Camera for my son.

[coones13]

Hello!

My 16 year old son is very interested in photography and videography. I have 200 dollars to spend on a camera for him for Christmas. What camera would offer the best value that that humble amount?

Thanks!

 

[JAC526]

Phew that's going to be tough.

I think the best learning tool would be an old DSLR body like a Nikon D70 or or canon 40D (not sure if that would be in budget) and a 50mm 1.8.

You may have to stretch your budget a little. But that combination would let him learn a lot before he needed anything else.

 

[ChrisedwardsHT]

Hello!

My 16 year old son is very interested in photography and videography. I have 200 dollars to spend on a camera for him for Christmas. What camera would offer the best value that that humble amount?

Thanks!

Are you wanting a DSLR?

 

[coones13]

Not necessarily. We have been looking at the Canon Powershot ELPH 110.

 

[unpopular]

I'll sell you my a350 for $150. You'll need to get a lens, this shouldn't be terribly difficult if you're willing to spend a hair more than $200 all together. I can recommend something.

PM me.

 

[texkam]

My 16 year old son is very interested in photography and videography. I have 200 dollars to spend on a camera for him for Christmas

Looking back at when I was that age and the interest that I had, how I longed for a Nikkormat, I would have been more than willing to pitch in 50/50 and earned my way to it. Boy how I wish my Dad would have given me that as an option. Perhaps something to discuss with your son.

 

[brunerww]

Hi coones - terrific that you're supportive of your son's photography and videography interests. You have gotten some great still photography advice here, but, sadly, the recommended Nikon, Canon and Sony cameras are not video capable. And the $169 Canon ELPH 110 is a great value point and shoot camera, but won't be very good for learning photography or videography beyond the basics.

For a 16 year old, I recommend something like a used Olympus E-PL1 with the 14-42mm kit lens. You can get one for less than $200 from Amazon. Significantly larger sensor and better image quality than the ELPH, interchangeable lenses, built-in flash, decent 720p video, and he can add a viewfinder and better lenses later.

Here is what still photographers are doing with it: Flickr: The Olympus Pen E-PL1 Users Group Pool

And here are a few videos shot with the camera:

https://vimeo.com/11037468


https://vimeo.com/12477438


https://vimeo.com/46950157

If you want higher 1080p resolution video and can stretch the budget by $60, you might look at a used Panasonic GF3 with the 14-42mm kit lens for $260 from Amazon Warehouse Deals.

Another great interchangeable lens camera for beginners, here is what still photographers are doing with it: http://www.flickr.com/groups/dmc-gf3/pool/

And here are a couple of video examples:

https://vimeo.com/47313353

With free firmware hack to upgrade its video capabilities: https://vimeo.com/44963597

Hope this is helpful and best of the holidays,

Bill

 

[Solarflare]

Give him the 200$ directly so he can save for whatever camera system he wants to go for in the end.

 

[ph0enix]

Give him the 200$ directly so he can save for whatever camera system he wants to go for in the end.

^^^ This! ^^^ ...or at least be sure to give him a gift receipt along with whatever you camera you buy. Your great intentions will be wasted if you get him something he doesn't want/need.

 

[JAC526]

I feel like the EPL-1 is a good option.

 

[ronlane]

It sounds like you are willing to give him something that he wants for Christmas. A gift certificate to a photo store, local or on-line (B&H or Adorama), would be a great idea. Then he could decide what he wanted and if he wanted add to it for an upgrade.

 

[BrianV]

I feel like the EPL-1 is a good option.

I just bought one of these from Cameta Camera- body new in box, battery, and charger. ~140 shipped. add a kit lens, will be closer to ~240.