Need Advice: Want to get my 13 y.o. granddaughter her first SLR camera since she is interested in learning how to use one (she has used mine with decent results), but don't want to...

Egoodfel

Want to get my 13 y.o. granddaughter her first SLR camera since she is interested in learning how to use one (she has used mine with decent results), but don't want to spend a lot of money. Can someone recommend a good beginner camera at a n affordable price?

imagemeister Loc: mid east Florida

Egoodfel wrote:

Want to get my 13 y.o. granddaughter her first SLR camera since she is interested in learning how to use one (she has used mine with decent results), but don't want to spend a lot of money. Can someone recommend a good beginner camera at a n affordable price?

Canon SL2....
.

MadMikeOne Loc: So. NJ Shore - a bit west of Atlantic City

Egoodfel wrote:

Want to get my 13 y.o. granddaughter her first SLR camera since she is interested in learning how to use one (she has used mine with decent results), but don't want to spend a lot of money. Can someone recommend a good beginner camera at a n affordable price?

Nikon D3400.

RichinSeattle

Whatever you choose, I'd strongly suggest you go for a used one. At that age, she may well be thrilled with it - for a month - and then move on to some other interest. My son received (from his uncle) a new Nikon D3200 plus two additional lenses while in high school. I don't think he's used any of the stuff for several years now.

ahudina Loc: Browns Point, WA

Egoodfel wrote:

Want to get my 13 y.o. granddaughter her first SLR camera since she is interested in learning how to use one (she has used mine with decent results), but don't want to spend a lot of money. Can someone recommend a good beginner camera at a n affordable price?

Since she is already somewhat familiar with your camera as presumably are you, so go with an entry level of whatever brand you use. While the controls will not be identical, there should be some familiarity there for both of you. Then you could also lend her a lens or two on occasion. I would also look in the refurbished market.

bleirer

Thinking more about features rather than a specific model, what is important to us might be meaningless for a teen. A
teen might want something that can be stored in a jeans pocket, be somewhat rugged, stand up to a quick dunk in the pool, view the image instantly, and transmit the photos wirelessly, all with choice of focal length, adjustable aperture, ISO, and shutter speed.

lsaguy Loc: Udall, KS, USA

Why not make a day taking your granddaughter to a local camera / big box store that sells cameras and let her pick out what she wants. You set the cost limits in advance so she knows and then let her have fun looking at all the different models. Go have lunch and review what she's learned. It'd make a great time for you and her.

Sidwalkastronomy Loc: New Jersey Shore

With a canon 77d at under $600 shell never outgrow it

SuperflyTNT Loc: Manassas VA

RichinSeattle wrote:

Whatever you choose, I'd strongly suggest you go for a used one. At that age, she may well be thrilled with it - for a month - and then move on to some other interest. My son received (from his uncle) a new Nikon D3200 plus two additional lenses while in high school. I don't think he's used any of the stuff for several years now.

Used can be a good idea, but not necessarily for the reason you stated. She has already shown a real interest. Used can give you options for something a little better at a good price. If he really wants to get her something new then whatever the current D3XXX version is can usually be had at a great price in a two lens kit. I’m sure the same is true of the entry level Canons.

Sidwalkastronomy Loc: New Jersey Shore

I would let her grow into a camera then outgrow it.

bsprague Loc: Lacey, WA, USA

Go to Costco and pick any of the Nikon or Canon kit bundles. They will appeal to a teen. The bottom seems to be the Nikon 3500 with two lenses at $500. B&H has a Canon T6 two lens kit for $400.

Is the teen interested in DSLRs? Or understanding photography? There are so many more good choices beyond entry level DSLRs.

zug55 Loc: Naivasha, Kenya, and Austin, Texas

Get her a mirrorless camera. There is no need to introduce young photographers to DSLR technology that won't be around when they graduate from college. A Sony a6000 or a6100 with an 18-135mm lens would be great starter kit.

repleo Loc: Boston

zug55 wrote:

Get her a mirrorless camera. There is no need to introduce young photographers to DSLR technology that won't be around when they graduate from college. A Sony a6000 or a6100 with an 18-135mm lens would be great starter kit.

imagemeister Loc: mid east Florida

zug55 wrote:

Get her a mirrorless camera. There is no need to introduce young photographers to DSLR technology that won't be around when they graduate from college. A Sony a6000 or a6100 with an 18-135mm lens would be great starter kit.

Egoodfel

Thanks, all, for all the great suggestions. Certainly gave me much to think about.