Need Advice (Page 2): You say she got good results with your camera? Give her your camera and you can buy a new one! Or give her a new version of your camera. If you both have the same...

JD750 Loc: SoCal

You say she got good results with your camera? Give her your camera and you can buy a new one! Or give her a new version of your camera. If you both have the same camera you an more easily tutor her.

If that idea doesn’t work at least get her a camera with the same lens mount as yours then you can share lenses with her.

bsprague Loc: Lacey, WA, USA

13 year old girls are not normal, logical human beings. They may be in transition to that, but have a ways to go. You need some input from her. Any gifts could have value for only a week. I have experience. My granddaughters are only a few years ahead and surprise still lurk.

Sidwalkastronomy Loc: New Jersey Shore

Excellent idea! She'll be good for long time. Maybe down the road buy her a 50prime to cut weight down and it's a great carry around camera

wetreed

The best choice would be the Nikon D3500. It comes with two lenses for $399. That value can not be beat. This is a great entry level camera with two really good kit lenses. It’s perfect for a young person to learn and grow with. At this price buying used does not make sense.

jerryc41 Loc: Catskill Mts of NY

Used or refurb, and refurb might be a better choice because it will look new - in the box with all the extras. Look at the features of entry level DSLRs and see if your granddaughter has a preference of features. It would be a good idea to consult her. Maybe a flip-up LCD for selfies is important - maybe not. Since she is already interested, she should get the features she wants in a camera.

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

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?

A nikon D7000 with a Nikon 35mm D 1.8 lens would be a good starter that she can BUILD on. It allows her to go P, A, S, or M. Plus all the other controls that will be mostly the same as other more advance Nikon bodies. Ebay, and many other places have these camera's available. Check them out.

Gene51 Loc: Yonkers, NY, now in LSD (LowerSlowerDelaware)

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?

SLR or DSLR?

What camera have you given to her that she gets good results with? What do you consider a lot of money?

You can get a nice, clean Nikon D7000 for around $200, and a good used 18-70mm F3.5-F4.5 for around $80 on eBay. If you wanted to buy from a dealer, KEH, B&H and others have these and you can expect to pay about $350.

Hamltnblue Loc: Springfield PA

Best buy for her is probably the D3500 with 2 lens kit.

chinners

the body should be the same make as the one used by her grandfather to ensure she has all of his lenses, and other compatible equipment to make use of!!!

camerapapi Loc: Miami, Fl.

An entry level camera is a good start with a kit lens. Any reputable dealer, if you have one in your area, should be most helpful to guide you in the selection of the camera.

jaymatt Loc: Alexandria, Indiana

Canon SL2 or a Sony A6000

mizzee Loc: Boston,Ma

Egoodfel wrote:

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

As an Aunt and Grandmother, I would strongly recommend involving her in the process of choosing. I hope you have a store nearby so she can touch and hold.

Silverrails

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?

Yes, After much research 2 years ago, I chose a used Nikon D3300 DSLR Camera. Watch UTube videos reviews concerning this Nikon D3300 Camera, it is Easy to learn and Easy to Operate. As a Beginner Camera, I highly recommend the Nikon D3300. If possible, strive to get a "Shutter-Count" on any Used Camera you might buy.

Fred Stuckmann Loc: Ohio

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?

I find many good values across all brands and formats at https://www.uniquephoto.com/ They also have an extensive used selection. I've used them often for new and used and there has never been a problem, also speedy delivery. Enjoy.

stevetassi

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?

You don’t give enough specifics for me to make a recommendation. You may want to take her to a local camera store and let her play around with a few models and get her one that she likes and you are comfortable with purchasing.