I want to teach my son. SLR or P&S

Get him the DSLR or one of the inexpensive bridge cameras like the Canon Powershot S5 IS or the others similar to

it. This way he can learn the techniques without too much focus with too much power. Also, he has a high quality

video mode with that DSLR. There are a lot of fun things to play with in this Canon - lots of gimmicky things but

for an 11-year old these spell out lots of fun.

 

I think the most important thing for him right now is having fun with it and too much is well... too much. The

bridge cameras are priced great and are great for him to learn on.

 

I think another important aspect is: what happens when he breaks or loses the camera? If he misplaces it or loses

it.. or the most likely thing, breaks it on accident? Can you replace it easily? The film cameras do not give him

the satisfaction of looking at it on screen and making prints of his favorites. He can pop in a 4 or 8 gig card

and let loose on the shutter to his hearts content.

 

You will also be teaching him more than just taking pictures... you might show him post processes, how to upload

his images, and all sorts of stuff....

How about give him a P&S for when he just wants to run around and take photos without you there, that will give him

learning on shooting subjects, framing, lighting (all basically). Then when you two are together, you can teach him the

SLR. Like you too go to a place for shooting, you can teach him how to use all the buttons and settings. The reason I

chose the suggest this way, is most 11 year olds probably wouldn't be too careful in caring for such an expensive item.

What if he went out to play and "shoot" his friends and fell on it or what not. So I'm not against you getting it for him, just

maybe under your supervision for a while.

I say get him the 30D , and it wont be hard for him, remember he is better in the computer then you....lol

No-way would I give an 11 yro a $400 camera. That's insane in my book, but that's just me. That's just how I was raised and where I come from.

 

I would get him a $40 AE-1 film slr *OR* a P&S with manual control (e.g. Canon A580).

 

Those technical aspects are actually very easy and very predictable. I don't see why an 11yrold wouldn't be able to grasp them, given the right mentoring.

If he's genuinely interested in photography I'd say get him the 30D, give him about 10 minutes worth of instruction, and let him shoot to his heart's content. A DSLR is a great camera because he won't have to worry about developing pictures, which is expensive and takes too long, but it lets him grow with more features than a P&S. Don't bore him with details after those first 10 minutes until he comes asking. He'll definitely ask for advice, especially if you get interested in what he's doing, trade stories, and make him feel comfortable and confident.

You know your son best. How responsible is he? How smart is he? I know 11 year olds that I'd entrust a $400 camera to. I also know 30 year olds that I wouldn't trust.

I agree that a film SLR is a great starting point. New manual film SLRs like the V3800n can be found new for around $150 and used ones like the Minolta SRT-101 can be had on ebay for under $40 with multiple lenses. Then get him a load of cheap slide film and some Fuji mailers. The exposure technique for the slides is similar to that for digital and should prepare him well for any future camera.

I would teach him to go all manual mode and MF too. Explain that this is the most accurate way to go, and through it he will gain much more experience and control. In getting used to this, he will then automatically monitor any auto mode he may use later, which is a good thing because auto modes are not entirely dependable. He's old enough to handle it. I'd also teach him that this is valuable equipment requiring care, not a toy for being careless. Also to expect that his results will improve with experience over time.

 

It is a good thing that he is taking an active interest in photography. And would be a good thing if you would be encouraging for him.

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I think if a camera can do it all, as a DSLR can, there is an interest to try the variety... if he has the

interest to do it. If you take pictures he wants to take, or if he sees some somewhere..... if you talk to him

about it you could find out... and if the two of you go to take pictures, just the two of you... wherever the

right setting might be, in a park, in a zoo, city at night

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I would vote for something with hiking involved at some point, so it's an "engaging" kind of setting... and all

kinds of variety of destinations, year round

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I think with a Film camera you are counting on a lot of patience from him from the time the picture is taken to

the time of seeing the picture, and... then what?

------ as opposed to seeing the camera (and having feedback) immediately, so he can try something else on the

camera -- variety -- and then at home emailing the picture (wherever that might be, remote family, local

family... feeling some pride, sense of accomplishment... a drive)

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DSLR (not too heavy) and Automatic mode at first, work on framing, then try a new feature once in a while, A

mode, or depth of field... pictures of each other. Also film cameras have a cost/picture which discourages

excessive experimenting, and the more experimenting, the more variety, success and rewards.

I would get him a manual Pentax K1000 with 50mm lens, maybe a flash.