Rab-Eye Loc: Indiana

As long as it has a manual mode, what's preventing him from using a mirrorless to learn the basics?

Nikonman44

At least you remembered the unit

Those were good old days developer, fixer and such.

Good memories for sure

jerryc41 Loc: Catskill Mts of NY

jerryc41 Loc: Catskill Mts of NY

Another way to look at it, the next time you're in the supermarket picking out a product, have someone come along and put something different in your shopping cart. See how you like that. Let us know how this turns out.

Nikonman44

But there is a lot to be said for " Those things you worked for you tend to value more"

If he has an invested interest he will care for whatever you get him.

My grandson is 15 he got a 1972 Cutlass and it has been an exercise in work for him.

he has been rebuilding and its getting pretty nice looking.

when he turns 16 next year he will value that car so much more than if his dad would of bought him a new one.

Its also looking pretty durn sharp.

lamontcranston

Most responses say "Get him a DSLR". He doesn't want a DSLR. The boy has obviously done his research as he specifies that he wants a "Sony Mirrorless Camera". If he were my grandson and he was a responsible 14 year-old, I would be looking for a Refurbished or Open-Box Sony A6000 for him. They are quite reasonable now and he will get some excellent results with the kit lens that will encourage him to pursue his dream. For a youth, I would also consider getting insurance for the camera to protect your investment. Let the boy pursue his dreams.

jccash Loc: Longwood, Florida

I bought my daughter the Sony a6000 and she loves it. Your grandson would be all over that camera. Or perhaps a Nikon D5300...

cthahn

You are a smart person. Not many on this site. Good choice of cameras. It does not have to be a new one. A 50mm lens and he can start learning.

Reinaldokool Loc: San Rafael, CA

I vote with those who would get the Sony. The a6000 is a great camera. Technically not a DSLR because there is no need for "reflex" it is often called a DSLR because it will do it all and more. He can learn everything. A bridge camera will actually hold him back. The kit lens pair is pretty decent and will cover most of the bases.

I got an a6000 three years ago and added the a6300 last year. They'll be as complex as you will, or you can turn them into a point and shoot. And they have excellent sensors that someday he can print "the photograph" to 16x20, hang it on his wall and point with pride.

d2b2 Loc: Catonsville, Maryland, USA

Think used.

74images Loc: Los Angeles, California

He Needs to Learn the Aspics of Photography...

I Really Started Getting into Photography at the Beginning of 76 when I was 14 & that Start was with a Pocket 110 Camera, & by 1980 My 1st Film Camera, a Pentax K1000, That was a Different Time Then!

In My Last 40 Years Photography has Changed, From Film to Digital to Camera Phones, if the Boy wants to Really Get into Photography, He has to Learn, Buy Him Books on the Basis & Beginning of Photography, & when He's Around 17 or 18 Take Photography Courses at the Community College or Elsewhere to Learn the Basics of Photography.

As For a D.S.L.R. Start With the Cheapest Low End Canon Rebel to Start With, or Another Low End DSLR (New or Used or Refurbished) & if You're Damn Lucky find Him a Film SLR Camera to Really Learn the the Old School Aspects of the Film Camera.

&... Find Him a Pocket Digital Camera which is Smaller & Easier to Carry Around as a Backup so he Doesn't put a Lot of Stress on the Main D.S.L.R.

Most Important...

Teach Him Responsibility on Taking Care & Securing His Camera, He should always Carry it in a Case, a Required Suitable Case, to Avoid Damage to the Camera, Lenses, & Flash, Use a Cloth to Clean the Lens & Body of Smudges & Prints, Carry & Handle the Camera, Detachable Lenses & Flash with Kid Gloves, or Like Handling a Newborn Child, You Have Electronics, Glass, Etc that Can Easily Damage on the Camera Body, Lens, & Flash.

That's the Main Aspect on Caring For Your Camera, Any type of Camera Model!

Also... the Right Digital Card to Use for the Camera, Regular or Hi-Speed Digital Cards, & So Many Other Accessories I Can't Name.

He's Going to Get a Lot of Advice on Every Aspect With Photography From Veteran Users, The Do's & Dont's, the Rights & Wrong's, Learn to Accept Criticism If the Boy Did it Wrong, & Take All Suggestions All Serious, No Matter What!

So That's My Opinion & Suggestion on What to Get Him & the Required Care for the Camera, Lenses, & Flash.

Good Luck...

74images

dpullum Loc: Tampa Florida

Well, jerry, cameras are not beef jerky.... But good analogy, if you consider being at a supermkt at lunch time and sampling, then you may change the product based on the sample. The desire for a particular camera type may reflect the influence of a teacher or some dude sporting his uncles camera a school. 14 year olds are in the 8th grade... 5 years before graduation... that New Mirrorless is a great Graduation Gift.

Perhaps he should experience carrying a pack with a 50mm and a long zoom for several hours and wanting to take a long shot and changing from the 50 to the long zoom lens and being disappointed be cause the gal is gone. ... then a bridge ... better but still bulky and then a borrowed super-zoom pocket camera and see which he can soot quickly and effectively... Super zooms let you be a Quick Draw McGraw.

Weight of camera and lenses
http://benmlee.com/Digital_Camera/Lens_Weight_Compare.htm

Panasonic DMC-ZS45 LUMIX 20X Zoom pocket Camera with Wink-Activated Selfie F Weight 0.55# about $250
Having taught 9th Grade... they are into Selfies with close in grouping... No one uses a DSLR except those on the Year Book Staff, then it is the school's camera loaned to the student.

Time for you old fogies to read:
https://www.surfnetparents.com/599/best-digital-cameras-for-teens/

iyernat

I just recently purchased Nikon refurbished D3400 with 18-55 and 70-300 lenses for $399. I cannot see a better deal and a better camera to start him off with.

jccash Loc: Longwood, Florida

Wow, good deal Lucille

JennT Loc: South Central PA

Last summer I bought a 13 year old grandson a Cannon Rebel with two lenses (around $600.) and almost immediately I learned that he would need a useful computer-- so I bought one for him and his brother--- That said-- ( we were told we needed to spend some of our money or likely loose it ---whatever, I was glad to do this). The 13 year old is now 14--- has learned to use his camera in manual mode and has made some incredibly fine images. We often speak on the phone--he has researched other cameras, has many informed questions, acquired a professional photographer as a mentor ( a fellow church member)-- and I could go on a bit--

He grew from a very frustrated 13 year old to competent, confident youngster! I am very happy that I gave him what he wanted!

One family's experience---