Old DSLR vs smart phone for young girl

6 years 1 week ago #576775 by Fugler
We are god parents to our neighbors kids, and their daughter has a interest in photography.  I know there is no comparison from image quality from a DSLR to smart phone.  However all these kids these days have a smart phone and she could learn the basics on that.  

Moving to the DSLR, she'll be using something she could grow into and get more use.  My wife says we should get her a phone. I'm leaning towards the older DSLR. 

Where do you stand?

Thank you for the help


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6 years 1 week ago #576777 by Hassner
You do not mention the age. That would be my deciding factor.

But from 14, with enough passion, an SLR would be great.
Bodies like a 40D with a kit lens could be cheaper than the phone.

I do not believe there is much more to learn on a phone than composition.


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6 years 1 week ago - 6 years 1 week ago #576780 by garyrhook
Leave the phone to the parents. Unless you get a RAW app (and the phone supports it) there's only so much you can do with it as a camera.

So, yeah, a real camera. Spring for an entry level body and a 50mm f/1.8 lens if you want to spend $600.


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6 years 6 days ago #577528 by Troponin
I attempted to use my iPhone for quite a while. With the right set up, you can get some good photos, however, it takes a LOT of work. When its all said and done, you spend a lot of time and work trying to get good shots, and they never really get THAT good. 

On my iPhone, even with the ProCamera app, I can’t adjust for aperture. 

On a final note, I attempted to get lenses for my IPhone to improve my shots. They actually started getting worse. The reason why is because some smart devices will use the second lens to sharpen up the photos. If you use the original app for the camera, you’re better off not using any lens at all. In RAW mode, with all adjustments being made, it’s REALLY hard to beat the camera doing this. 

I would find a used SLR. It will most likely be cheaper than a used smart phone, and it will keep her out of trouble. 


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6 years 4 days ago #577891 by Hassner
Half the fun is figuring out all the buttons and mastering it.
Playing with depth of field, slow shutter speeds...


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6 years 4 days ago #577895 by icepics
If she's interested in photography I'd say get her a camera. That should help her learn to get proper exposures, etc. I think a phone would be more limiting.

I agree, I'd let the parents be the ones to decide on a phone, how much to spend on one, and depending on her age how much phone use to allow.

Sharon
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6 years 4 days ago #577897 by Screamin Scott
Learning will be easier with a DSLR as opposed to a phone camera...

Scott Ditzel Photography

www.flickr.com/photos/screaminscott/

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6 years 4 days ago #577997 by Adam Cuffin
I would go with the DSLR as well.  Smartphone seems more novelty where as the DSLR camera is serious business.  


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