DaveyDitzer Loc: Western PA

PS. the back screen rotates and flips for selfies

Vigneron

I know this will get a lot of replies and maybe not encouraging ones - but - how about a 35mm film camera and a dark room setup. No better way to learn photography and it would be something not many kids have. You can get decent 35mm film cameras for $100 to $200. It is a lot of fun developing your own pictures. More thought would go into composing shots and not just shooting tons of pictures and hoping for the best. Kinda sorta like learning to shoot and marksmanship with a single shot rifle instead of an assault rifle.

whwiden

[quote=Vigneron]I know this will get a lot of replies and maybe not encouraging ones - but - how about a 35mm film camera and a dark room setup. No better way to learn photography and it would be something not many kids have. You can get decent 35mm film cameras for $100 to $200. It is a lot of fun developing your own pictures. More thought would go into composing shots and not just shooting tons of pictures and hoping for the best. Kinda sorta like learning to shoot and marksmanship with a single shot rifle instead of an assault rifle.[/quote

That is a good option.

dsmeltz Loc: Philadelphia

The OP says the young lady wants to graduate from cellphone selfies, not get better at them.

scsdesphotography Loc: Southeastern Michigan

Good question, you go first.

dsmeltz Loc: Philadelphia

Vigneron,

Since you did not use "Quote Reply" to give this comment context, I have to assume you wish to start a new topic on "Real Things". You can do this by using the "create a new topic" link at the top of the page. You could title it 'What, in your view, is "The Real Thing"' and in your initial post explain what it is you mean by this and then ask for responses.

I for one will probably not follow that thread, but I am sure you can find one or two others who might be interested.

le boecere

Methinks you might "have a terminology problem", only because the photography world seems to have a terminology problem. "P&S" appears to only have meaning to the individual who uses the term ~ otherwise it often seems meaningless.

loperR Loc: Medina ,Ohio

Canon SX 60 Refurbished

Vigneron

I know people who buy DSLR and never adventure beyond using them in automatic everything mode which means they are not much more than a point and shoot or camera phone but bigger and more expensive, bulkier etc. Of course, they look impressive and one can buy additional lenses but will probably still be used on automatic everything as a point and shoot.

Buy something like a Pentax K1000 film camera which can not be used as a point and shoot and for which the basics of aperture, shutter speed, depth of field and ASA must be learned in order to use it. One must adjust shutter speed, aperture or both in order to get the correct exposure and wanted depth of field. Then, in a couple years get an entry level DSLR.

DaveyDitzer Loc: Western PA

Buy something like a Pentax K1000 film camera which can not be used as a point and shoot and for which the basics of aperture, shutter speed, depth of field and ASA must be learned in order to use it. One must adjust shutter speed, aperture or both in order to get the correct exposure and wanted depth of field. Then, in a couple years get an entry level DSLR.[/quote]
who not do the same thing with a DSLR and just use manual mode to learn the exposure methods?

DaveyDitzer Loc: Western PA

why not do the same thing with a DSLR and just use manual mode to learn the exposure methods?[/quote]

Vigneron

The most likely scenario is that many new users will seldom use the manual mode IF the option is there to use automatic. If, on the other hand, one has no "automatic" option that eliminates the choice.

dsmeltz Loc: Philadelphia

???? Odd comment. I use a DSLR. I also use manual mode 99% of the time. However, the main advantage of the DSLR to me is the ability to change lenses. Many non-DSLRs have manual and auto modes. So I must ask is there was a point to your comment?

Vigneron

Yes, to understand the point in my comment go back to the OP. The topic concerned a friend's 13 year old and graduating from a camera phone. My first response and comment was to buy a used "Pocket Camera" such as one the Canon Power Shot series. She wanted a camera with a fixed amount to spend in mind- not to exceed $300 if I remember correctly. Upon further thought (and as you correctly pointed out) "Pocket Cameras" can also be used in automatic or manual operation. I then suggested a used film camera such as a Pentax K1000 in which there is no automatic option. It might also lead to an interest in developing and printing his or her own pictures which is a lot more productive in learning photography than having expensive toys.

I am sure that with all your posts and experience, that you are far from being a newbie and therefore perhaps you are one who likes to use manual mode but I will still venture to say that there are a LOT of DSLR and "Pocket Camera" users who never take their cameras off the automatic mode. I also think there are those out there who think the biggest, most expensive, newest DSLR will guarantee them great photos regardless of composition etc.

I did not mean or intend to put you or people like you in the above "Camera Snob" category but they exist and I think you know it; just as their are "Wine Snobs". BTW, I am an amateur wine maker also and have also worked in the commercial wine Industry post retirement until I decided to just have fun and keep it at the amateur level.