Starter camera for teen

7 years 1 month ago #520164 by Camera Diva
I need to buy a gift for a close friend of the family.  Actually it's our baby sitter who has had some tough times and she'll be graduating school this year. Her parents got divorced during the last year, they lost their home, she had to drop out of 2 of the sports she loves.  Yet during all this, she maintained high grades and got a full scholarship for college.  

My husband and I would like to get her a decent starter camera in the range of $500-$750 to head off to school with.  Prior her families problems, she had been saving up and was ready to buy a camera. When all the money issues came up for their family, she used her camera funds to help the household out.  

Which would you suggest here?  

At the beginning of time there was absolutely nothing. And then it exploded! - Terry Pratchett
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7 years 1 month ago #520167 by Screamin Scott
In that price range, you will only find either point & shoot models or base model DSLR's with a 18-55mm zoom. Most any of the base model DSLR's should work for her until she gets to know if she wants to pursue this further.

Scott Ditzel Photography

www.flickr.com/photos/screaminscott/

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7 years 1 month ago #520178 by W Cage
D5300


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7 years 1 month ago #520249 by Nathan D
That or one of the Rebels from Canon.  


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7 years 1 month ago #520261 by Baydream
I agree on the Canon T series as a really good start. The T5 with two lenses is currently at $500
www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/1135402-R...s_rebel_t5_dslr.html

Shoot, learn and share. It will make you a better photographer.
fineartamerica.com/profiles/john-g-schickler.html?tab=artwork

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7 years 1 month ago #520282 by icepics
Is there any way you can have your camera out sometime and start up a conversation? Like about a lens you're thinking about getting or something?  

Sharon
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7 years 1 month ago - 7 years 1 month ago #520290 by KCook

icepics wrote: Is there any way you can have your camera out sometime and start up a conversation? Like about a lens you're thinking about getting or something?  


Good point.  Get some idea of the level of photography that she wants to pursue.

I will be the oddball here.  I'm dumping my DSLR for mirrorless.  And there are quite a few mirrorless cameras in that price range.  But the differences between the mirrorless brands are much greater than between Canon and Nikon DSLR.  Of course I have no idea whether she would entertain the mirrorless path.

Kelly

Canon 50D, Olympus PL2
kellycook.zenfolio.com/

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7 years 1 month ago #520328 by Shadowfixer1
This would fit the bill perfectly and you would have money to buy accessories like a small bag, polarizer, better strap and spare battery.

www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/1238282-R...d_e_m10_mark_ii.html
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7 years 1 month ago #520389 by Neillien

Baydream wrote: I agree on the Canon T series as a really good start. The T5 with two lenses is currently at $500
www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/1135402-R...s_rebel_t5_dslr.html


Exactly what I was going to suggest. Glad to hear that she's been able to accomplish so much despite all of the issues she's facing! Hopefully she puts to camera to good use


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7 years 1 month ago #520446 by No Show

Baydream wrote: I agree on the Canon T series as a really good start. The T5 with two lenses is currently at $500
www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/1135402-R...s_rebel_t5_dslr.html



Yeah that is a good deal.  +1

D300| Nikkor 24-70mm 2.8 | Nikkor 70-200mm VR 2.8 | Nikkor 50mm 1.8 | Nikon 2x Teleconverter | Sigma 105mm 2.8 | Tokina 12-24
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7 years 1 month ago #520642 by Paris Gal
D5300 and kit lens

5D mark II gripped | Canon 100L | Canon 85 1.8 | Sigma 50 1.4 | Tamron 28-75 2.8 | 580ex II | 430ex II x 2 |
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7 years 1 month ago #520682 by Janos
Check with www.keh.com for deals on used gear.  You'll find plenty of options in your budget.  


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7 years 1 month ago #520765 by Harrison J
I'm going to recommend in another direction.  Sony a6000.  Small and more features.  


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7 years 4 weeks ago #521141 by effron
My oldest son began shooting my old Nikkormat FTN in the early nineties, and is quite into photography today. In fact, he's the reason I got back in, having gone digital in college, and showing me his new Nikon D70s. 
Lots of good deals on used gear, no need to go too overboard....

Why so serious?
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