[toosenuf]

DD2 has expressed an interest in photography, what would be a good first camera?

I am not a photo taker, I don't like being in them, and I have to have a REALLy good reason to take photos.

am thinking something for Christmas, but DH suggested a giftcard and then head to the sales, good idea?

[blue4me]

You can usually get a better deal with the after xmas sales. Are you after a DSLR or just a point and shoot? My parents got me an SLR for my 15th birthday after I showed a keen interest in photography, best present ever!

[ILBB]

Do you want to get him a dslr and what is your budget??

[toosenuf]

at this stage a point and shoot, under $100 would be good ATM, but willing to consider ones dearer if needed.

I am guessing I cant afford DSLR, and also what does the SLR mean? I am guessing D is digital

[ILBB]

Cant suggest anything in that range. Teds did have a members special not so long ago for a PentaxQ for $199. That was a ripper of a little camera and you could use manual control and would be good to learn on (interchangeable lens system) - but at that price point I wouldnt know as most phones would have an equivalent or better camera. And yes the d in dslr stands for "digital" single lens reflex.

[FiveAus]

Last Christmas I bought my teenage daughter a basic Sony camera, it was small, fully automatic and around $120. She wanted one she could tuck in her handbag to take to parties.
I was surprised by how good the photos were (I am a serious hobby photographer, so Im very picky).......clear, sharp, well exposed and nice natural colour. Even indoors with the automatic flash, which is usually the killer of all good photos, it was absolutely fine.

So my advice would be to visit JB Hi Fi, Good Guys or someone else who has a good range and actively discounts the shelf price, choose a well known brand in your price range then haggle for a better deal.

[blue4me]

I don't have any suggestions for that price range. My point and shoot was over $400 and my newest DSLR over $2000. I have always had Canons and Nikons so would look at them first.

Look at how many MPs and a good optical zoom rather than digital zoom. Go to some camera shops and test some out to see what you like. If you are in Sydney I recommend going to digital camera warehouse. They know their cameras and can be significantly cheaper. I think they also have one other store in Melbourne and you can always order from them online too if you find they are cheaper with the model you decide on.

[ILBB]

DCW in Melbourne arent that cheap and never waiver from their advertised price. You are better off working out what you want then buying from somewhere like DWI, E-Global, My Camera Focus etc as they will be imports but significantly cheaper. And dont just stick to Canon and Nikon as other camera manufactures do make great cameras at all price points - limiting to 2 makers severely restricts your choice.

[PrincessPeach]

D*ck Smiths are currently having a sale on their cameras - check out thier online prices.

The sony camera I'm looking at for my mum & dad has a RRP of $449 & they have it on sale for $338.

But they do have some sony's on their for just on the $100 mark & in lots of pretty colours!

ETA - forgot about auto-correct but the model no is: DSCW630B

This post has been edited by PrincessPeach: 06/12/2012, 03:38 PM

[toosenuf]

Thanks everyone, I managed to buy one last Friday for about $100 at HN. If it ends up being a hobby that sticks, then of course we will buy her a better one, or if she ends up doing it for a school elective, which wa her suggestion, then we will spend more $$