My eight year old stepdaughter has just begun experimenting with more advanced image controls after several years of
using her Olympus E-500. The small body and kit lens are the perfect size for her hands and, being an SLR, she has
been able to explore increasingly complex shooting methods with the same system. She started out, at around five years
old, using it in full auto but is now practicing aperture, shutter speed, and flash level adjustments. She just recently
discovered the self timer, so she's been keen on shooting self portraits with a small tripod.
The light weight is also an advantage, especially for days at the zoo and the like.
This system is so cheap from a used dealer like KEH, that it is essentially disposable, but she's so proud of her "grown
up" camera that she takes incredibly good care of it.
Her five year old sister has started asking for a similar camera (after years of playing with and old 620 and using a digital
P&S). I think we may buy her something like an E-420 in the near future.