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Gift for beginner girlfriend


8 months 3 weeks ago #665603 by Lunchboxlust
I would like to get my girlfriend a camera, lens and anything else I can afford for Christmas. She never asks for anything and i would like to start documenting our lives and being more artistic. I work multiple jobs and dont have much time to research without her around. Im fine with used equipment if its from trusted places. I want to get the basics with room to grow if it becomes a real interest of ours. For starters it will be mostly pictures of family, pets and i like the outdoors and i drive in the mountains often. I like macro photos i guess. I want to buy quality but can only invest between 350 and 450 to start. Was hoping for help as i dont have much free time this time of year. Not sure if im in the right section to ask this but thank you for any and all info.  

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8 months 3 weeks ago #665610 by KCook
You're right, there are lots of cameras to consider.  And each of those will have its fans.  Links for ideas -
Starter camera for teen

Best Camera for Beginner?

Your Preference? Cameras with manual dials or menu driven?

Which Mirrorless?

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

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8 months 3 weeks ago #665633 by effron
Well, 350 to 450 "USD" will not get much. Check KEH for used and the reliable NYC stores for sales.....
Why so serious?
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8 months 3 weeks ago #665823 by Jill Pomeroy
+1 unless you are considering buying second hand, you'll need to pump up budget to $600 to $700. 
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8 months 3 weeks ago #665827 by New but trying
You can get plenty for that price I payed $350 for my Nikon D3300, kit lens, 55-200, spare battery, and charger. The kit lens is quite decent for macro and image quality can be quite good.
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8 months 3 weeks ago #665849 by Ozzie_Traveller
G'day Lbl

Firstly - Welcome to the Photo Forum ... you'll find us to be a friendly mob and full of information which we're willing to share

While I welcome your desire to assist and give your GF, I worry that your "surprise" is fraught with danger

I say this from hard experience, having students arrive in my college classes over the last 20 or so years with an expensive heap-of-junk recommended by someone else and where the recipient has cried "I didn't want anything like this".

Several years ago I had a woman arrive with $6000 of nikon plus multiple lenses plus flashgun plus tripod - and she told me that all she wanted was a slip-in-the-handbag automatic with a good zoom lens -but- her hubby had spoken to the "experts" and they had supplied a list of what to get for an overseas holiday

I suggest that you give her an envelope with the money inside and accompany her to 3 or 4 local shops where she can "try before buy" several cameras

Hope this helps
Phil from the great land Downunder
www.flickr.com/photos/ozzie_traveller/sets/
The following user(s) said Thank You: KCook

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8 months 2 weeks ago #665964 by Lunchboxlust
Thanks I think im going to make her go shopping with me and see if she is as interested as she once said she was 

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8 months 2 weeks ago #666063 by michaelsmith
I would recommend getting her a Canon EOS 250D or a mirrorless EOS M50 with lens kit as a great gift!

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8 months 2 weeks ago - 8 months 2 weeks ago #666143 by Ozzie_Traveller

michaelsmith wrote: I would recommend getting her a Canon EOS 250D or a mirrorless EOS M50 with lens kit as a great gift!


G'day Michael

While your suggestion might be a great gift for a happy-snapper who wants to graduate into a regular photographer, (for which the OP has not given us any details) may I invite you to consider your suggestion in reverse ....

While you enjoy wearing shoes, would you like your girlfriend to choose your next pair of shoes according to her likes & dislikes?  ... how would you go in a pair of bright red shoes with 4-inch or 5-inch heels just because she looks good in such shoes?

Like shoes, I firmly believe that a camera for a beginner is a "try before you buy", and let the buyer determine her / his priorities

Phil from the great land Downunder
www.flickr.com/photos/ozzie_traveller/sets/

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8 months 2 weeks ago #666639 by michaelsmith

Ozzie_Traveller wrote:

michaelsmith wrote: I would recommend getting her a Canon EOS 250D or a mirrorless EOS M50 with lens kit as a great gift!


G'day Michael

While your suggestion might be a great gift for a happy-snapper who wants to graduate into a regular photographer, (for which the OP has not given us any details) may I invite you to consider your suggestion in reverse ....

While you enjoy wearing shoes, would you like your girlfriend to choose your next pair of shoes according to her likes & dislikes?  ... how would you go in a pair of bright red shoes with 4-inch or 5-inch heels just because she looks good in such shoes?

Like shoes, I firmly believe that a camera for a beginner is a "try before you buy", and let the buyer determine her / his priorities

Phil from the great land Downunder
www.flickr.com/photos/ozzie_traveller/sets/


Actually, you are right, mate. It's better she herself selects what she wants and what she feels comfortable using!

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8 months 2 weeks ago #666729 by Ozzie_Traveller
.
okay - let's all sit back and invite the O.P to come back again once the considerations and maybe purchase has taken place and tell us the results :)

Phil

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