Child's first camera
Oct 9, 2020 12:46:22 #
n4jee wrote:
Since cost is not an option, there are 2 things I'... (show quote)
I believe the DMC-ZX70 has been replaced. It appears the Panasonic Lumix DCZS80 is the later version, but it is ~$400.
Oct 9, 2020 13:56:12 #
timcc
Loc: Virginia
I second (or third) the Olympus TG camera. You can find a used TG-4 or TG-5 at a reasonable price. They shoot underwater, take nice 12 mp shots out of water, have a close-up mode for bugs, etc., and are durable enough to survive an active 4 year old. If he outgrows it or loses interest, you can always reclaim it yourself as a good backup camera.
Oct 9, 2020 13:56:13 #
Oct 9, 2020 14:44:40 #
rook2c4 wrote:
Four?!? Wait until the child is at least six years... (show quote)
Totally disagree. We don't give children the credit they deserve as capable PEOPLE. Piano teachers won't accept children under six, at least three years too late. Properly guided, a four year old who has been raised with respect will surprise the hell out of you. Yes, eye level finder, reasonable controls, access to manual and a thought to ruggedness. Plenty of choices.
Oct 9, 2020 14:45:30 #
norm70
Loc: Maine
kODAK PRO PIX WPZ2 @129$ would be a good choice - waterproof durable easy to use out of the box. It also has features available to him as he grows and wants to get a little bit more involved.
Oct 9, 2020 16:21:45 #
hj
Loc: Florida
mvetrano2 wrote:
I have a 4-year old grandson who loves taking pict... (show quote)
Based on your situation, I would highly recommend either the Canon Elph 330hs or Elph 340hs. I have the 330 and about six months ago sold my 340 just because I have six cameras and now I want to buy another one for back up. Rugged and great image quality. Easy to use and few buttons on the camera itself but lots of settings in the menu. Would be great for anyone including a young child because it is only 5 or 6 ounces in weight. The 330 has 10X zoom and the 340 has 12X zoom. You can get used ones on eBay for $50 - $80 dollars as I have done and it yo're areful you'll find one like new. I always look for one with the retail box included along with all original accessories including the charger and battery.
Oct 9, 2020 16:35:39 #
rook2c4 wrote:
Four?!? Wait until the child is at least six years... (show quote)
Wow, apparently you've never raised a gifted child. It's never to early to mentor a child. My son decided to get his amateur (HAM) license at 6. He did. This included copying Morse code and a technical test. At 8 he was putting photos in a major metropolitan newspaper. At 9 he was offered a summer internship at the paper. At 10 he was the youngest member ever of NPPA. Early teens he was doing computer data recovery and analysis for law firms.
Thank God this gentleman has the ability to help his grandchild. Hopefully this kid never sees a public school and is allowed to fly. I don't see SD card munching in this kid's future!
Oct 9, 2020 16:52:29 #
This post reminds me of a story. One time a few years ago my family and I were in Tucson for the holidays. We went to the hummingbird house at The Sonora Desert Museum. I had a brand new Canon 1Ds MkII with a 24-70 L zoom on it. I let my 7 year old son carefully take some pictures with it. A group of retirees saw him and one of them said “that’s a mighty nice camera for such a young man”. As soon as heard his remark I turned around and with a totally straight face I said “you know, he was a really good kid this year and I said he could have what ever he wants” Then I turned back around. Needless to say, he was dumbfounded and I never let on.
Oct 9, 2020 17:31:36 #
rochephoto wrote:
This post reminds me of a story. One time a few ye... (show quote)
Great story. Reminds me of having to admonish my mother for commenting to my first son at three or four "My that's a big word for such a little boy." His cousins were brought up on baby talk. As I said, children are people, not "my baby", not to be seen and not heard. Respect!
Oct 9, 2020 17:38:22 #
mvetrano2 wrote:
I have a 4-year old grandson who loves taking pict... (show quote)
Cell phone should be perfect. Older model iPhones are cheap. Look for refurbished or used on ebay. >Alan
Oct 9, 2020 17:39:28 #
TerryVS wrote:
Wow, apparently you've never raised a gifted child... (show quote)
Right on! Give them a chance to develop their brains, their dexterity, expand their curiosity, understand the world and how things work, read as young as possible. Congratulations on your home schooling and providing the conditions for your son to flourish.
Oct 9, 2020 17:46:26 #
BebuLamar wrote:
You can connect the Iphone to a computer, upload the images then save onto an SD card.
I do it ALL the time! I'm firmly in the phone camp especially for someone so young. I think using Phone or PC based editing and a Printing budget might be good. OR, upgrade the phone to another older obsolete one with more MP's. My SE has 9, I think and I use 3 other Photo Apps that allow Aperture and Shutters Speed adjustments. Kids are touch screen oriented. A thought. My Canon can be completely controlled by the Canon iPhone app. I'm thinking a filed or studio exercise with my DSLR tripod mounted and controlled by a child aiming it and choosing exposure and focus on the phone. A Hybrid approach stepping stone.
Good luck,
C
Oct 9, 2020 17:50:14 #
mvetrano2 wrote:
I am a photographer and he is always wanting to shoot with my, much too heavy fro him, professional Canon equipment. He may be only 4, but he understands composition with an uncanny eye for good photos. I don’t think a toy camera will keep him interested, and I think they are a total waste of money.
I agree. See my reply above. Keep with the screen. they're all programmed for that. Mount your camera on a tripod and use the Canon Connect app on the iPhone and let the4 year old "Drive" teh big camera with the phone. Check it out, it's amazing. I use it all the time for top results.
Oct 9, 2020 18:16:01 #
To stress my point on his ability for composition and good photos, check on a few my 4-year old grandson took with my iPhone in the photos section labled "4-yer old's photos. The child deserves a camera of his own, he has talent for a 4-year old.
Oct 9, 2020 18:19:16 #
I agree with the T6. It can survive a fall and water submersion and it also gives you a nice rugged point in shoot for you to use. I love mine
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