Beginner camera? (cheap)

[clanderson]

Hey guys, my girlfriend has begun to really develop a taste for photography. I would like to grab her a starter camera on the cheap side (~>$200).

I have a degree in computer science and I'm a huge audio/videophile... But I am utterly LOST when it comes to you guys and your mysterious world of cameras! Hahaha.

Please help a fellow out!

 

[hamlet]

That is a tight budget.

 

[ruifo]

A hard budget!!
You won't get much.


Nikon COOLPIX L830 Digital Camera (Black) 26439 B&H Photo Video ($197)

Nikon 1 S1 Mirrorless Digital Camera with 11-27.5mm Lens 27619 ($199)

Canon EOS Rebel T3 DSLR Camera and 18-55mm IS II Lens 5157B002 ($299)

Nikon D3200 DSLR Camera with NIKKOR 18-55mm Lens 25492 D3200 at B&H Photo ($476)

 

[ristretto]

Nikon D100 or D70, Nikon AF-D 3.5-4.5/35-70 lens.

 

[ristretto]

Or Nikon N90 (F90) film camera, AF-D 3.5-4.5/35-70 lens.

 

[Designer]

I'm wondering why you specified a "cheap" one? Is your girlfriend not worth a "good" one? Does your girlfriend want to contribute some money as well? Combine your purchasing power and she can get something like the Nikon D3200 kit.

 

[Didereaux]

I'm wondering why you specified a "cheap" one? Is your girlfriend not worth a "good" one? Does your girlfriend want to contribute some money as well? Combine your purchasing power and she can get something like the Nikon D3200 kit.

I realize that for today's 'Yuppie' it is a hard to conceive of notion...but all people are not making the 'BIG $$$' and must make do with what they have. More directly addressing the OP question I would suggest looking for a good used DSLR with a reasonably decent mid-focal length lens. I see various makes that fit bill on eBay, and some of the larger dealers on the net. Well under the $300 limit. There is no shame in owning a second-hand diamond!

 

[clanderson]

Thanks for the help guys. She is most definitely worth a good camera - the best in the world! Unfortunately I'm going to college, working to save up for engagement and we both participate in addiction ministry at our church, so money is really scarce.

Haha preciously, I know she would be perfectly ok with the camera on her phone, I just want to give her something a little more with what I can!

Thanks for the suggestions everybody! And I'll check some of that out Didereaux, very much appreciated!

Part of the reason for such a low budget is simple ignorance to the world of photography - I have know idea what you can get for how much. I really like the Nikon D3200 set ideas - anything somewhat comparable but a tad less expensive?

 

[hamlet]

Why not just keep saving your money and get your partner something like the rule of thirds app?

How to use the Rule of Thirds in your iPhone photography


If she learns how to properly do compositions on her phone, she'll already be a long way into getting some beautiful shots even on her iphone.






And here are some editing software so she can retouch her pictures: 10 best iPhone and iPad photo editing apps | News | TechRadar




So you don't really need a dslr to learn some of the basics. And by the time she knows the basics, you will have saved enough money for a d3200 or canon equivalent entry-level dslr.

 

[Solarflare]

Hey guys, my girlfriend has begun to really develop a taste for photography. I would like to grab her a starter camera on the cheap side (~>$200).

Dont.

Just give her the money itself, so she can start saving.

Also, you should NEVER tell a photographer which camera system they have to use.

Plus for $200 you can only get cameras that are hardly better than what people already have thanks to smartphones, nowadays.

Okay, or one of these oldies but goldies mentioned in the thread - but I wouldnt be so sure she would actually want to use them.

Film cameras might be cheap ... film isnt, developing film isnt, and learning photography with film nowadays is something for masochists - digital cameras are MUCH better because you can instantly check the result and correct your errors if you made some.

 

[Designer]

Thanks for the help guys. She is most definitely worth a good camera - the best in the world! Unfortunately I'm going to college, working to save up for engagement and we both participate in addiction ministry at our church, so money is really scarce.

Haha preciously, I know she would be perfectly ok with the camera on her phone, I just want to give her something a little more with what I can!

Thanks for the suggestions everybody! And I'll check some of that out Didereaux, very much appreciated!

Part of the reason for such a low budget is simple ignorance to the world of photography - I have know idea what you can get for how much. I really like the Nikon D3200 set ideas - anything somewhat comparable but a tad less expensive?

O.K., your explanation helps a lot, so I will simply point out that your choice of words is not going to get your relationship started on the right foot. Solarflare has posted some very worthwhile wisdom.

 

[clanderson]

Thanks for all of the help guys. I had no idea what I was getting into haha! I think I'm going to begin saving for that Nikon D3200, she's gonna flip!

O.K., your explanation helps a lot, so I will simply point out that your choice of words is not going to get your relationship started on the right foot. Solarflare has posted some very worthwhile wisdom.

I stated my OP the way I did in the interest of being short, sweet and to the point rather than giving my life story. I didn't realize that along with being a photography buff, you were also a licensed relationship counselor. I also didn't realize you could tell the intricacies of a couple's life and love through a paragraph on the internet. Thanks for all of your judgment though, it's really encouraging - you must have quite a happy marriage yourself. Please refrain from doling out any more of your expert relationship opinions in the future.