Posted on 01/21/2012 10:07:27 AM PST by FourPeas
I've done a bit of looking for a camera for my 12yo son, with little success. Hopefully some more knowledgeable FReepers can give me some good advice.
I want a camera that he can use to actually learn about photography, not just use to take pictures. I'd like a camera that has the capabilities to manually set shutter speed and aperture, not just one with a lot of snazzy automatic features. Actually, I'm afraid all those features will just get in the way. At the same time, I'm not looking to spend more than a couple hundred dollars.
I have no problems with a used camera from a reputable dealer, in fact that's where I've been doing most of my looking.
I waiver on whether to stick with a digital or revert back to a film camera. The immediate ability to review a photo on the digital is nice, but I've not come close to finding a good digital option.
Photography's been an on-and-off hobby for me for 35+ years. I have several old film cameras, and I may end up using one of them, but all would require me to very closely supervise him so wouldn't allow him to just have fun when he just wanted to take snapshots. My old digitals are too complex and maneuvering through the menus would be more confusing than the old-fashioned rotating dials.
Which brings me to the final complexity. This kid is my daredevil. Any camera will need to be pretty rugged to be really useful to him.
So, is there something out there that fits my needs? Maybe a better plan is a two camera strategy: one snapshot fun-only box, and one more educational manual box? Any ideas?
I’ll do some research for you.
What is the budget?
Needless to say, cameras are not what take good pictures, rather the photographer is the key. For somebody as young as 12, I don’t think a fancy camera is going to help foster interest or skill in photography. So, any modern camera, even smartphones, would suffice.
That said, either a high end point and shoot or an entry level DSLR would allow the person grow into. Being a Nikon guy, I suggest a high end point-and-shoot Nikon J1 or an entry level DSLR like Nikon 3100.
Nikon EM 1 - old camera, totally manual. Excellent.
Good selection of Kodaks here:
http://www.target.com/c/toys-kids-electronics-cameras/-/N-5xt9n
And here:
http://www.overstock.com/Electronics/Point-Shoot-Cameras/2358/subcat.html?TID=VS:DigitalCam:A1
Second link has other brands....
As the son of a professional photographer, I grew up on manual film cameras and find that my Canon Power Shot G9 is a great little digital camera. You can shoot it full auto or manual, has dials just like the old film cameras to set F stops and shutter speed. You can probably get a used one for $150 or so.
Im looking also, so I’ll keep an open eye on this thread.
Around $200.
Making every shot count helps. To achieve that, start him out with a fixed focus 35mm chemical film camera. The time and cost of film purchase, processing and limited number of exposures will make him consider each shot carefully. Also get him a flat bed scanner and get him started with photo editing software like GIMP.
After two years, move him up to a chemical film SLR. After two years of chemical film SLR photography, he should be ready for a DSLR.
Get him a modern camera and Photoshop or other editing software. If that gets his interest, great, then he can read about film history and the way it was done when everybody walked to school barefoot in the snow, uphill both ways. Otherwise, you’ll put him at a disadvantage to his peers, which is what my parents did, and you don’t want him to turn out like me.
Thank you. Having enjoyed your photo threads, I highly value any input you can give me.
Go with digital. Way cheaper for a learner and he will get instant results so he can correct and adjust while shooting.
Thanks, I’ll take a look at it.
I’ve worked for over thirty years as a pro and must say that I believe you’re doing the right thing by having him learn the manual settings on a camera. Bravo!
I have had to sell my older cameras as they became obsolete (in a year!). That’s a good market to survey, because as your child learns more he’ll want a better camera.
Here’s a tip for his learning the real science of photography: a hand-held light meter. He will learn the difference between reflected and incident light. The exposure dial will show the various settings and he can select the effect he wants. When you understand lighting, you’re on your way to being a real photographer.
Canon Rebel is a good beginner camera although it is kind of pricey. (north of $500)
My wife is getting pretty good with it. And if she can do it, anybody can (sorry honey, it’s true).
I just got her a Nikon Coolpix S90 because she wanted a point and shoot for her purse. Man, that thing takes AWESOME pictures even in low light. About $250.
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