Teen wants camera
May 19, 2022 15:40:00 #
My friends son has been saving his money and has 500.00 saved to buy a camera. He is into aviation and wants to take pictures of the moon. Looking for recommendations to get the teenager started.
May 19, 2022 15:55:15 #
hj
Loc: Florida
farwest wrote:
My friends son has been saving his money and has 500.00 saved to buy a camera. He is into aviation and wants to take pictures of the moon. Looking for recommendations to get the teenager started.
For that kind of money he might want to consider a bridge camera like my Canon SX50. Attached photo was taken with it and then cropped a bit. A DSLR with lens that even comes close to this picture will cost far, far more. On eBay they're going for about $150 - $180 average.
May 19, 2022 16:11:48 #
May 19, 2022 16:12:14 #
rwww80a
Loc: Hampton, NH
I would suggest a USED D300 or similar vintage and a few manual focus used lens to cover what he wants to shoot. Add a lower cost PP program and he should be fine for the learning process. No need to buy new or break the bank for a newbee.
May 19, 2022 16:24:57 #
KEH has a Nikon d5200 for 150 add a used lens for 100 and you've got a decent beginner's set up
May 19, 2022 16:38:46 #
I use Canon, they have some beginner's kits with camera and two lenses (long one goes to 300mm the length I took my first moon shots with) for $500 to $700.
Don't forget to check the Canon on-line store's "refurbished" selection. They are lower priced but with the same warranty as a new camera. You have to check fairly often as they come in and out of stock quickly. I have purchased two cameras from Canon refurbished and both have proven to be excellent cameras.
He might want to consider a Bridge/Super Zoom as one person mentioned the SX50*, and though the new SX70's are on back order and the refurbished currently out of stock they are excellent cameras for a beginner. If one comes up in refurbished it is under $500 and if new ones come back in stock they are $600. (don't forget tax etc. gets added on)
I got a refurbished one for my wife then she moved up to a T6s with 4 lenses. That SX50 is a great carry around when I don't want a lot of bulk and weight. I did try it for moon shots a few years ago and it did very well.
Don't forget to check the Canon on-line store's "refurbished" selection. They are lower priced but with the same warranty as a new camera. You have to check fairly often as they come in and out of stock quickly. I have purchased two cameras from Canon refurbished and both have proven to be excellent cameras.
He might want to consider a Bridge/Super Zoom as one person mentioned the SX50*, and though the new SX70's are on back order and the refurbished currently out of stock they are excellent cameras for a beginner. If one comes up in refurbished it is under $500 and if new ones come back in stock they are $600. (don't forget tax etc. gets added on)
I got a refurbished one for my wife then she moved up to a T6s with 4 lenses. That SX50 is a great carry around when I don't want a lot of bulk and weight. I did try it for moon shots a few years ago and it did very well.
May 20, 2022 06:25:45 #
farwest wrote:
My friends son has been saving his money and has 500.00 saved to buy a camera. He is into aviation and wants to take pictures of the moon. Looking for recommendations to get the teenager started.
For that money I'd recommend the OLYMPUS Tough TG-6 Waterproof Camera.
https://getolympus.com/tough-tg-6.html
May 20, 2022 08:46:13 #
Definitely used. So many choices. He'll have to narrow down his preferences. A camera with a long zoom would be nice.
May 20, 2022 08:46:57 #
fetzler
Loc: North West PA
farwest wrote:
My friends son has been saving his money and has 500.00 saved to buy a camera. He is into aviation and wants to take pictures of the moon. Looking for recommendations to get the teenager started.
There are a of cameras that would be suitable for a teen. Photographing the moon and airplanes in flight requires a long lens. Long lenses are generally rather expensive.
Micro 4/3 cameras generally have the cheapest long lenses. Panasonic 100-300mm and 100-400mm are decent lenses that are not super expensive. Olympus has a few lenses too. Even with used equipment a 500.00 budget will be a strech. If planes are are on the ground a like the Panasonic 12-60mm covers all general photography nicely. There are a few other lenses also. The plastic Olympus 40-150mm lens is a real bargin and of good optical quailty. It is cheap too. Reach may not be so great for the moon.
Olympus bodies a very good. Do the homework.
Others have suggested a bridge camera. This is worth thinking about too.
May 20, 2022 08:48:27 #
fetzler
Loc: North West PA
DavidM wrote:
For that money I'd recommend the OLYMPUS Tough TG-6 Waterproof Camera.
https://getolympus.com/tough-tg-6.html
https://getolympus.com/tough-tg-6.html
A good camera but not suitable for moon photos or airplanes in flight.
May 20, 2022 08:54:58 #
A teenager is not going to be interested in that. If so you will need a bigger budget!
May 20, 2022 08:56:27 #
I would recommend the Canon SX50 or later 60 or 70. The latter is a challenge to find at a reasonable price. Another thought is the Sony Hx99 or Panasonic FZ1000 ii. Look for used for all. A new SX70, Hx99, or FZ1000 ii will require $700-$800, more than his savings.
May 20, 2022 11:10:20 #
farwest wrote:
My friends son has been saving his money and has 500.00 saved to buy a camera. He is into aviation and wants to take pictures of the moon. Looking for recommendations to get the teenager started.
Morning... here is a link to KEH for a Nikon D300s body, in EX condition for $275. There are numerous lenses available there as well such as an EX condition Tamron SP 70-300mm F/4-5.6 DI VC USD (A005) Autofocus Lens For Nikon for $222. The D300s is a reliable and capable APS-c camera.
https://www.keh.com/shop/nikon-d300s-12-3-megapixel-digital-slr-camera-body-only.html
May 20, 2022 13:00:39 #
I think a bridge camera is a very good start and would be a convenient long lens camera later on. I love my old SX50 HS. It took my great eclipse photo (cropped copy attached) and the SX70 HS is the current model. However, you might also consider the Panasonic Lumix DC-FZ80 which is similar for less than 1/2 the price new. There are other brands as well, but whatever is chosen, I strongly suggest only get one with a viewfinder.
Another good choice is a pocketable like the Panasonic Lumix DCZS80. It is pocketable but has a lens that doesn't zoom as far out and may be too short for a moon shot. It also has a viewfinder.
You can compare 4 of these here:
https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/compare/Panasonic_DC-FZ80_vs_Canon_SX70_HS_vs_Panasonic_DC-ZS80_vs_Sony_DSC-HX99/BHitems/1304874-REG_1435399-REG_1460323-REG_1437917-REG
Another good choice is a pocketable like the Panasonic Lumix DCZS80. It is pocketable but has a lens that doesn't zoom as far out and may be too short for a moon shot. It also has a viewfinder.
You can compare 4 of these here:
https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/compare/Panasonic_DC-FZ80_vs_Canon_SX70_HS_vs_Panasonic_DC-ZS80_vs_Sony_DSC-HX99/BHitems/1304874-REG_1435399-REG_1460323-REG_1437917-REG
May 20, 2022 13:20:56 #
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