Proper Camera for Daughter (turning 15)

faniedry said:
Maybe I should get something cheaper, and send her on a photography course of some kind... what do you guys think? Maybe that will help her to figure out if this is a phase, or a real interest.
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Get her a 2nd hand DSLR from a good camera shop - dunno about the Jhb ones, but Orms here in CT would be able to give you good advice / deals.
 
BigAl-sa said:
I didn't want to waste this special post, but nowhere can I see that Fanie has mentioned the 70d. I still maintain that a bridge camera would be the best for the poppie.
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I think he's talking about me ;)

I'm gonna get the 70D with some decent lenses too ;)
 
BigAl-sa said:
It's a camera where you can control all the settings, with a fixed largish range lens. I will have a look at what's available tomorrow and let you know what looks like a good deal. You don't want to fork out a fortune for a fad. If your poppie enjoys it, she will probably make enough money to buy her own dslr.
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yeh, it's like my finepix (that is now broken apparently :( )

maybe have to look at getting something second hand.

que? "she will probably make enough money to buy her on dslr."? she's 15, she no making no money lol
 
faniedry said:
yeh, it's like my finepix (that is now broken apparently :( )

maybe have to look at getting something second hand.

que? "she will probably make enough money to buy her on dslr."? she's 15, she no making no money lol
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I promise you Boet, if she's got it in her, she will be able to sell her pics!

BTW, I wouldn't send her on a course, rather let her join a photography club - you learn way more from looking at other peoples pictures and listening to the criticisms on the pics.
 
faniedry said:
yeh, it's like my finepix (that is now broken apparently :( )

maybe have to look at getting something second hand.

que? "she will probably make enough money to buy her on dslr."? she's 15, she no making no money lol
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fanus, let's face it, you need a decent camera to take pictures of your mini and the family, and of course, of the boys that come visiting (to identify them and direct your 'arm brekers' at if they mess your daughter around).

So buy a decent DSLR and let her play with it - if she doesn't take it up as a hobby/interest, you can still use it.

Bwana will give you some good advice.

Don't let the talk of 'lenses' put you off - you can get away with a 'utility' lens like a Sigma 18-200/250 for a long time (ask me :o )
 
BigAl-sa said:
I promise you Boet, if she's got it in her, she will be able to sell her pics!

BTW, I wouldn't send her on a course, rather let her join a photography club - you learn way more from looking at other peoples pictures and listening to the criticisms on the pics.
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The course I mentioned includes online photo resources and communities where you share pics and ideas, btw
 
BigAl-sa said:
I promise you Boet, if she's got it in her, she will be able to sell her pics!

BTW, I wouldn't send her on a course, rather let her join a photography club - you learn way more from looking at other peoples pictures and listening to the criticisms on the pics.
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Thanks guys. Appreciate the advice
AfricanTech said:
fanus, let's face it, you need a decent camera to take pictures of your mini and the family, and of course, of the boys that come visiting (to identify them and direct your 'arm brekers' at if they mess your daughter around).

So buy a decent DSLR and let her play with it - if she doesn't take it up as a hobby/interest, you can still use it.

Bwana will give you some good advice.

Don't let the talk of 'lenses' put you off - you can get away with a 'utility' lens like a Sigma 18-200/250 for a long time (ask me :o )
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faniedry said:
yeh, it's like my finepix (that is now broken apparently :( )

maybe have to look at getting something second hand.

que? "she will probably make enough money to buy her on dslr."? she's 15, she no making no money lol
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Sinbad said:
I think he's talking about me ;)

I'm gonna get the 70D with some decent lenses too ;)
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Sinbad said:
Very valid point.
Post some of her selfies, let's see if she has an eye for composition.
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Sinbad said:
I think he's talking about me ;)

I'm gonna get the 70D with some decent lenses too ;)
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16-35 f/2.8, 24-70 f/2.8, and the 70-200 f/2.8 are a good start… :D
 
Sinbad said:
Can I kidnap your kids and sell em??? ;)
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BigAl-sa said:
Not necessary, just pinch Bwana's camera bag - you may get a 1d as an additional extra!
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Leave my kids and my bags out of it!

I do need to upgrade my bag now that I think of it - something that will hold the aforementioned lenses, flashes, 2 1D bodies and a 400 f/2.8… going to watch some rugby in the UK come September.
 
I was in the same situation. Weighed up the options between new and second hand etc. In the end I bought my daughter a Canon 20d. Later on I bought my son the same camera. I have the 30D. I'll tell you why I did it. 90% of a good picture, if you take the photographer and the subject out of the equation, comes down to the glass. You can have the best camera money could buy, but if you mount a crap lens to it, you will end up with a moment gone by and a crap memory.

So, buy a decent cheap DSLR body and then spend money on lenses for the first couple of years, until she gets to the level where the body does not do the job anymore. You change the body, but the lenses can go with the new body, and the old one can be a backup.

Now, by suggestion would be to look at an older semi-professional body. Something like the 20/30/40D in Canon range. Not sure what that would be Nikon side. Why I suggest these is that they have aluminum bodies, not plastic like the 600/650Ds. The will last longer. Now, you might be worried about the amount of actuations, but the shutter can be replaced for under R2000. That is the only moving part in a DSLR.

To give you an idea, and be patient, these deals is still out there. For my daughter I bought an almost brand new 20D with bag and 2 lenses for R2500. A camera with under 200 actuations that is more than 10 years old. For my son I bought another 20D, body only with battery grip for R1200. We all share lenses, which helps.

My advice, buy a second hand body and lenses. Start her off on a decent 18/28-200 lens. Look on the ODP website in clasifieds. It is like the Carbonite site for cameras.
 
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