candle.

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Aug 6, 2018 06:38:14   #
waegwan Loc: Mae Won Li
 
Davethehiker wrote:
A young early twenty's couple from church asked me for advice about buying a camera. They had seen some of my work and my big full frame camera and asked me for advice about buying a camera. They do not have a lot of money and their first baby is about to turn one. Someone had given them a price on used Nikon. I looked the price up on eBay and told her it was not a bargain.

I then told her that she must ask herself why she wants a camera. It was to photograph her baby. I suggested that she buy a small camera that will fit in her purse. I explained to her that cameras are getting better all the time and camera years are like "dog years". What ever camera she buys will out-dated and old in a couple of years. I also suggested that an iPhone might be good enough.

The thought occurred to me to sell her one of my small very good cameras for a very good price and buy myself the latest model. I decided that was a bad idea because she would be constantly asking me how to use it.

Giving someone camera advice is as bad fixing someone up with a date. Unless they quickly fall in love, marry, have beautiful children and live happily ever after, it's going to be your fault. I told her to go to a discount store like Sam's Club play with the cameras they have on display and buy the one that appeals to her.

What would have you told her?
A young early twenty's couple from church asked me... (show quote)


I think you did OK. I would have said something very similar. :-)

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Aug 6, 2018 06:41:23   #
HOHIMER
 
I agree. Never sell a used car to a relative who lives close by!

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Aug 6, 2018 06:57:48   #
waegwan Loc: Mae Won Li
 
HOHIMER wrote:
I agree. Never sell a used car to a relative who lives close by!



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Aug 6, 2018 07:27:52   #
ggenova64
 
I would give her the Camera, buy yourself a new camera, and help with learning it! How do we forget learning our Camera features and functions.

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Aug 6, 2018 07:49:45   #
cameraf4 Loc: Delaware
 
It seems innocuous enough. Ask a "photographer" for camera buying advice. I always give it, but I say before I start that there is no "short/easy" answer. Ultimately, I wrap-up with "Now that you know "a little" about it, go into a camera store and handle some cameras. See what feels good in your hands and isn't too heavy." And, yes, afterward, if they are a friend, I am always available to help with their questions (there are always questions).

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