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?
OP - definitely go digital. There are so many good options now. Really depends on your budget. I like Panasonic cameras a lot. Canon also very good.
Thanks - that is so cool.
I use the Canon SD400 and 450 for my “pocket” point and shoots/omnipresent video camera. Great form factor, reasonably robust stainless. 5MP - they are the end of the “lcd plus viewfinder” configuration.
Of course - this gives me one more thing to screw with.
I use the Olympus waterproof - it isn’t as good a camera - but a blast for swimming and adventure - with a camera on the wrist.
Newegg has the Canon waterproof on sale for one day - and it is a better camera than the Olympus. Would be interesting to see what it could be hacked into.
I'm one of those people who don't "do" Google. ;)
I guess I misunderstood.
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