I gave non-advice to new photographer (Page 2): :sm24: :sm24: :sm24:...

Architect1776 Loc: In my mind

cameraf4 wrote:

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).

joer Loc: Colorado/Illinois

Davethehiker wrote:

A young early twenty's couple from church asked me... (show quote)

They probably already have a smart phone, most young people do. Offer to show them how to use the camera. For various reason most cameras end up in the closet anyway and you will have saved them money that can be better spent. Young people are not interested in photography, they just want to capture images for social networks.

Nikon1201

I would give her the camera , she will not go beyond zooming in and out and using the flash .

Rich1939 Loc: Pike County Penna.

Bill_de wrote:

Get a cell phone with a good camera. She will always have it with her, and probably in her hand.

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anotherview Loc: California

You gave her good advice after she mentioned baby pictures as her object.

I would've added that she study composition and exposure along with the importance of subject if she later became interested in editing her photographs.

I might've also mentioned attending a workshop for novices to digital photography to improve her results.

I've found that beginners can absorb only so much guidance in the outset of their interest in photography. They need some hand holding.

Davethehiker wrote:

A young early twenty's couple from church asked me... (show quote)

olemikey Loc: 6 mile creek, Spacecoast Florida

Davethehiker wrote:

A young early twenty's couple from church asked me... (show quote)

Whenever I lend a camera, or need a quick pocket cam for whatever, its always one of my smaller Fuji Superzooms or my little Canon 8mp A590. I tell them to leave it on Auto and go for it.

Davethehiker Loc: South West Pennsylvania

anotherview wrote:

You gave her good advice after she mentioned baby pictures as her object.

I would've added that she study composition and exposure along with the importance of subject if she later became interested in editing her photographs.

I might've also mentioned attending a workshop for novices to digital photography to improve her results.

I've found that beginners can absorb only so much guidance in the outset of their interest in photography. They need some hand holding.

I'm active in a local brick and mortar local camera club. I'll invite her to attend a club meeting when we resume meetings in the fall.

Davethehiker Loc: South West Pennsylvania

Give it to her!?!? The camera I considering selling her was my Sony RX100M2. This camera still goes for over $500 on e-Bay. I was considering selling it to her for $400 and buying a new RX100VI. I decided against it because I did not want to be responsible for teaching her how to use it.

We still use the RX100M2. It has become my wife's camera. Once, when we getting ready to go on vacation I told my wife to read the e-book that explains how to use the camera. She never got around to reading that book. When we arrived at vacation destination in Western Canada, she held up the camera towards me and asked me "How do I use this?" I showed her where the on/off switch was and told her to keep it in the "intelligent auto +" mode. That's just what she did and she got a lot of great photos. I was using my A99II and exotic expensive lenses. Some of her photos where better than mine of the same thing. I hate when that happens. :-)

The people who design cameras know a lot about how to expose a photo. It's okay for a beginner or even a pro to let the camera help you find the proper exposure.

Davethehiker Loc: South West Pennsylvania

olemikey wrote:

Whenever I lend a camera, or need a quick pocket cam for whatever, its always one of my smaller Fuji Superzooms or my little Canon 8mp A590. I tell them to leave it on Auto and go for it.

Piman-jimc

I agree that the new mom doesn't need a DLSR. It would be far too bulky and awkward for her to tote around with all the other "new mom" equipment. The cell phone camera may be a solution for her. If she wants a little more than that, I would suggest the Fugi XP130. It will easily fit in a pocket or purse [or diaper bag], it is waterproof and shockproof to about 65' and 6' [stuff happens - especially with a baby]. It has 5x optical and 10x digital zoom. I bought mine when we took a trip to South Dakota, where we did hiking, swimming in pools below waterfalls, and got "shook" by our dog after she swam in the creeks and pools. The underwater shots we took were fun. It has a simple menu [I use "sport" most of the time to ensure steady shots]. It got better night shots of the stage program and lighted Mount Rushmore than my Nikon DSLR got. There is a wide variation in price from Sams, to Walmart, to Best Buy, to Amazon. Even the camera color you choose [out of 5] can make $10 to $20 difference on Amazon. expect to pay between $150-$199.
Hope this helps.
JC

Fotoartist Loc: Detroit, Michigan

A Point-N-Shoot with a good zoom is the way to go for her, Not DSLR.

artBob Loc: Near Chicago

I would hope to have thought of the advice you gave her. Good job!

Toby

Davethehiker wrote:

A young early twenty's couple from church asked me... (show quote)

I think you are right. For starters a smaller cheaper camera or even a good cell phone (can't believe I said that). Until she gets a bunch of experience it would be a waste of money to do anything else. You did good

billnikon Loc: Pennsylvania/Ohio/Florida/Maui/Oregon/Vermont

Davethehiker wrote:

A young early twenty's couple from church asked me... (show quote)

The best advice is to give GENERAL advice. And that is what you gave her, I would never recommend a specific camera model, I would do as you did. A small camera she can carry with her, let her pick it out, or, use her phone. Well played my friend, well played.

BebuLamar

I am not sure she would want to learn photography or just wanted to take pictures of her baby. If she just wanted to take pictures of her baby then perhaps the phone is fine.