Ed,
I often get asked this type of questions by friends.
While I am myself a big fan of the SLRs I have (and had before), - today,
I would not suggest a DSLR as the first camera in the case like yours.
Here is my earlier response on this list to a similar question from Eric:
http://pdml.net/pipermail/pdml_pdml.net/2018-March/443539.html
where I explain why.
Even though that was written for a 12-y.o., practically all the same
thoughts are applicable to a 15-y.o.
So, I would suggest either one of the micro-2/3 cameras, if the
interchangeable lenses are desired, or a well-capable ("more advanced")
P&S, - such that offers manual control for most parameters (almost the
same as in case of an SLR or rangefinder).
In case of a P&S, I'd suggest to buy a camera with a fast lens (f/2.0 or
faster, -- there are a few cams with 1.4 or 1.7).
A faster lens typically shortens the reach of the zoom.
But the practice shows that typically, you don't use as much of the long
end of a P&S "superzoom" (the image quality is not as good, and
you are not buying a P&S for birding), but you'd appreciate
a fast lens.
For about 10 years, I've been following the models of the advanced P&S's
(but stopped in the past ~3 years). We usually had one either for my wife
or as a camera for me when I cannot take a DSLR (e.g. on a snow mountain).
Brand- and model-wise, for a P&S, I'd look at the Lumix LX line, -
currently it is Lumix LX10, or Canon Powershot: G7 X Mark II at this
point, or its predecessor, that is still available and cheaper, - G7 X.
These two model lines have been very close to each other, - but somehow
I've always made a choice in favor of Lumix, and never regretted.
I don't know the most recent micro-2/3rds models, but I am sure some
people on this list can recommend those.
You might also want to see what other PDMLers wrote in that earlier thread:
http://pdml.net/pipermail/pdml_pdml.net/2018-March/thread.html
(That thread is about 1/3 down on that page, with the subject "Cameras for
a kid")
Now, let me comment on the C, N, and P lower-end (D)SLRs.
While I haven't looked at those in the past 3-4 years, my experience from
the previous 20 years form my opinion that the lowest end Canon DSLRs (and
SLRs),- "Digital Rebel" (and Rebel before that) are a bad choice.
They are made cheaply, and are not as good performers as the counterparts
from Nikon and Pentax. Canon good cameras are their high-end models (And I
don't have sufficient experience with Canon mid-level models.) It seems
that the intent of those cameras is to hook people on Canon brand with a
low price, and lock them in there, expecting the need for an upgrade.
In contrast, the low-end Pentax and Nikon have been good, solid performers.
I hope this helps.
Best regards,
Igor
Ed Keeney Fri, 26 Oct 2018 06:57:59 -0700 wrote:
My sister-in-law is looking to get her 15 year old son a new camera
for Christmas. I took a quick look at B&H to get the entry level
camera prices for Canon, Nikon, Pentax and Sony.
Prices for Canon and Nikon entry level cameras come in around $450-600
depending on the lens kit included. Sony and Pentax (K70) both start
round $700 for a single lens kit.
Kinda hard to push Pentax at $250 more for a beginner and someone who
might lose the photo bug in a short time.
Am I missing something?
Thanks!
Ed
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