My 12 year old daughter has a good compact camera but now wants to go the next stage and wants a SLR camera, she enjoys photography and i want to buy her a beginners camera which won't cost a fortune as you know what kids are like after 10 mins they won't use it again. If she does really get into photography then i will splash out a descent one.

But for now i would like advice on which camera to buy her.

I have a Canon 350d which is an entry level dSLR from a few years back. Maybe a second hand camera would be a good way for your daughter to try a dSLR out, I've seen these go on ebay as a kit with lens for about £100.

Perhaps second hand is not what you're after, if not you could just go canon's current entry level. There's a seller Digital Rev which seem to be a good Chinese seller, their kits are a fair bit cheaper and they offer fast delivery.

I'm a bit Canon biassed but there are the other big players Nikon and Sony who are getting more popular.

Hope that helps a little,

Dan

Just seen a FujiFilm Finepix S2980 Bridge camera are they any good.

I have the following bridge cameras, all in very good condition, which are sitting around doing nothing

Canon S3

Panasonic FZ8

Panasonic FZ28

All take very good pictures, and have decent macro facilities

PM me if you want to know more

She has just told me she wants a camera which she can change the lenses which means the bridge camera is no good and many thanks for that Brimma.

No problem

She's a very lucky girl to be getting a DSLR at 12 years old

What about a CSC as that might suit smaller hands?

Not necessarily cheaper, but good quality.

There is a Canon refurb seller on eBay who I have bought from and trust.

To be honest any Nikon, Canon, Sony, Olympus, Pentax, etc would suit, even one a few years out of date, although I personally feel that the newer 'consumer' level DSLR's are adding too many gimmicks that only serve to confuse a learner.

I have decided to look for a Canon Eos 350 or 450 and i am looking on Ebay.

Would be worth keeping an eye on these guys who are an 'official' Canon refurbisher (I don't know how official it is, but they have sold me two cameras which have had no problems in 7 years!

I have bidded £50 on a 350d.

Would be worth keeping an eye on these guys who are an 'official' Canon refurbisher (I don't know how official it is, but they have sold me two cameras which have had no problems in 7 years!

I bought my first camera off here. It was a refurb canon 350d and served me well, never had any issues.

If you can stretch a bit further than the 350d i would advise it. The difference in screens and ease of use in menu etc jumped considerably from the 350d to my current 450d and it is considered old!

Depending on your budget, £290 for a new canon 1100D would be a good buy for a starter (prob better spec than my current 450d) http://www.camerapricebuster.co.uk/mcp.php?n=CanonDigitalSLRs=&mc=1

Another consideration, does your daughter want the option of taking video? this may add a little extra to keep her interest in the camera for a longer period and future proof it somewhat.

Colm

I have a D3200 Nikon, and is a great starter camera as the "guide mode" teaches you how to set the camera up to get the best shot

currently £360 @ costco

Canon 350D is what I started with, and I bought mine second-hand. Great camera, bullet-proof really. Mine's still going, though my Dad has it now as a back up camera.

They're good to learn on because they don't offer all the fanciness new cameras do, with "auto" settings, like for ISO etc. The ISO for example is grainy above 400, so you need to learn how to get the best from other settings to make a photo work, rather than with today's cameras simply whopping the ISO up to a million and getting away with it.

Only downside is the LCD on the back is a bit small. They're also physically small.

MPB Photographic is a good place to look at 2nd hand stuff too, as they offer a warranty and tell you (with images) the condition of the gear you're buying.

the guide mode on nikons is like having a tutor there, very useful

Start with budget and then work your way back.

I've used Nikons for about 10 years. My little D70s still gives me reasonable service (despite showing its age) although I've been fortunate enough to try the D90 and D3 as well. The guy who does photos for the hockey team I follow is a D3X man and swears by it. He swears a lot right now following an accident when covering his local football team but even a big repair bill won't put him off his Nikon.

The most recent entry level model is the D3200, up against Canon's 1100D. Of the 2 cameras, the Nikon is certainly the friendlier camera for beginners as it has far more on board help functions. Unfortunately you're paying about £75 premium for that onboard tutorial feature. It replaced the D3100 and there should still be stock available of that model that puts it on an almost even price point with the Canon. With SLR cameras it's as much about the lens as it is about the body itself and the kit lenses Nikon supply are very good quality. Basic, reliable build (part plastic mounts but solid enough) but with very good glass and reliable anti-shake.

The D3200 has a jump in resolution over the D3100 but it shouldn't be a deal breaker. Megapixel count hasn't been a reliable measure of camera quality for years and as manufacturers cram more (and smaller) pixels onto the image sensor, the potential for electronic noise (grain) increases. Modern cameras control it pretty well and you can usually get decent enough images even in pretty poor light conditions from most modern SLRs. The D3100 is more attractively priced than the D3200 and the resolution will still give punchy A4 prints and decent A3 prints. The onboard help is better than the Canon effort so as a tutorial tool if your daughter is interested in photography, it's possibly a feature that'll be really helpful?

The other thing to consider is additional glass. Most kit lenses will cover a pretty standard zoom range (usually between 18/25mm and 55/70mm). Absolutely fine for general shooting but I'd possibly look at investing in a telephoto lens in the future. Something that goes to at least 200mm - digital cameras using smaller sensors alter the optics of a lens (called the crop factor) and in Nikon's case it extends the range of the lens by about 1.5x. The longer lens is really handy when you can't get physically closer to the thing you want to photograph and the 200mm length is pretty popular. That usually means that telephoto lenses up to 200mm are affordable, either from the camera manufacturer or a 3rd party lens company. Sigma and Tamron make lenses for most camera brands and both produce fairly decent lenses that are cheaper than their manufacturer-branded alternatives. You can feel a slight compromise in build quality but theres often little compromise in performance and some Sigmas in particular can often be regarded far higher than the equivalent camera-branded lens.

I'd go for the Nikon D3100 if I was looking for an entry-level camera. Reliable and solid build quality. There are a few features missing that you'd find on a more expensive camera body - most obvious one being an onboard focus motor - but that is only really an issue for people who want to use older specialist lenses as most modern glass (and certainly most that home users would be looking at) will have it's own lens motor. Right combination of price, build quality, performance and ease of use.

If your daughter does get into her photography then it's worth building up her kit over a few years - lenses, lens filters, external flash etc. If the time comes where she wants to upgrade (maybe as an older teenager doing photography in school or college) then her lenses will be compatible with an upgraded SLR she may move to in a few years time. When you buy a dSLR, you're buying into a whole system of cameras, lenses and accessories so most photographers tend to build up pretty strong brand loyalties as they're investing in a brand for the longer term as much as buying a specific camera for immediate use.

When you buy a dSLR, you're buying into a whole system of cameras, lenses and accessories so most photographers tend to build up pretty strong brand loyalties as they're investing in a brand for the longer term as much as buying a specific camera for immediate use.

That's an understatement if ever I saw one...

Unless you are earning mega bucks it's almost impossible to change from one system to another without losing significant amounts of money.

you can't go wrong with the top three or four players though - each has strengths and weaknesses (sorry - areas for improvement).

At the consumer end of the market, there is little in it IMO.

Start with budget and then work your way back.

I've used Nikons for about 10 years. My little D70s still gives me reasonable service (despite showing its age) although I've been fortunate enough to try the D90 and D3 as well. The guy who does photos for the hockey team I follow is a D3X man and swears by it. He swears a lot right now following an accident when covering his local football team but even a big repair bill won't put him off his Nikon.

The most recent entry level model is the D3200, up against Canon's 1100D. Of the 2 cameras, the Nikon is certainly the friendlier camera for beginners as it has far more on board help functions. Unfortunately you're paying about £75 premium for that onboard tutorial feature. It replaced the D3100 and there should still be stock available of that model that puts it on an almost even price point with the Canon. With SLR cameras it's as much about the lens as it is about the body itself and the kit lenses Nikon supply are very good quality. Basic, reliable build (part plastic mounts but solid enough) but with very good glass and reliable anti-shake.

The D3200 has a jump in resolution over the D3100 but it shouldn't be a deal breaker. Megapixel count hasn't been a reliable measure of camera quality for years and as manufacturers cram more (and smaller) pixels onto the image sensor, the potential for electronic noise (grain) increases. Modern cameras control it pretty well and you can usually get decent enough images even in pretty poor light conditions from most modern SLRs. The D3100 is more attractively priced than the D3200 and the resolution will still give punchy A4 prints and decent A3 prints. The onboard help is better than the Canon effort so as a tutorial tool if your daughter is interested in photography, it's possibly a feature that'll be really helpful?

The other thing to consider is additional glass. Most kit lenses will cover a pretty standard zoom range (usually between 18/25mm and 55/70mm). Absolutely fine for general shooting but I'd possibly look at investing in a telephoto lens in the future. Something that goes to at least 200mm - digital cameras using smaller sensors alter the optics of a lens (called the crop factor) and in Nikon's case it extends the range of the lens by about 1.5x. The longer lens is really handy when you can't get physically closer to the thing you want to photograph and the 200mm length is pretty popular. That usually means that telephoto lenses up to 200mm are affordable, either from the camera manufacturer or a 3rd party lens company. Sigma and Tamron make lenses for most camera brands and both produce fairly decent lenses that are cheaper than their manufacturer-branded alternatives. You can feel a slight compromise in build quality but theres often little compromise in performance and some Sigmas in particular can often be regarded far higher than the equivalent camera-branded lens.

I'd go for the Nikon D3100 if I was looking for an entry-level camera. Reliable and solid build quality. There are a few features missing that you'd find on a more expensive camera body - most obvious one being an onboard focus motor - but that is only really an issue for people who want to use older specialist lenses as most modern glass (and certainly most that home users would be looking at) will have it's own lens motor. Right combination of price, build quality, performance and ease of use.

If your daughter does get into her photography then it's worth building up her kit over a few years - lenses, lens filters, external flash etc. If the time comes where she wants to upgrade (maybe as an older teenager doing photography in school or college) then her lenses will be compatible with an upgraded SLR she may move to in a few years time. When you buy a dSLR, you're buying into a whole system of cameras, lenses and accessories so most photographers tend to build up pretty strong brand loyalties as they're investing in a brand for the longer term as much as buying a specific camera for immediate use.

What a very informative post and has saved me a lot of time reading up. Great advice too :clap:

Thank you very much for that ClanFanAl most appreciated info. We lost the bids on Ebay so after Christmas once people got their new cameras and hope their old ones go cheap we will buy one then.

Bit of a shameful plug but I've got a Canon 1000d for sale on here. Not quite as well specced as a 450d but has been a good camera for me. Only selling it as I've upgraded to a 600d.

As has already been said really the 350D, 110D and the 450D are great cameras although the 450 can still be a little pricey. There is also the 1000D and the 400D that are worth considering. If your buying second hand I would suggest buying from some kind of retailer. Both London Camera Exchange and MPB Photographic are pretty good and all there second hand kit comes with warranties. You do pay a little more than on the likes of Ebay etc but then you also get piece of mind that the kit your buying isnt going to pack up after 10 minutes of use.

Start with budget and then work your way back.

I've used Nikons for about 10 years. My little D70s still gives me reasonable service (despite showing its age) although I've been fortunate enough to try the D90 and D3 as well. The guy who does photos for the hockey team I follow is a D3X man and swears by it. He swears a lot right now following an accident when covering his local football team but even a big repair bill won't put him off his Nikon.

The most recent entry level model is the D3200, up against Canon's 1100D. Of the 2 cameras, the Nikon is certainly the friendlier camera for beginners as it has far more on board help functions. Unfortunately you're paying about £75 premium for that onboard tutorial feature. It replaced the D3100 and there should still be stock available of that model that puts it on an almost even price point with the Canon. With SLR cameras it's as much about the lens as it is about the body itself and the kit lenses Nikon supply are very good quality. Basic, reliable build (part plastic mounts but solid enough) but with very good glass and reliable anti-shake.

The D3200 has a jump in resolution over the D3100 but it shouldn't be a deal breaker. Megapixel count hasn't been a reliable measure of camera quality for years and as manufacturers cram more (and smaller) pixels onto the image sensor, the potential for electronic noise (grain) increases. Modern cameras control it pretty well and you can usually get decent enough images even in pretty poor light conditions from most modern SLRs. The D3100 is more attractively priced than the D3200 and the resolution will still give punchy A4 prints and decent A3 prints. The onboard help is better than the Canon effort so as a tutorial tool if your daughter is interested in photography, it's possibly a feature that'll be really helpful?

The other thing to consider is additional glass. Most kit lenses will cover a pretty standard zoom range (usually between 18/25mm and 55/70mm). Absolutely fine for general shooting but I'd possibly look at investing in a telephoto lens in the future. Something that goes to at least 200mm - digital cameras using smaller sensors alter the optics of a lens (called the crop factor) and in Nikon's case it extends the range of the lens by about 1.5x. The longer lens is really handy when you can't get physically closer to the thing you want to photograph and the 200mm length is pretty popular. That usually means that telephoto lenses up to 200mm are affordable, either from the camera manufacturer or a 3rd party lens company. Sigma and Tamron make lenses for most camera brands and both produce fairly decent lenses that are cheaper than their manufacturer-branded alternatives. You can feel a slight compromise in build quality but theres often little compromise in performance and some Sigmas in particular can often be regarded far higher than the equivalent camera-branded lens.

I'd go for the Nikon D3100 if I was looking for an entry-level camera. Reliable and solid build quality. There are a few features missing that you'd find on a more expensive camera body - most obvious one being an onboard focus motor - but that is only really an issue for people who want to use older specialist lenses as most modern glass (and certainly most that home users would be looking at) will have it's own lens motor. Right combination of price, build quality, performance and ease of use.

If your daughter does get into her photography then it's worth building up her kit over a few years - lenses, lens filters, external flash etc. If the time comes where she wants to upgrade (maybe as an older teenager doing photography in school or college) then her lenses will be compatible with an upgraded SLR she may move to in a few years time. When you buy a dSLR, you're buying into a whole system of cameras, lenses and accessories so most photographers tend to build up pretty strong brand loyalties as they're investing in a brand for the longer term as much as buying a specific camera for immediate use.

I think we know the same man. First name Al?

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I think we know the same man. First name Al?

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Indeed.

Also remember that second hand out can often be cheaper to buy the body only and a kit lens separately.

Keep an eye on shops like cash converters, they sometimes have absolute bargains and I've found the prices are almost always negotiable (you'd be amazed how little they pay for their items...)

I have Sony alpha, mainly because my old camera was Konica Minolta and the lenses fit...

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