Digital camera. For a beginning artist without breaking my budget.

[seabeyond]

I am looking for a digital camera for my son. For the last handful of years, he has been spending more and more time jumping into the art of photography; he has quite the eye. But, he has only been using his phone camera.

I do not want to spend much. But I want to buy him a good quality camera for him to experiment with and maybe later, pick up pieces that will afford better quality pictures thru lense, scopes, whatever.

I spent my own time in photography decades ago, with the 35 mm camera. I know nothing about today's cameras.

So, any help and the deals the next couple days, I would really appreciate it.

Thank you.

[catnhatnh]

1. Amazon only until 03:00 eastern

Nikon digital SLR with 2 nikon lenses from 18-200mm coverage at just under 4 hundred....this is very cheap-like half of list...

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B016VOV714?ref_=gb1h_img_m-4_0022_a0946dae&smid=ATVPDKIKX0DER

[seabeyond]

2. Look at you, first out of the box. I want to buy that simply because of the deal, lol.

That breaks the budget, even if I save $438.00. But, wow. What a deal. Now, I need to find a $300.00 camera for about $150.00. lol

Thanks. An awesome deal.

[catnhatnh]

4. NO problem...I had no idea of your budget...

so that was the best I found at the top end. You will probably be looking for a nice point and shoot or perhaps a "Bridge" camera that has the look and many features of a DSLR but with a non-detachable single zoom lens. If I find something I'll post it here...

[seabeyond]

5. Thank you. I wish I had the cash to simply buy something so nice, for a beginner.

I do not know how interested he will stay in it. Could be momentary, could be a lifetime. It brings him peace and settles him in his busy university studies and crosscountry/track competition. That takes up so much time, so for him to be using photography, I want to encourage that. I would like to enhance his experience, but, I do not want to waste money on something that isn't going to last.

I am clueless what you are talking about, but glad you are using the terminology, so I can learn. Thanks.

[catnhatnh]

9. Breathe deep....

There's many levels of nice but if it finishes with a heartfelt giving with obvious deep thoughts it couldn't be bad. If any of the terminology isn't clear just ask...

[csziggy]

3. Don't know about deals but look at a FujiFilm FinePix S9900

I bought one from Costco for about $225 a couple of weeks ago. Amazon has it for about $10 more but the Costco deal included a bag and a SD card.

It has a fantastic zoom (50x, equivalent to 28-1200mm), image stabilized, lots of built in settings and filters. But what is also nice is that it has settings for manual controls.

I'd gotten an earlier version (S5400) that I loved but now that my husband is retired he needs his own camera. I got the new one, her gets the old one since he doesn't take as good care of his equipment. It also came from Costco with the identical bag and a SD card.

The S990W I got has wifi and can connect to a computer or Android tablet or phone to download photos or to act as a remote control. It uses AA batteries which is handy. One of my favorite features is the electronic viewfinder, very much like using a viewfinder on a DSLR. You can switch to the back screen but in bright light the viewfinder is fantastic.

Here is a review of the camera: http://www.digitalcamera-hq.com/products/fujifilm-finepix-s9900w

[seabeyond]

7. Excellent info. Thank you. Closer to my budget, but it has lots of stuff

I would be looking for. With Black Friday, maybe it will be under 200. Thank you for the conversation. I am learning, and this is what I was really looking for. I was clueless on cameras.

[csziggy]

16. It's originally a $350 camera

Maybe one of the slightly more basic FinePix versions would fit your budget and still give the quality.

B&H Photo has the S8600 for $179 through November 28: http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/1021628-REG/fujifilm_finepix_s8600_digital_camera.html

Amazon has that one for $161: http://www.amazon.com/Fujifilm-FinePix-Digital-Camera-3-0-Inch/dp/B00HGE3CXU For a few bucks more you can add a camera bag and SD card - just scroll down to their package deal for $185.

Be careful when shopping for the lower numbered cameras - some of the older models listed for much higher prices and even discounted for age cost more on Amazon than the new ones.

[seabeyond]

17. Thanks for that tip.

I did do some searches with the brands you all are giving and saw some good prices. I was wondering about the 8600. I am gonna continue researching. You guys have really pointed me in the right direction. I needed this to be informed enough to just start hunting.

Thanks csziggy

[alfredo]

13. There's also a Nikon S9900, a more pocketable camera.

[csziggy]

18. I looked at that one before getting my new FinePix S9900W

I like having a viewfinder, which that Nikon model does not have. Nikon does have a more expensive model with a viewfinder - one that senses the eye and doesn't have to be switched but it was more than my budget allowed.

I also prefer the AA batteries in the FujiFilm rather than the lithium battery for the Nikon. The final thing was that the Nikon S9900 is a much smaller body - better for putting in a pocket but too small to be comfortable for my big hands. I have a little Canon Powershot that is the right size for pockets, but my hands cramp if I have to handle for very long.

[alfredo]

23. I had to fashion a grip on my camera.

My camera had a wimpy grip, but wonderful specs.

You can get self curing rubber to make a camera better fit your hands.

[csziggy]

24. I don't want to make modifications - I want to pull the camera out of the box

And start taking pictures. If the camera is too small a better grip is not going to help the cramping I get from trying to bend my fingers to hold it and reach the shutter or controls.

I've had that problem since I bought my first camera - a Kodak Instamatic was too small for me to use. My sister bought it from me and I bought the Sears knockoff which wasn't popular because it was bigger - but my big hands could hold it so much better!

I've got huge hands for a woman - my palms are the same size as my 6'2" husband's.

[nadinbrzezinski]

26. The exact 180 from you

I got to test the camera to make sure it fits my hands.

My 5100, we just killed the sensor, fits like a glove, the D810 also fits pretty well, The D300... you kid me right? Nope. So that one has to be mostly be set before we start to work.

Ok, ok, if we need to get the rain gear on them... forget about any controls... or for that matter getting the lens to change focal length. (Most people do not have that issue, I know)

[alfredo]

34. I have arthritis, so the grip makes the camera bigger.

I have the Olympus EPM2, a small camera. My hands are broad and gnarled. The easy modification makes reaching controls easier, relieves cramping.


https://sugru.com

[Jim Beard]

25. The electronic viewfinder was a must on my last camera.

They don't make very many of them.

[catnhatnh]

6. Here is csziggy's Fuji bridge camera as an Amazon refurbished unit

I have bought Amazon refurbs with no problems and your price is down to $165

http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_noss_2?url=search-alias%3Dphoto&field-keywords=fuji+S9900W

[seabeyond]

8. Cool. Cool cool cool. lol. I love you guys. nt

[nadinbrzezinski]

12. The ONLY caveat with refurbished

is the number of images that thing has taken.

We managed to burn though a sensor already (ok, ok, most photographers will replace their gear well before they burn though a sensor.)

[catnhatnh]

10. Okay Point and shoots....

L32 Nikon factory refurbished. I have 2 of the earlier L28's and they are nearly bulletproof and small and light enough for any pocket. $87 plus shipping. Current new price $160+

http://www.nikonusa.com/en/nikon-products/product/refurbished-compact-digital-cameras/coolpix-l32-refurbished.html

[Hoppy]

11. I have a d3200. It is worht the money.

[seabeyond]

19. I checked it out. That is a pretty camera. lol. I liked. A little high for what I am looking for

But then, who knows what deals are going to come up Friday.

[Hoppy]

28. Several places will offer 0% interest on purchases over $400.

The D3200 is a basic s.l.r. But it offers the potential to expand with lenses in future. If your budding artist gets into photography, s/he will want the flexibility something like the 3200 offers. The choice will be to buy one later and put the one you buy tomorrow in the closet.

If your kid has a future in photography, it is cheaper to by a 3200 now.

[nadinbrzezinski]

14. Since you are looking for a point and shoot

I would add, ability to be in water.

http://www.bestbuy.com/site/olympus-tg-860-16-0-megapixel-waterproof-digital-camera-orange/3558101.p?id=1219588126510&skuId=3558101&ref=06&loc=01&ci_src=14110944&ci_sku=3558101&extensionType=pla:g&s_kwcid=PTC!pla!!!120266414679!g!!81402196959&kpid=3558101&k_clickid=259ad01c-81ce-4c0a-9906-0b51ac2daeb7&lsft=ref:212,loc:1&ksid=259ad01c-81ce-4c0a-9906-0b51ac2daeb7&ksprof_id=14&ksaffcode=pg10687&ksdevice=c

We have the previous model of this one. It is our camera to take when traveling (I hate to be a target) or if we need to be more incognito during demonstrations for example.

It is also great in rain... it takes it like a champ and keeps going.

Oh and whichever you decide to get, the SD card, Class 10, these days they call them ultra plus and have a recording speed of 40 m\s, this is how fast it records the data on your card. Don't skimp on that. Those are the lowest you want to go. I tend to use a 16 mb card, and have a backup.

[seabeyond]

21. Some one was talking about sports, and being on a cross country/track team,

that seemed to be a consideration. And he is in New Orleans where it rains all the time.

More considerations.

My husband had one with a case we could shoot under water. That was a blast.

[nadinbrzezinski]

27. Saving me some research

since that will have to be replaced as well... the point and shoot that is

http://thewirecutter.com/reviews/best-waterproof-camera/

That is a good review.

[catnhatnh]

15. Okay last one tonight...

If you go point and shoot, walmart black friday online has the Nikon L31 point and shoot with a free 16GB memory card for $65 new or 32MB card for $70...

[seabeyond]

20. My cheap self is saying, it would be a step up from a cell phone camera.

but I want him to really get into the control of experimenting with a picture. I am now in a budget range of $70- nearing $400. lol.

Thanks for all your help.

[catnhatnh]

22. You're very welcome

and remember that choosing should be fun too!

[Major Nikon]

29. Here's what I recommend

Initially the best thing you can spend your money on is education. A knowledgeable photographer can take great pictures with pretty much any camera. A photographer with poor knowledge will have a hard time taking great pictures with even the best equipment.

Sign him up for a college level beginning photography class and buy the equipment they recommend. It will probably be relatively cheap because they usually want students to have a basic camera which good manual override capability and few, if any, automatic functions.

Don't forget the used market. Many pro to serious amateur and pro camera bodies were designed to last for a lifetime of consumer grade use, and many people shed them after just a few years.

For a specific recommendation, here's what I would buy in this situation:

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/801294200-USE/nikon_25468_d7000_slr_digital_camera.html

This is a helluva camera for the money. It has a ton of capability and performs in manual mode as easily as any of the auto functions. It also can accept the vast majority of Nikon DSLR lenses available on the used market, even fully manual lenses that are over 40 years old. Another tip is to go with B&H, Adorama, or KEH if you do mail order. All have excellent reputations and I've dealt with all of them for decades with zero problems.

As far as the lens goes, this one is hands down the one I'd recommend for someone who really wants to get into artistic photography. This lens is perfect for a student, and it's also just an awesome lens with incredible value. I've owned one for over 30 years and Nikon still makes them (new they cost over $400 and still well worth it).
http://www.keh.com/352407/nikon-55mm-f-2-8-micro-ais-focus-stiff-manual-focus-lens-52

Pretty much any beginning photography class in college that allows digital cameras will accept the combination I specified. If you want to go cheaper, get a D90 and a 50/1.8 lens.

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/801209221-USE/nikon_25446_d90_slr_digital_camera.html
http://www.adorama.com/US%20%20%20%20743212.html

[seabeyond]

30. He is on the cross country/track team and starting his last year at university. finishing up early.

So, I am not getting him into a class any time soon. But, you do have me thinking about summer, and our Junior college here in town. That would be a terrific suggestion for this kid. Good idea. Thank you for that.

Funny, you like the Nikon. lol. Thanks for the information. The first one is a little high for me. The second, more toward my budget and if I can get a good sale tomorrow that would be even better.

[Major Nikon]

31. I doubt they are going to discount their used equipment

However you can shop around and might find a better deal on the D90, 50/1.8 combination. The three outlets I listed are the ones to check first. Ebay is also a good place to look if the sellers have a good reputation.

[seabeyond]

32. I do not know much about Ebay, so thank you for that. I am not opposed to buying used,

if you all are stating that for the most part, that is a good deal. I know my son buys his phones and maybe other stuff, refurbished. He seems to have confidence in that.

[Major Nikon]

33. I have returned used equipment at Adorama and B&H

Both will take the return and issue a full refund. Sometimes I'll order two or more of the same item just to compare the quality and return the ones I don't want. If the quality says 8 or higher, you will get a very nice used item. The lowest quality usually has functional defects and mid range is generally fully functional with signs of wear from normal or hard use.

I suspect KEH is going to be as good, but I've never returned an item with them. Many people speak highly of KEH.

You want to be careful of other online camera suppliers. Some are good, but most are rip-off artists that employ predatory retail practices like bait and switch and have shitty return policies.

[Rstrstx]

35. I've returned items from KEH

They're a good company and usually have a huge selection of bodies and lenses for sale.

After reading the replies I think the point has been made several times but I can't emphasize enough how important it is to think about getting into a camera system and not just a simple point-and-shoot body (which he'll outgrow quickly if he's into photography). Canon and Nikon are the two rock solid traditional companies but if there are a lot of old manual focus lenses lying around for him to use you may want to think about a mirrorless system (such as Sony E). They have an incredible amount of flexibility as far as usable lenses go, coupled with features that make manual focusing easier than ever.