What camera for child aged 8?

[joefoto]

My grand-daughter, aged 8, is expressing an interest in photography. She already has her own computer, and is fairly competent. What inexpensive camera would you recommend for the child beginner? Her mom thinks that having an LCD review would make a positive influence on developing as a photographer. I think fewer controls will lead to quicker learning and less frustration for the child. Help soon, please, as Gramma is starting to put the pressure on Papa Joe.

[Ian]

Re: What camera for child aged 8?

My grand-daughter, aged 8, is expressing an interest in photography. She already has her own computer, and is fairly competent. What inexpensive camera would you recommend for the child beginner? Her mom thinks that having an LCD review would make a positive influence on developing as a photographer. I think fewer controls will lead to quicker learning and less frustration for the child. Help soon, please, as Gramma is starting to put the pressure on Papa Joe.

Hi Joe, I think it depends on how much you want to spend. I have 8 and 10 year olds and one thing for sure is no matter how hard they try to be careful, the camera will eventuallu get dropped or banged. I'd suggest a camera that doesn't have an emerging lens, maybe even a non-AF camera for now. Megapixels should not be a worry.

Something like the Kodak EasyShare C310 would be a good candidate.

Ian

[Archangel]

Re: What camera for child aged 8?

My grand-daughter, aged 8, is expressing an interest in photography. She already has her own computer, and is fairly competent. What inexpensive camera would you recommend for the child beginner? Her mom thinks that having an LCD review would make a positive influence on developing as a photographer. I think fewer controls will lead to quicker learning and less frustration for the child. Help soon, please, as Gramma is starting to put the pressure on Papa Joe.

Nikon Coolpix L4 is my suggestion. Cheap with very good photo quality for the money it costs and for category it belongs and represents.

Here are some sample images:

http://www.steves-digicams.com/2006_reviews/l4_samples.html

Regards

George

[Ian]

Re: What camera for child aged 8?

Nikon Coolpix L4 is my suggestion. Cheap with very good photo quality for the money it costs and for category it belongs and represents.

Here are some sample images:

http://www.steves-digicams.com/2006_reviews/l4_samples.html

Regards

George

Hi George,

The Nikon Coolpix L4 is undeniably good value, but it has a delicate and fragile telescoping lens. I'd definitely urge Joe to go for a fixed lens.

Ian

[Archangel]

Re: What camera for child aged 8?

Hi George,

The Nikon Coolpix L4 is undeniably good value, but it has a delicate and fragile telescoping lens. I'd definitely urge Joe to go for a fixed lens.

Ian

Indeed the lens is telescopic, but I don't know what exactly you mean by "Delicate & fragile". My Coolpix 7900 that I have for 2 years now works perfectly without any lens problems.

Obviously you mean that a child will not be as carefull as an adult in handling and carrying the camera around. If this is the case, that obviously it is, then any telescopic lens camera won't be good for a child, so your suggestion finds me to agree with you.



Regards

George

[joefoto]

Re: What camera for child aged 8?

My wife has looked at the Kodak Ian suggested. It can be delivered to my door for US$61. So far, that's seems like a bargain and exactly what Gramma ordered.

Thanks for the help and cross-commentary (not angry, just varied perspectives). That helped us a lot.

Joe Eder

[Nicholas]

Re: What camera for child aged 8?

I would buy her a disposable film camera, 27 exposures with flash.

Let her take her time shooting, when ready get it developed, and let her enjoy showing her pictures to everyone.

Then get her a second disposable film camera and let her shoot, etc.

At this point I would get her a digital camera that won't be missed if left behind or lost. When she sees her pictues on the monitor, she will have a good understanding of what a camera is and if she likes it.

All IMHO. Regards, Nicholas

[Ian]

Re: What camera for child aged 8?

Hey Nicholas, that's pretty good advice

Ian