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Camera recommendation
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Aug 11, 2020 13:25:31   #
msnydernyc
 
I could use some ideas for a first camers for college age grandson. He's interested in general photography and wants to spend $300 to $400. Any thoughts?

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Aug 11, 2020 13:42:34   #
jethro779 Loc: Tucson, AZ
 
What camera do you use?

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Aug 11, 2020 13:43:49   #
d3200prime
 
He won't have to spend that much. The Nikon D3200 is a great beginners camera to learn from and you can purchase a really good used one for $200-$300 on ebay. Some come with lens, bag, etc. Of course if he's stuck on getting a brand new one that's a whole new ballgame.

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Aug 11, 2020 13:47:14   #
boberic Loc: Quiet Corner, Connecticut. Ex long Islander
 
Just saw a Canon Refurb sx60 on E Bay for about 400.

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Aug 11, 2020 13:51:35   #
bleirer
 
You might want to check on size. If he wants something that can go anywhere in a jeans pocket that will limit the field. There are some compacts that will have user control over f stop, shutter speed, and ISO and also yield a raw file if desired.

If size is not a concern there are some entry level full size cameras under $500.

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Aug 11, 2020 14:22:17   #
Robg
 
If small size is not a requirement, I would recommend a bridge camera with a good zoom. Bridge cameras eliminate the need for having separate lenses, but with a good zoom will cover the same range as a standard set of lenses that you would need to get with a DSLR. Also, get a camera that gives him the option of totally automatic shooting or controlling the important aspects - shutter speed, aperture, ISO, focus, etc. That way he can ease into and experiment with all of the different factors. I personally use a Lumix DMC FZ300 which is available at B&H for just under $400. It has a range of 25-600 mm, which can give you fabulous telephoto shots. It has a Leica F2.8 lens, which is top quality. It is so good, you don't need to even think of it as a "starter camera".

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Aug 11, 2020 22:18:01   #
TriX Loc: Raleigh, NC
 
If you can budget $450-500, consider a Fuji X-E2 with the XF 18-55 “kit” lens. An introduction to a first rate camera that will deliver professional results with an easy human interface and the beginning of a system he can grow with. I can’t think of a better beginner’s camera.

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Aug 12, 2020 08:02:02   #
camerapapi Loc: Miami, Fl.
 
I would recommend to your grandson to begin learning basic photography BEFORE he gets his first camera.

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Aug 12, 2020 08:35:53   #
jerryc41 Loc: Catskill Mts of NY
 
Refurbished. Almost all cameras can be set to Auto or adjusted manually. First decision will be DSLR or mirrorless. All modern cameras are good, so you or he should read reviews and comparisons of cameras that get your attention. I just looked on eBay for DSLR cameras that sold for over $299. Nice assortment. Nikon currently has 10% off its refurbs. When you narrow down your choices, come back here.

https://www.ebay.com/sch/i.html?_from=R40&_nkw=cameras+dslr&_sacat=0&_udlo=280&rt=nc&LH_Sold=1&LH_Complete=1

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Aug 12, 2020 09:35:29   #
SuperflyTNT Loc: Manassas VA
 
camerapapi wrote:
I would recommend to your grandson to begin learning basic photography BEFORE he gets his first camera.


It’s kind of hard to learn photography without a camera.

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Aug 12, 2020 09:46:14   #
PhotogHobbyist Loc: Bradford, PA
 
msnydernyc wrote:
I could use some ideas for a first camers for college age grandson. He's interested in general photography and wants to spend $300 to $400. Any thoughts?


Check the for sale section of this forum or any of several others. The several camera retailers around the country often have used cameras for sale, also. I have a gently used Pentax K-x with two lenses for sale on Pentax Forum. And if you live in a large city, the newspaper may have some in the classified ads that you can go and put hands on to get an idea of how it feels to use it. Many different possibilities and sources for you.

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Aug 12, 2020 10:11:20   #
Gene51 Loc: Yonkers, NY, now in LSD (LowerSlowerDelaware)
 
msnydernyc wrote:
I could use some ideas for a first camers for college age grandson. He's interested in general photography and wants to spend $300 to $400. Any thoughts?


Give him your camera and then you can get yourself a new one.

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Aug 12, 2020 10:25:15   #
jdub82 Loc: California
 
camerapapi wrote:
I would recommend to your grandson to begin learning basic photography BEFORE he gets his first camera.


Really?!?? It is a bit hard to learn photography without a camera!

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Aug 12, 2020 12:25:16   #
dick ranez
 
Talk with him and see if he has any ideas. What do his friends use? Why does he want to learn photography or what does he expect to shoot? Then turn to your local craigslist.com and see what's available in his price point. You can arrange to inspect prior to purchase. Beware of "high mileage" units but many of the cameras there are just ones that people bought thinking they'd "do photography" and later changed their minds. I gave each of my granddaughters an entry Canon kit but brand is not important. They were only slightly more than your stated budget and I bought them both new at Costco as a package. Don't worry about sensor size, for a beginner it's unimportant. A bridge camera is a nice start but point and shoots have pretty much disappeared.

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Aug 12, 2020 13:38:18   #
dick ranez
 
this is one interesting article .....
https://www.adorama.com/alc/back-to-school-best-cameras-for-photography-students?utm_source=rflaid21866

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