Camera recommendation for young teen learning photography

<p>Looking at prices right now, I would get the D7100. The choice of lens(es) is somewhat more problematic.</p>

<p>I shoot both FX and DX, for what that's worth. They both have their preferred applications, but<a href="/photo/18311517&size=lg"><em><strong> the DX line is very, very good.</strong></em></a></p>

<blockquote>

<p>Today I think some of the most creative photography is being taken with smartphones and tablets.</p>

</blockquote>

<p>True enough, but they are hardly ideal for learning exposure, the very first thing that really must be learned.</p>

<p>--Lannie</p>

<blockquote>the D90 has a smaller 12 megapixel count than newer camera</blockquote>

 

<p>It does, but it'll still make a decent large print if needed, and it's got more pixels than anything this side of a 5K monitor. Yes, I've run out of pixels on a 12MP D700 in the past with a big print, but it's honestly plenty unless you like to pixel peep at details or want to crop a lot (and I'm someone who normally argues <i>for</i> resolution). If I were buying new, I'd look at the D7x00 series unless the D90 was a real bargain - but more for the improved AF, dynamic range and AI following tab than for the resolution. (The original D7000 is "only" 16MP, after all.) But if the parents already have a D90, I'd not be rushing a replacement, especially when we don't know if the student is actually going to like photography - I'm sure there are higher-priority places to spend money.</p>

Read more of the thread...

 

A D90 with lens should be fine for a Teenager learning photography.

<p>+1 on starting with the D90. An inexpensive (as already in-hand) DSLR with lens is an excellent way to go. Reserve significant investment after she decides if photography is her thing. The D90 will be absolutely sufficient for any photo assignment in a beginner high school class.</p>

<p>Totally agree that a D90 with lens is a good way to go, especially since the D90 is already paid for. However, a D90 without lens won't do her much good. :-)</p>

<p>Thanks again everyone. This is really great info and advice that I will pass along to her mom. Sounds like the D90 is definitely adequate for now -- they do have a lens too. But if they wanted to buy one, the Nikon 7000 series looks good if that's in their budget. Good point Edward about the newer cameras' file sizes and bogging down her computer. I agree the smart phone cameras are getting better and you can be more creative but I don't think they're a very good learning tool for the technical basics of photography. </p>

<p>Glad we could help, Sarah, and thanks for getting back to us. If it looks like the D7x00 series looks tempting, I'd point out that there's quite a big jump (in resolution and autofocus) between the D7000 and D7100, so if the price difference isn't huge then it may be worth stretching. The biggest difference between the D7100 and D7200 is the buffer size (number of continuous shots before you have to wait for them to write to the card), which makes a difference mostly under very specific circumstances - there are other minor changes too, but I'd generally say the D7100/D7200 change is relatively small. But for now, the D90 should be plenty to be getting on with!</p>

<p>Sarah, any one of the cameras from the D7000 series will not have the two limitations on the D90 I mentioned: (1) full metering with AI/AI-S lenses and (2) aperture control on E lenses. All D7000 series cameras have better AF and high-ISO results than the D90. They also use the newer EN-EL15 battery (instead of EN-EL3e on the D90) and all have dual SD card slots. Essentially, the newer the model, the better it is, but that is generally true for digital electronics.</p>

<p>A beginner is unlikely to take full advantage of the newer models immediately. If they have extra budget, IMO it is better to invest in additional lenses and flash, but of course it depends on what they already own. They can always upgrade a few months to a year or two later if the girl is really interested in photography by then.</p>

<p>Thank you again Shun Cheung.</p>

<p>D90? Why not a D300? A bit heavier, but a real camera.</p>

Mervyn, because the family already owns a D90.

<p>The D90 is also a real camera, even though it was never top of the line. Both the D90 and D300 are quite dated by now. Unless the budget is really limited, I wouldn't go out and buy either a D90 or D300/D300S (used) today, because there are now many other better options still at quite affordable prices. As a simple example, the D90 is only SD and SDHC compatible, e.g. you cannot use SDXC cards on it; i.e. you cannot use any 64G or higher-capacity SD cards on the D90. It wouldn't prevent you from taking great pictures, but it is annoying since 64G and 128G SD cards are quite common today. The lack of full compatibility with AI/AI-S and E lenses are other annoying limitations I mentioned earlier.</p>

<p>However, a beginner should be able to learn basic photography with a D90 today and tomorrow. Since the family already has that camera, it is very reasonable not to go out and spend money on a newer, better camera until the beginner indeed outgrows the D90, which could potentially happen fairly quickly.</p>

<p>I agree Shun. This thread has gone on so long I must have lost the plot. If a D90 is available, I'm not quite sure, in these circumstances, why there needs to be a debate. Such a camera will provide a newcomer with all they need for a year or so to decide whether they need something better or different.</p>

<p>I've changed over to Fuji X, and sold all my Nikon equipment, save a D300. It is in my small collection of classic Nikons. It still provides super images, and it looks and feels 'right'.</p>

<p>Because of compatibility issues and battery capacity, I simply see no need to go back earlier than the D7000 series--unless even the D7000 or D7100 breaks the bank. Things can only get worse for the older cameras where compatibility issues are concerned.</p>

<p>On another note, I have a friend who takes her Sony A6000 out when she goes shooting. She can afford bigger Sonys or Nikons, but she likes the idea of an APS-C sensor in a smaller body--and she also like the ergonomics of the small Sony.</p>

<p>That is just another way of saying that even the Nikon crop sensor cameras are still too large and heavy for some persons, especially for many women. I also have the A6000, but for me there is no contest, if only because of the Nikon lenses that are available. Even there, however, the AF-S 17-55mm f/2.8G DX that is currently on my D7100 is perceived by my friend as far, far too heavy. She prefers the mirrorless Sony A6000 camera with the smaller lenses that are made for it. That would not be my preference, although I cannot argue with the quality of the pictures that she comes back with. She shot Minolta for many years, and she has shot at least one of my full-frame cameras; so her choice is not made out of ignorance. She simply knows what she likes, and she knows how to use it to get great results. She does know what she is doing. Our requirements simply differ.</p>

<p>--Lannie</p>

<p>Go back to the fundamentals and suggest a mechanical camera and a nifty 50 f1.8 of any brand. If it's digital then a similar used ---D200 with a nifty 50 or comparable decent model from other brands.<br>

for editing software, The Gimp is an option<br>

https://www.gimp.org</p>