SuperflyTNT Loc: Manassas VA

SuperflyTNT Loc: Manassas VA

Funny. I’m pretty dang liberal and you’re the one coming off expecting people to adhere to your conservative social code.

AndyH Loc: Massachusetts and New Hampshire

I've read through all six pages of this thread. A lot of drivel and a lot of common sense.

We have nearly two dozen grands, acquired through birth, adoption, and marriage. Some of them are very interested in photography, some couldn't care less about it. All are equally valid viewpoints.

Encourage the ones who are interested, whether their interest is limited to capable phone cameras, digital cameras, or even <gasp!> film!

We have some of each, and we do what we can to encourage all of them who are interested, including particularly, sharing photos and videos of their activities and interests. I've given digital gear to those who would appreciate it, encouraged those whose photos are made with their cameras, and mentored all who have an interest in our art form in the ways that they will most appreciate. I'm not concerned at all about the "gifts with strings" thoughts expressed earlier - if you have established relationships of trust and love with your grandkids, an expensive gift will not have any effect at all.

We love our kids and grands, as, I'm sure, everyone in this thread does. I've always believed in encouraging your young'uns in whatever
interests them, whether it's sk8er videos or anthropology. If photography is among their interests, do whatever you can and it will be enough, but not too much.

Andy

FactMan

I was a late starter when it came to having kids, so I don't have any grands yet. My son was very interested in my old Minolta 9000 (film) camera. I suggested that we should look at a Sony alpha series body so that he could use my lenses. He loved the opportunity to try out a DSLR, but as I did back in the day, found it heavy to carry around for those 'candid' shots. The cell phone cameras are improving all the time. Good photography is often more about the composition of the photograph than what equipment it was taken on. Sure, if you know that the photos are going to be printed or published a 'better' camera becomes more important. So, make sure they have a good camera on their phone, then send them out on assignments to take particular images - portraits, landscapes, architectural, animals, movement, etc. Then you can have a teaching session to tell them what you would have done differently and how having a different type of camera would make a difference - usually you have more options with a DSLR. So, thanks to the OP for a great question, and the stimulation of a great discussion. As with a lot of topics in photography, there is no single 'right' answer. And what may work for me today may not work for me tomorrow because of technology changes. Happy photography, everyone!

azted Loc: Las Vegas, NV.

Can you explain your comment a little better? I have a pretty thick skin, so let it rip!!

azted Loc: Las Vegas, NV.

Your post does not follow my train of thought. I am simply stating that he is rewarding conformity by telling the OP that he should not give a camera to his granddaughter because the other children use their phones. It is the small mindedness I am calling out. I do not care about political views as much as I am stating the obvious worshipping of conformity. If that bothers you, that is your problem.

Kmgw9v Loc: Miami, Florida

With your post, you said much more than that----and you know it.
Honesty is a virtue--especially when we can refer to, and re-read wrote you wrote.

azted Loc: Las Vegas, NV.

It is not politics as much as it is marching to the drum of conformity. If young people are not open to different forms of taking photos, listening to music, hearing many sides of a topic, we are lost as a nation.

azted Loc: Las Vegas, NV.

Read it again, without using your political sensitivity, and you will better understand what I said. I will not back away from asking you what you really meant by your statement.

Kmgw9v Loc: Miami, Florida

I will not extend the political discourse on this thread. You are well-aware of the answer to your question anyway.

azted Loc: Las Vegas, NV.

I am sorry, but you are avoiding the responsibility of standing by your statement. I have every right by reason of living in, visiting, and having family members doing the same in the states of CA., OR, and WA. to make the statements I did. Those are my real life observations. I am east coast bred, midwestern educated, and west coast by climatic choice. My cred is based on a lifetime, and I have no problem walking the walk. You sir, leave curiosity as an argument, and that is not even in your best interest.

chasgroh Loc: Buena Park, CA

...getting back to the OP: Bravo for your generosity, and I would recommend a Z series camera for you...cool beans these things. As to the remainder of the "conversation" re. high school kids and their ways: on any given day I stand in front of hundreds. I teach high school bands how to move about on a football field, the term most would understand is "march" but it is far deeper than that nowadays (I span 5 decades of this fetish, so local directors find me of value). I also take photos of various competitions during the season and put them up for sale. During *that* act I run across many kids with cameras shooting for their HS annuals, newspapers or even for college credit. They pretty much *always* have an entry level DSLR with kit lens, and are *always* very interested (and rather "oh gosh") in my equipment. I will help them as much as possible to get some keepers, especially under stadium lighting. I view them as people who really want to learn photography and that's it. OH, I haven't seen a cell phone on a track yet, unless it's mom standing back for a vid of any given show...AFA kids looking down on me or my equipment when I'm working, well, hahaha to that.

tims.ak Loc: Butte, Alaska

I couldn't help drifting off topic a bit as well. I do like where most of the comments on the post went. It's great that you're encouraging your granddaughter with her photography. I've tried to encourage my kids and grandkids over the years but most of have switched to phone camera technology and skip the computer interface altogether. I have to admit photography and how we use it is changing drastically everyday. Several of my kids have taken photography classes recently in high school and used DLSR cameras. Currently my youngest son is working on his yearbook and takes my DLSR all the time if I'm not using it. Recently he asked if he could just keep it and I could get something else. He definitely understands the value in that and helping convince mom why a new camera might be needed.

So I'm exploring options and shopping for something new as well. Are you still going to use your new camera for hunting and fishing? I find myself wanting lighter and more portability in my travels especially if photography is secondary. Mirrorless generally fits that requirement and might be worth exploring, all depends on the budget. I'm also exploring drone technology so I can try a different perspective when fishing. New camera might be a few more months, ordered the drone last night. Good luck and have fun researching your new purchase.

karno Loc: Chico ,California

My granddaughter said she wants a camera like her grandad? Just saying!

karno Loc: Chico ,California

GFX 100
With a couple lenses should be a decent step up.
We only live once!