First camera for a beginner teenager

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Benihana

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Ben
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Hi all, first post.

My daughter has really got into photography, but at the moment she uses her iphone, which I understand is not too bad (be nice).

She wants to start with something more serious and learn the ropes before investing any more (of my, lol) money.

I know a little but not really to the point I am comfortable enough in my opinions to make purchases.

I have been looking at used d3300 on eBay for about £180.

Would this be a good starter camera? I know it is old, but to learn the ropes it seems to tick all the boxes, but I would like some more focus points if possible. Also, I know there are updated models but they seem more expensive and either mostly and meaningfully the same, or worse.

There is no preference for brand as neither of us have any lenses, but I would like a good upgrade path as I think I could easily and willing be dragged into this hobby.

Any advice is appreciated, with the above as a rough budget and use case.

Thanks.
 
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Hi and welcome to TP

There is more to picking a camera based solely on others usages of it. Why? well it can also be about the feel of the camera in the hand (the heft of it, comfort when held, can the user reach all the relevant buttons comfortably....)

It is not clear form your profile where you are but on the surmise in the UK, can I suggest you visit your nearest LCE (London Camera Exchange) and look at their second hand stock . They AFAIK still have a good reputation for helpful & knowledgeable staff 'who know their stuff' and would be willing to talk both you & your daughter through the options and choices etc.

All the best with helping her on her own photographic journey :)

PS over many decades (since film days) I have owned Exa, Yashica, Pentax, Rolleiflex, Canon and now Olympus/OM System cameras....I may missed some out
 
Hi, thanks for the reply.


"There is more to picking a camera based solely on others usages of it. Why? well it can also be about the feel of the camera in the hand (the heft of it, comfort when held, can the user reach all the relevant buttons comfortably....)"

That's actually a really good point that was in the back of my mind but needed to be more in the front of it. I want her to have it with her as much as possible and she only has small hands. Am I right in thinking the d3300 is one of the smaller options out there? And it seems quite light too.

You are right too about getting some hands on experience before buying. I'm not sure where the closest 2nd hand camera shop is, but that is such a good idea, I feel a little dumb for not thinking of it. Even at my age I may have become too internet focused. It'll be a fun afternoon out for her too I think, although I'm more the techy than her, she just wants to take photos.

I will make sure to post some of her work, as.some of what she has done with her phone, I think, is amazing. She really thinks about things like creating an interesting image and light, and has a natural eye for framing and composition.

Sorry, I'm rambling now. Thanks so much though, this is really helpful advice.
 
Good advice above. On a limited budget a DSLR is going to be the best value for money, Canon/Nikon will have the widest availability of used bodies and lenses.

Make sure to budget for a lens or two, the choice will depend on the kind of photography she's interested in: a kit lens like a 18-55 will be versatile, a f1.8 prime (35mm/50mm) is great for portraits, while a 70-300 or similar is a good starter for sports/wildlife.
 
Benihana said:
Hi, thanks for the reply.


"There is more to picking a camera based solely on others usages of it. Why? well it can also be about the feel of the camera in the hand (the heft of it, comfort when held, can the user reach all the relevant buttons comfortably....)"

That's actually a really good point that was in the back of my mind but needed to be more in the front of it. I want her to have it with her as much as possible and she only has small hands. Am I right in thinking the d3300 is one of the smaller options out there? And it seems quite light too.

You are right too about getting some hands on experience before buying. I'm not sure where the closest 2nd hand camera shop is, but that is such a good idea, I feel a little dumb for not thinking of it. Even at my age I may have become too internet focused. It'll be a fun afternoon out for her too I think, although I'm more the techy than her, she just wants to take photos.

I will make sure to post some of her work, as.some of what she has done with her phone, I think, is amazing. She really thinks about things like creating an interesting image and light, and has a natural eye for framing and composition.

Sorry, I'm rambling now. Thanks so much though, this is really helpful advice.
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Sadly there are all too few 'bricks & mortar' stores these days but as mentioned, in your shoes, I would start with

London Camera Exchange

The London Camera Exchange supplies second hand cameras, new cameras, digital cameras and other camera equipment and provides a camera part exchange in photographic shops all over England, UK.
www.lcegroup.co.uk

There are other single site independents, so do please say whereabouts you are in the UK (the world) and all being well you will get some direct personal experience of particular shops :thinking:

Don't forget to set her up with a suitable PC or Mac, most current editing programs put high demand on the GPU doing a lot of the 'grunt' work so that, as you may be aware needs factoring. Oh, and those programs will have their own learning curve, let alone learning the cameracraft.
 
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@Gold I think I will just get something with a kit Les to start out with. I am. Form believer in the idea that you learn what you need most in this kind of thing by doing and then buying what you need when you strat to constantly and consistently bump in to limitations.

I think it will be a Nikon or Canon too, just because there are more second hand options so prices seem to be lower for such equipment.

@Box Brownie I'm just outside London, but the nearest LCE is not that close unfortunately, and find a time I could get I to London with my daughter makes it almost a non option unfortunately. I am sure there will be something closer though. I have some investigating to do.
 
I learned on a Nikon D3200 loaned to me from a friend and found it had all I needed to get the basics down.

With regard to an upgrade path, I wouldn't worry too much unless your daughter obtains a large lens collection as your initial outlay won't be huge and you might be able to get a decent percentage of it back when trading in.
 
That's my thinking. I have a habit of budget and spec creeping and I am trying to remain aware that we both really know nothing at this stage, and if and when the body becomes a limit, we will be in a much better position to know what we need Ina n upgrade.

I have to keep in mind that this is a learning camera and one that someone above mentioned, needs to be one she is comfortable having with her all the time, so perhaps size and weight are the most important specs.
 
Benihana said:
That's my thinking. I have a habit of budget and spec creeping and I am trying to remain aware that we both really know nothing at this stage, and if and when the body becomes a limit, we will be in a much better position to know what we need Ina n upgrade.

I have to keep in mind that this is a learning camera and one that someone above mentioned, needs to be one she is comfortable having with her all the time, so perhaps size and weight are the most important specs.
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You'll be surprised just how much of the gamut that body will cover well.

I only bought my own kit when I found myself needing better low light performance, better stabilisation and wanted to dabble in video.
 
How is it for 'dusk' work, as that is a time she likes to work with?
 
Benihana said:
How is it for 'dusk' work, as that is a time she likes to work with?
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Totally dependent on the lens used and what kind of photography is being undertaken.

I wouldn't worry about limitations until she knows enough to find them or finds a niche where a limitation becomes hindering.

It will perform admirably in most situations.
 
ashishtamhane said:
I would suggest a used D700 and a 50mm.


A quick check on MPB shows a price of ~£200 for a D700. So for £20 more you will get a Pro level camera.
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A D700 would be better for her low light photography but it's also worth mentioning it weighs over a kilo without the lens.

Might be a factor in the choice, especially considering the size of full frame lenses.
 
I know it's an old camera but a D90 isn't as big or as heavy as a 'pro' body, and it has front and rear control dials which means less menu diving than an entry level camera - so good for learning how aperture and shutter relate. It also accepts the old screw drive autofocus lenses which can save a few bob. Stick a 35mm DX lens on and it's a pretty neat package. Not a real low light machine but I've had some good shots at ISO 2000 or thereabouts when I had one. Cheap these days.
 
Ed Sutton said:
I know it's an old camera but a D90 isn't as big or as heavy as a 'pro' body, and it has front and rear control dials which means less menu diving than an entry level camera
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This is what I was thinking. The 2 control wheels are a major benefit - especially if you’re trying to learn to shoot in manual mode. I’ve just looked back at some of my old D90 files and they are pretty good. A bit more money would get you a D7000
 
I will.have a look at both options, but size will definitely be a primary concern.

Also, with her being used to using her phone, menu diving shouldn't be too much of an issue.
 
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You guys are terrible. I have been looking on MPB and I am already looking at a d5600, which seems a much better camera, with 28-100 lens, but around double the price.
 
Benihana said:
You guys are terrible. I have been looking on MPB and I am already looking at a d5600, which seems a much better camera, with 28-100 lens, but around double the price.
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Well, I think you said it was 'kind of like for both of you.....' ;)
 
Benihana said:
You guys are terrible. I have been looking on MPB and I am already looking at a d5600, which seems a much better camera, with 28-100 lens, but around double the price.
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Budget creep is inevitable if you ask for advice on a camera forum! ;)
 
28-100 lens? Don't think that will autofocus on a D5600. You need an AF-S lens.
 
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I would go with a older Nikon DSLR because the range of cheap legacy lenses available is far superior to any other brand. If it was me I'd look at a lightly used D700 or even a D300S. Both deliver nice images and are very well built. The D700, however, is full frame and is still a highly regarded camera.
 
Benihana said:
@Gold I think I will just get something with a kit Les to start out with. I am. Form believer in the idea that you learn what you need most in this kind of thing by doing and then buying what you need when you strat to constantly and consistently bump in to limitations.

I think it will be a Nikon or Canon too, just because there are more second hand options so prices seem to be lower for such equipment.

@Box Brownie I'm just outside London, but the nearest LCE is not that close unfortunately, and find a time I could get I to London with my daughter makes it almost a non option unfortunately. I am sure there will be something closer though. I have some investigating to do.
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Depending on where outside London you are, Camera World in Chelmsford would be a good bet for getting your hands on some second hand gear. I've always found them to be friendly and helpful, too.
 
Just go for a decent 2nd hand Canon or Nikon. I prefer Canon but thats subjective. Dont spend too much. She may go off photography!
 
My dad offered us a D300 for free which was very nice but it was very heavy and felt very big in my hands. I know if it is a chore to use and carry, it will just be left at home unused.

I have found a couple of used camera places near me.so planning a visit in the next week or so for a little play around.
 
I started on a D3400. The D3300 is almost identical and can also meter exposure on older AF-D lenses (no autofocus on D lenses with the 3xxx series but at least you don't have to guess the exposure on a D3000-3300). A D3300 is a good beginner camera until you want to go manual. Then the lack of a second dial becomes a pain. It is also about as small as you get on a normal DSLR.

A D5600 is almost identical to a D5500 but more expensive. It still doesn't have the second dial though. It has the same sensor as a D3300/3400/7200 (which is still a good sensor).

Cost-wise. A D90 gets you the most bang for your buck in the £100 range but something a bit more modern will work better in low light. It is small, light, does nice colours and works with most Nikon DSLR lenses. D300 is similar but much bigger.

For low light work, camera sensors haven't improved much in the last 10 years but there have been big improvements in autofocus and noise processing which do make a difference. So please don't think you need the latest thing to get good pictures.
 
I started out in a local CEX, picked up a Nikon D3200 with a kit lens and it felf good my hands, the menu was easy to navigate. Stood in doorway and fired of a dozen shots on my SD card in jpg. Went home checked shutter count and pictures looked good, so I returned, bought it and a 55-300 DX zoom all within my budget. Found loads of great books and youtube videos and spent 12 months having great fun learning to exploit my new camera.
I loaned it to a friend who's youngest (9) was keen and they then purchased it from me ....
I have since moved through the Nikon range but still look back to my little D3200 with fondness and a part of me wishes I had not sold it......

IMHO you can't go wrong with any of the D3xxx range ..... Good luck to your daughter, I hope she has fun !
 
Thanks. I know she will.want to use it for videos too as she does acting (no, not til tok - musical theatre) so I am seeing if I can budget for a d5600. The tilting screen would be a massive boon, and I trust she will use it well considering how much she uses her phone camera to do actual photography rather than selfies.
 
Quick question, which of the kit Les would be preferable do you think, the 18-55mm or the 18-200 (I think they are the options).

Or would it be better to go body only and get a better lens.

Use cases will be landscapes and portraits.
 
Ben, DSLR's are an out of date and dead end technology which is slowly dying off. Yes, if you buy one it'll work and bargains probably can be found and that is a plus and maybe the only plus but to a teenager they might seem clunky technology. I think you should at least take a look at mirrorless not only for the many advantages including full frame coverage in the evf, face or eye detect, full sensor focusing coverage, more consistent focusing compared to DSLR's and WYSIWYG. If you can't find anything in your price range you can default back to DSLR's but mirrorless is at least worth a look and you may find something suitable in Micro Four Thirds or APS-C.

Good luck.

PS.
For portraits mirrorless has definite advantages as the face or eye detect is a great help and you can place your subject anywhere in the frame not just in the central area where DSLR focus points tend to be clustered.
 
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I completely agree with everything you said, and I would love to go mirrorless, but it really pushes the budget up beyond what I am able to afford. Also, my daughter, even though a young teen, loves older stuff, particularly 60 and 70s styles, and she loves the feel and aesthetic of DSLRs.
 
Benihana said:
I completely agree with everything you said, and I would love to go mirrorless, but it really pushes the budget up beyond what I am able to afford. Also, my daughter, even though a young teen, loves older stuff, particularly 60 and 70s styles, and she loves the feel and aesthetic of DSLRs.
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Just checked and you can get a Panasonic G2 (early mirrorless... I had the earlier G1 and in some situations it gave my FF Canon 5D a real scare) for under £50 and that leaves you quite a bit for a lens. For example, a Panasonic 25mm f1.7 (FF 50mm equivalent) or 14-45mm kit lens for under £100. I think you could get a body and lens for around £100-£125 or so if you try.

As I said, I think they're at least worth a look but if she likes DSLR's then that could be the way to go but just be aware it's a dying technology and if she sticks with photography I assume eventually all of the DSLR kit will need to go. At least with mirrorless if she updates the body she can keep using the lenses without the need to look into adapters.
 
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Benihana said:
Thanks. I know she will.want to use it for videos too as she does acting (no, not til tok - musical theatre) so I am seeing if I can budget for a d5600.
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That’s the D700 out, then - I had to upgrade to a D800 when I wanted to do filming as well. Before the D700, I had a couple of D7000s, and would that or the D7100 suit?

It’s been a few years since I last taught, but I found that - among the people I taught and definitely not across the wider population - Canons were more popular for people starting out, while Nikons were more widely used by people taking their photography seriously.

And of course, remember to budget for editing software…
 
On the lenses, the 18-55 AF-P is pretty good and focuses very fast. The 18-200 won't be so sharp but I haven't tried it. The 18-140 is also pretty good.

For theatre work something which is good in low light might be important so you might find a f/2.8 lens better instead of a kit lens. The tamron 17-55 f/2.8 (non VR) is good and the Sigma 17-50 f/2.8 OS is very good.

Or, instead of a D5600, you could get a D610 for about the same or a D600 for less. There is no flippy touch screen but you can use all the Nikon DSLR/SLR lenses since the 70s and some of them are great value. You also get better low light performance with them.
 
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ashishtamhane said:
I would suggest a used D700 and a 50mm.


A quick check on MPB shows a price of ~£200 for a D700. So for £20 more you will get a Pro level camera.
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A pro level camera that will have been thrashed to the end of it life. The extra weight of a 'pro level' camera above and beyond that of a D700 will go towards going for something lighter. The weight disadvantage of a D700 has already been mentioned!
 
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