Vigneron

Think twice about giving them the keys to your car :-)
I doubt an expensive DSLR would have lasted much longer.

jjanovy Loc: Lincoln, Nebraska

I have several Nikons, including full frame, but my go-to cameras for portability and power are the Canon SX50 and Canon SX710 (newer versions are SX60 and SX740). Those Canons are the ones that I've taken when weight and luggage were severely limited and I didn't have any control of the photo situations (e.g., African and Costa Rican trips). In my opinion, the combination of price, power, and flexibility make them ideal for the kind of use you describe. And the video buttons are really easy to reach and use. Here is a link to a video I made to demo the SX50, although it could have been made with the smaller SX710. See https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EJJ0YLmm6dQ

rcarol

The possible issue that I see with the majority of suggestions that I've seen so far regarding this subject is the lack of a camera with an articulating LCD. If this teen wants to continue taking selfies in addition to other kinds of photography, an articulating screen is almost mandatory.

ORpilot Loc: Prineville, Or

I agree with the point and shoot option. Then I would also recommend the Fujifilm A3. The A3 is an interchangeable lens camera and priced under $400 new with zoom lens on eBay. The A3 has an articulating screen that automatically switches the camera into selfi mode when put into position. An excellent option is Canon's factory web site. There you can find great deals on factory refurbished cameras. You will find that many Point & Shoot cameras are equal or better than the beginner SLR's. Happy Shooting

Bobspez Loc: Southern NJ, USA

Cool.

Vigneron

[quote=mikeroetex]Why buy a P&S? They already have one, it's called a cell phone!

Cell phones are taking some might fine pictures now days and if one does nothing but shoot in automatic mode they are good for that purpose. Don't know of any though that allow you to adjust shutter speed and aperture or take pictures in "Raw" format - the things one should know in order to advance in photography. IMHO, one does not need an expensive camera to learn the basics. Cameras such as the Canon S 110 and other similar cameras allow these settings to be changed on the fly VERY easily and FAST and without going through a complex menu system. Don't get me wrong, I also own a DSLR with several lenses but not very convenient to carry around. The link below shows what can be done with a camera such as the Canon S-110.

https://www.flickr.com/photos/catoctin_vigneron/albums/72157691305941420

Vigneron

Darn, in a way I wish you had not posted that. Now I want one even though I really don't need one right now. Good information, though. Thanks

dsmeltz Loc: Philadelphia

Tis' the season for..... GAS!!!

DaveyDitzer Loc: Western PA

Two months ago I saw a Nikon P7800 on ebay for somewhere in the 200-300 range. I love mine and thought about another back up, but finally passed my GAS.

mikeroetex Loc: Lafayette, LA

[quote=Vigneron]
Maybe I have a terminology problem. To me, a Point & Shoot does just that, shoot everything on auto. A good Samsung cell phone with a zillion megapixels will do the same and produce nice photos. To me, a P&S is one that has no viewfinder, requires me to look at a back LCD and fits in my shirt pocket (just like my cellphone). I don't think of a bridge camera or anything that lets me adjust a lens or SS or A to be a P&S. Have I mixed my terms? I like your images, nice work by the way!

Vigneron

I am far from being an expert on terminology. My first experiences with photography was in Vietnam in 1967 where, believe me nor not, we actually had a darkroom at a base called Dong Tam in the Mekong Delta. Wish I had kept my negatives. Now, all I have left are the images in my mind - which can be a bad thing.

I think that perhaps there is a kinda sort gray area between "Point and Shoot" and cameras that allow adjustments as there is a gray area between purist "Photography and Art."

After buying a couple new lenses for my DSLR, I have re-discovered my older Canon S-110. I have discovered how rediculously very easy - and fast - it is to change F stop or shutter speed and ISO; so in effect, I can walk around and kinda sorta use it as a point and shoot BUT with the option of very easily and very fast, changing setting(s). I did not realize this when I first bought the camera but finally got around to reading the manual.

Now, I am going to go back and play with my old Pentax K-1000 and find some film and play around a little with it. It may be a collectors item some day.

One day, a couple years ago, I was doing some shooting in Harpers Ferry, WV which is near where I live. There was an old timer there shooting with an old, I guess, plate camera with a tripod and hood. I was curious as to what he was shooting and asked him. He seemed annoyed but pointed out the very old glass in some of the windows that had a wavy distortion. I would never have noticed this had I not seen him shooting with an "Antique" and asking questions. He said he refuses to go digital.

Soooo, I guess the whole lesson is that it is not now how big the pencil, but how you write with it that counts. :-)

So, perhaps, going back to the original posters questions; perhaps buy an old film camera and learn that way first.

I guess the take-away is that the good photographers have a photographer's "Eye" for the potential photo - and or - take a heck of a lot of pictures which is easy today but was not easy in the past with plates and or film.

aubreybogle Loc: Albuquerque, NM

As always Linda, great insights.

Silverman Loc: Michigan

I bought my 1st DSLR camera 2 years ago, a Nikon D3300, considered to be a Excellent Beginner's Camera. I Paid $375.00 for the Camera & Nikon 18-55 kit lens. Since then I have bought other accessory Gear, spending approximately another $400.00, so I must have a total of $800.00 in Camera & Accessories.

scsdesphotography Loc: Southeastern Michigan

Kids don't need an SLR to take sefies, that's what their cell phone is for. If they're already interested in photography, then they are probably, in their mind, ready to move up to the real thing, so give them the real thing!

Vigneron

What, in your view, is "The Real Thing"