_next_ camera for kids

[insertusernamehere]

All,

My kiddos (5&7) have had panny GF1 with 14-42 and 45-150(on 95% of the time) the for a few years now and enjoy it.
I’d like to get them something which is a bit more advanced and importantly has a viewfinder so they can get used to taking photos that way, we do a lot of hiking and a screen isn’t idea in the sun.

I’m thinking about the Panny lumix DC-FZ82 as an option, EVF, lots of zoom, lightweight (600g ish is about the limit) reviews OK

Something like a G7 might be handy but I think by the time we add a 300mm lens both the price and weight are getting a bit much

Just wondering if anyone else had any thoughts

​

 

[Sky]

This is being discussed in this thread:

Camera for young kids

I have a 4yo. He loves taking photos using mummy's phone. I'd like to get him a camera of his own. During Easter break, I made the poor decision to give him our waterproof point-shoot, Sony Tx30. It has been dropped a few times and carelessly smashed against wall while he ran with it dangling...

www.talkphotography.co.uk

 

[insertusernamehere]

This is being discussed in this thread:

Camera for young kids

I have a 4yo. He loves taking photos using mummy's phone. I'd like to get him a camera of his own. During Easter break, I made the poor decision to give him our waterproof point-shoot, Sony Tx30. It has been dropped a few times and carelessly smashed against wall while he ran with it dangling...

www.talkphotography.co.uk

Yes, given you’re obviously paying attention I am surprised that you didn’t note that I have commented on that thread, but the needs there are different, hence why I titled mine differently

 

[woof woof]

I personally wouldn't recommend a G7 unless you're fully aware of the shutter shock issue and are prepared to work around it.

If you are tempted to stick with MFT and existing lenses... I had a GF1 but couldn't get on with back screen shooting so changed to a G1. Those are getting old now but you might fancy one or the G2 that replaced it. I would thoroughly recommend the GX80 (I have one) as it's a step up from the older models for image quality and I like the RF style layout with the EVF in the corner.

 

[Sky]

You expect me to remember who posted in a thread I read a few days ago?

I'm so sorry for trying to help - good luck in your quest you bloody ingrate.

 

[insertusernamehere]

I personally wouldn't recommend a G7 unless you're fully aware of the shutter shock issue and are prepared to work around it.

If you are tempted to stick with MFT and existing lenses... I had a GF1 but couldn't get on with back screen shooting so changed to a G1. Those are getting old now but you might fancy one or the G2 that replaced it. I would thoroughly recommend the GX80 (I have one) as it's a step up from the older models for image quality and I like the RF style layout with the EVF in the corner.

Thank you I wasn’t aware of the shutter shock issue, I just had a quick Google on “SLR” style M43 as I was set on a bridge until I was typing up the post and suddenly realised a M43 might fit the bill.

the GX80 looks very nice but possibly pushing the budget a bit much especially when they’d like a lens with a bit more reach as well… I am very tempted though

 

[woof woof]

Thank you I wasn’t aware of the shutter shock issue, I just had a quick Google on “SLR” style M43 as I was set on a bridge until I was typing up the post and suddenly realised a M43 might fit the bill.

the GX80 looks very nice but possibly pushing the budget a bit much especially when they’d like a lens with a bit more reach as well… I am very tempted though

Good deals on used GX80's seem to come up now and again. I was very happy with my G1 and thought it was maybe the best handling camera I've ever had, I loved mine. The image quality has moved on with the later models and I did have a G7 which is a real sports car of a camera but with two issues that affected me, firstly I found it uncomfortable to hold and it annoyed me every time I used it and secondly that shutter shock issue. If people know what the issues are it could be a good buy bit I wouldn't recommend one for anyone just getting into this in case the hit the issue.

 

[insertusernamehere]

Good deals on used GX80's seem to come up now and again. I was very happy with my G1 and thought it was maybe the best handling camera I've ever had, I loved mine. The image quality has moved on with the later models and I did have a G7 which is a real sports car of a camera but with two issues that affected me, firstly I found it uncomfortable to hold and it annoyed me every time I used it and secondly that shutter shock issue. If people know what the issues are it could be a good buy bit I wouldn't recommend one for anyone just getting into this in case the hit the issue.

The GX80 does review very well and is probably even better suited to little hands than the G7, like you I hate smaller cameras, even my RX10 has a plate on the bottom for my little finger but it’s the opposite problem for the girls!
It’s looking like a very solid option.
To be honest I hadn’t even considered rangefinder style and it would be a great transition for them from the GF1, that’s why I like to ask these things on here!

The only reason I am hesitating is the potential need for a new lens as well but they might just have to “suffer” with the 45-150 for a bit longer

 

[woof woof]

You have the 14-45mm though or is that staying on GF1 or maybe you mean they'll have to wait for a longer lens?

I had the 45-200mm but I didn't rate it as it seemed soft at every length, I think the 45-150mm is much better but for whole pictures and if the kids can avoid pixel peeping maybe a used 45-200mm could be a possibility?

I also have the 100-400mm but it's a big fat lump and quite expensive.

 

[insertusernamehere]

The 14-45 and 45-150 is a great combo, they’re both just relatively nature focussed so it’s more reach that they’re after, something like the 100-300 would probably be the middle ground in terms of quality / weight / reach for them.
I’ll let them zoom with their feet for a while longer, I think a couple of GX80 from MPB might be a very good solution for now