I used to take film pics since I was 15, moved to canon SLRs
Then got a digital SLR when they came out, Canon 300D I think, upgraded to 5D Mark I
I still have a long telephoto and flash for the Canon lying around
3 years ago I moved to Mirrorless Fuji X, not using it enough really, playing more guitar currently, but have a nice set of lenses
At least one daughter wants to start taking proper photos, she's 14.
I was thinking of lending her the Fuji, but in controlled scenarios - a beginner could damage nice kit
But obviously, I don't want to be a pain breathing down her neck whilst using it
I walked into a cash converters last week, curious to see what camera gear they have, and there was a Canon 350D with zoom, for £100. I wondered if that was a better idea to buy for her/them, so I can let them use that gear and I can relax and keep mine safe
Also they could use my spare old canon kit
So - does anyone know if that's a normal price, which cheap Canon DSLR is the best second hand now, etc?
Comments
Has full manual mode and and Apature/shutter speed priority modes. 8.5mpix is enough to take some great pictures you just can crop as much.
Seriously: If you value it, take/fetch it yourself
However I'd recommend at least a 400D in order to get a decent screen size for reviewing the photos (the 350d screen really is tiny).
FYI You'd need at least a 450D if you wanted to be using SD cards rather than CF cards, and you'd need at least a 500D if she might want to do video as well.
I bought a cheap DSLR a couple of years back for myself. I got a secondhand 650D which might be an idea fro your daughter.
You've already got lenses so don't need a kit and bodies seem to go for a couple of hundred quid, Two things that might make it useful - it has an excellent flip out touch screen - 14 year olds don't understand screens that you can't touch. Secondly, it also takes excellent video, I know the primary use is to learn photography but the video could be a useful secondary benefit.
Any DSLR is pretty decent these days. I shoot Nikon and would probably recommend something like a D3*** plus a decent all rounder lens like the excellent Sigma 17-50mm. If you already have Canon gear, Canon is a no brainier.
Personally, I'd go for something like a 550D or newer. I had a 400D, then a 550D, and as far as I remember, the 550D was a big step up in terms of IQ.
I'd buy Canon if that's what you are used to them so you can teach her more easily and you have a flash and lens, unless she has friends which have Nikon kit she can borrow / learn from.
Personally, I think DSLR's will become pretty unfashionable within the next few years, which might be a good or bad thing depending on how you look at it.
Even the old 5D is cheap used
Looks like an old 450D and 18-55 would be cheap
Or perhaps I should get a cheap used Fuji-X body? Nah, I'd have to lend her my decent XF lenses, and get paranoid about them
hmmm
a cheap Canon 450D + 18-55 (£84 + £39), or cheaper models available
or a Fuji XC 16-50 for £129 and a Fuji X-A1 for £109. hmm up to £240 already
hmmm I fancy around £100 to see if she really is interested to learn it properly. She gave up sax lessons after I bought her a new Sax
you can have it for throwaway money if suitable.
I use a 5D as my main camera and my 60D as a backup.
IMO you don't need to spend a penny.
a 28-80 EF USM IV
so on an EF-S camera, that is like 45mm - 128mm, so a good mid-range zoom
I also still own the 75-300 EF, which is a monster zoom on the EF-S
and a 550EX flash
SO I reckon I'd need something more wide angle, and an EF-S Body