Anther company I haven't seen listed, but I used to use a lot for postcards is nextdayflyers.com Haven't used for a couple of years, but they used to have very competitive prices and I was happy with the quality.
Skimmed through the comments and didn't see this recommendation. Pick up a good used Canon EOS 30 or 40D. Strong rugged cameras. Used to teach a high school digital photo class, we had 5 or 6 30D's -- only had one problem with one of them in three years -- student somehow bent the pins for the CF card -- sent it in and got it fixed for about $100. Not a bad record for a bunch of high school kids using them on a "check out" basis! (it was a private boarding school! :)
best advice -- remember. . . "its a forum!" :)
ND filter = neutral density. Its purpose is to reduce the amount of light coming through a lens without changing the color of the light. This way you can shoot at a slower shutter speed in bright light.
There are several different densities available, or variable density filters. A quality variable density filter is quite expensive.
Not sure if it will help, but is card formatted in camera? Worth a try if not!
Interesting -- I'll be think of all that next movie I watch! :)
"It will never catch on" -- it already has -- maybe not in the general consumer world, but in the industrial world -- it's growing by "leaps and bounds!"
Just wait till the cost comes down!
Send it back, with a refund of course! :(
Ok, skimmed all the good ideas on what to cover, Now, my 2-cents worth (since I won't get paid! :)
Don't bogg her down at the beginning with a lot of technical stuff -- just the bare basics and get her shooting! That's where the fun is and it will keep her attention -- then add to the experience with some more technical stuff! :) Cheers and have fun!
It is easy to sit at my computer and "bemoan" about the way things used to be -- when here I am using that "infernal machine" that created the problem, along with the "internet" to send that message.
I think the real challenge for photographers -- and all businesses is to figure our out how to adjust and use these "new devices" to our advantage and, yes, we can complain to each other, but at the same time, go with the flow, or we'll get run over by the technology! :)
Hmmm -- is Sony sponsoring him (at least some?)
Hmmmm -- I had a 55 T-Bird when I got married -- have to show this to my kids and see if it is "catching!" :)
I used to teach a high school photo class and we had several Canon EOS30's and occasionally had to send one in for various repairs -- Discount Camera Repair had great service, quick turn-a-round, and very reasonably priced! They were great
I learned to do this a few years ago -- has made a great difference -- can be used for garden hoses too! No more twisted cords :)
There was an old saying in the days of film-- "Kodak loves bracketing" :)