scuff

I'm teaching our photography/yearbook class for our homeschool co-op. I need to recommend cameras for parents to purchase for their students, $50-$200 range. We're also looking for a few cheap cameras to have for the school to supplement those who can't afford it. What would you recommend that I recommend? I don't know much about this price range. I'd like them to be able to practice with manual. And, they won't be printed very large, so that doesn't have to be great, but the classrooms are often a bit dark. thanks.

PixelStan77 Loc: Vermont/Chicago

Consider: Sony ZV-1 Digital Camera (Black)
BH #SOZV1 • MFR #DCZV1/B

Longshadow Loc: Audubon, PA, United States

??? $698.00 ???

flathead27ford Loc: Colorado, North of Greeley

Canon 40d is a good beginner camera with some features as they advance.

Ched49 Loc: Pittsburgh, Pa.

First of all, there are different kinds of cameras, mirrorless, DSLR, point & shoot ect. i would suggest look on line for the best deal. As far as what camera might be good for beginners...their all easy to shoot, once you learn the basics,
Hope this helps.

Longshadow Loc: Audubon, PA, United States

Not sure what type you are looking for but-
https://www.bestbuy.com/site/shop/digital-camera-under-200
or
https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/search?q=digital%20cameras&filters=fct_price%3A50..200

https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/1391177-REG/kodak_az401bk_pixpro_az401_bridge_digital.html

smussler Loc: Land O Lakes, FL - Formerly Miller Place, NY

Maybe this?:
Minolta at $219
or this:
Kodak PixPro Under $200

Not many "cheap" cameras allow the user to adjust the exposure, most are PHD ("Press Here Dummy") - Point it general direction, press the button and keep your fingers crossed . . .

CHG_CANON Loc: the Windy City

The EOS Rebels and Nikon D3xxx models are the entry-level DSLRs from the big boys. They come kitted with 1 or 2 basic lenses. The new 'kits' might be above your budget threshold, any of the used copies will work, the 1- or 2- models back from the current release.

robertjerl Loc: Corona, California

That budget will only get older used cameras or junk.
Sorry, cameras and lenses are not inexpensive.
With film cameras older models work fine as long as they have decent lenses - just not as many bells and whistles. With digital the sensors keep changing and older cameras often cannot really compare to the newer models unless you stay with small pocketable Point and Shoot cameras. Look here: https://shotkit.com/best-cameras-200/

I taught basic photography for one year in the 74-75 school year.
We had a grab bag of old 35mm cameras and one or two that used 120 roll film. Most students used their own or their parents cameras and I made weekly trips every Saturday to a wholesale place in Hollywood to get film, photo paper and chemicals. The students themselves voted to pay 10% over cost so the kids who couldn't afford film and paper could have materials. The chemicals were out of school budget and free to everyone. That high school was in a mostly middleclass/upper middleclass area so most kids could get access to some type of fairly decent camera. The classroom suite had a film developing room with big sinks that could accomodate 6-8 students at a time and the enlarger room had 12 enlargers with large basins for development, fixing and rinsing then hanging to dry from the ceiling. Since everything was in groups all students had to use the same films and photo papers. But the kids from one corner of the school's territory were working class and immigrants.
I even had to let students use my own cameras in the classroom/studio to give some of them experience with decent cameras.

Longshadow Loc: Audubon, PA, United States

The Kodak PixPro has Auto·M·A·S·P mode settings, The Sony Cyber-shot DSC-H300 has Auto·M·P settings.

Without looking at all the other models, I'd consider the PixPro because of modes.
I have an old Sony H-1 and it does nicely. No idea how the PixPro does though.

Yea, they don't need to start out driving a Maserati.

scuff

Thank you all for the suggestions!

fjdarling Loc: Mesa, Arizona, USA

I have to echo CHG_CANON's suggestion regarding previous (used) Canon EOS Rebel models and Nikon D3xxx models. Beginners I know who have those models like them for learning the basics. They are very capable for the price and are not overly complicated to operate. I see those entry-level units (some even with a standard kit lens) on the reputable used-gear sites within your stated price range. Good luck in your search.
By the way, MPB.com has a bunch of used Nikon D3100's rated "Excellent" for $109 without lenses.

uhaas2009

A friend of my bought the canon d30 used at B&H with low shutter count. Maybe older model are good use for your teaching.....

rmalarz Loc: Tempe, Arizona

Consider cell phones. Almost everyone has one. The photos in year books are rather small so enlargement isn't going to be an issue.
--Bob

LXK0930 Loc: Souh Jersey

Look at the Goodwill auction site. For example, I recently purchased a Lumix fz35 camera for $10 (+ $15 shipping). There are different cameras and lenses every day.