Camera for my Granddaughter: My granddaughter (13) has shown some real interest in photography, and I’m thinking about buying her a combined birthday/Christmas gift of a DSLR. I’m a...

Wags Loc: Mequon, WI

My granddaughter (13) has shown some real interest in photography, and I’m thinking about buying her a combined birthday/Christmas gift of a DSLR. I’m a Nikon user, D500, and she has used my D7200 backup several times and really seems to have a good eye for composition. I’m considering a D3500 kit from Amazon (Nikon USA), and it includes a number of accessories and a couple lenses. This camera records HD 1080 video, but I can’t find if it records audio. I have a chat request into Nikon, but have not heard back. Anyone D3500 users know the answer? Also, I’d be interested in thoughts about this purchase. Thank you.

timoore Loc: Bordeaux, France

You should be prepared for a long game here. We got a similarly nice camera (Panasonic Lumix LX7) for our son at that age, who lost all interest in photography 8 months later. He did take it up again and at 18 is a very serious photographer. Don't be hurt if things go that way.

The camera is great; I imagine some of the attraction is being able to share your gear with her. Otherwise you might consider something in the "advanced compact" class like the Lumix LX100. It's the successor to the LX7 and has a fantastic Leica lens.

PixelStan77 Loc: Vermont/Chicago

Wags wrote:

My granddaughter (13) has shown some real interes... (show quote)

I think your choice is great with the D3500 kit
I would get it from B&H for their great service.
https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/1433065-REG/nikon_1588_d3500_dslr_camera_with.html?sts=pi-ps&pim=Y

As to your question about recording:
Full HD 1920 x 1080p movie recording is supported in multiple frame rates up to 60 fps, as well as HD 720p, in the MPEG-4 AVC/H.264 format. During recording, full-time autofocus can be employed, with face-detection and subject-tracking capabilities, for ensured sharpness with a wide variety of subject types. Additionally, a built-in monaural microphone can be used to record high-quality sound during movie recording.

You are a great Grandfather to support her creativity

Wags Loc: Mequon, WI

PixelStan77 wrote:

I think your choice is great with the D3500 kit br... (show quote)

Thanks for the info on the recording. I assumed it did, but I couldn’t find it. And thanks for the kind words. My granddaughter is very special.

Wags Loc: Mequon, WI

timoore wrote:

You should be prepared for a long game here. We go... (show quote)

Thanks, I’ll do some research on the Lumix.

PixelStan77 Loc: Vermont/Chicago

Wags wrote:

Thanks for the info on the recording. I assumed it did, but I couldn’t find it. And thanks for the kind words. My granddaughter is very special.

My two granddaughters enjoy photography. I have on my desk two framed 4 x 6 images that they each took that I love. When they come over they smile seeing it on my desk.

Wags Loc: Mequon, WI

I took 3 of my grandkids to a wildlife preserve this summer, and each used one of my cameras. The next day, I took the photos they took, did a little Lightroom on them, theN put together a poster collage of their photos and gave them to the kids a few days later. I also added a copyright watermark with their names on them. They loved it, as did I.

larryepage Loc: North Texas area

PixelStan77 wrote:

I think your choice is great with the D3500 kit br... (show quote)

From what I've learned of the psychology of kids, especially those in our families, I think your notion of getting her the Nikon that can use exactly the same lenses that you use has value way beyond price. The camera connection paralleling the family relationship will make both stronger. If she chooses something different later, that would be great, but wow, getting to use exactly the same equipment that my grandfather was using...

PHRubin Loc: Nashville TN USA

PixelStan77 wrote:

I think your choice is great with the D3500 kit
I would get it from B&H for their great service.
https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/1433065-REG/nikon_1588_d3500_dslr_camera_with.html?sts=pi-ps&pim=Y
...

B&H absorbs the sales tax if you use their credit card. They are very reliable.

timoore Loc: Bordeaux, France

One more thing to check out is the ability to easily transfer photos to a phone with WiFi or Bluetooth. I have no idea what the capabilities of the d3500 are there; a Fuji XT200, for example, has this and is going to be otherwise competitive with the d3500. I have it on good authority that 13 year-olds care about that sort of thing :)

Wags Loc: Mequon, WI

timoore wrote:

One more thing to check out is the ability to easily transfer photos to a phone with WiFi or Bluetooth. I have no idea what the capabilities of the d3500 are there; a Fuji XT200, for example, has this and is going to be otherwise competitive with the d3500. I have it on good authority that 13 year-olds care about that sort of thing :)

Yes, the 3500 includes the Nikon SnapBridge so she could transfer photos.

tramsey Loc: Texas

Like everyone else has said the 3500 is a great choice for her. If you have a local camera store, not a big box but a camera store, give them a shot.

Wags Loc: Mequon, WI

tramsey wrote:

Like everyone else has said the 3500 is a great choice for her. If you have a local camera store, not a big box but a camera store, give them a shot.

Thanks. Unfortunately, I don’t really have anything local. I think the B&H idea is pretty good.

Wags Loc: Mequon, WI

larryepage wrote:

From what I've learned of the psychology of kids, especially those in our families, I think your notion of getting her the Nikon that can use exactly the same lenses that you use has value way beyond price. The camera connection paralleling the family relationship will make both stronger. If she chooses something different later, that would be great, but wow, getting to use exactly the same equipment that my grandfather was using...

Thanks, Larry. And I have some other lenses that she could use, a 105 mm for some macros and a 150-600, as well. Appreciate your comments.

rogerl Loc: UK (Harrogate, North Yorkshire)

have a look here: https://www.uglyhedgehog.com/t-668035-1.html