Camera for 11 year old?

my niece turns 11 in a few weeks and was saying she wants a camera. She’s very artistic (lots of drawing on paper and on iPad). Not sure her exact goals with a camera. She’s also getting an iPhone 8 Plus from my Mom. Not sure if a camera would be redundant?


I’d like to spend in the $100-200 range. Looking for recommendations.


This is difficult. A simple camera offers ease of learning for a young person. But it doesn't have the flexibility for if the kid grows and learns fundamentals of f stops, iso and whatever.


A possibility would be a less expensive camera, combined with photo lessons or a mini photography course. I believe Joy Yagid offers this.


Its a puzzle. From age 8 to 12, Russ came with me on birding trips. He took photos with his iPhone and my camera. For his 13th birthday, we chipped in for Russ - $600. of camera and lens stuff. Soon after, he discovered girls and the camera hasn't left the house in over a year.


I would suggest something with inter-changable lenses. This will allow for future presents. Maybe consider a good used camera over a lesser quality new camera. Check B & H used or Adorama used sections.


iPhone 8 is probably the most camera a kid needs. Most of my sales of photos were of photos taken with the second generation iPhone with "only" 5 mp. Still, a dedicated camera involves leaving the house with a purpose.


I hope these random thoughts help.






it does. She has no idea she’s getting a phone so she said she wanted a camera. My thinking is if she knew she was getting an 8, that’s be enough camera for her to do what she wants to do. Which I suspect is to make little movies and such.


I think it depends on how into photography he is at this point.   I would look for a used DSLR so he can really learn - and new ones are closer to $500.00 - $700 (for basic ones).    

Otherwise the cameras on phones today are as good as post point and shoot cameras (which are becoming extinct).  






ok. There’s no way I’m spending $500 on a camera for a kid.


conandrob240 said:
ok. There’s no way I’m spending $500 on a camera for a kid.

 you can get a very good used one for under $200.  

and probably for free if you ask uncles/aunts/cousins, etc.  


Maybe get her some photo apps for her iPhone.


http://www.iphonehacks.com/201...


mikescott said:


conandrob240 said:
ok. There’s no way I’m spending $500 on a camera for a kid.
 you can get a very good used one for under $200.  
and probably for free if you ask uncles/aunts/cousins, etc.  

We must have different aunts/cousins. I doubt many of mine even own a camera much less just give them away. 


Used not so much my style. I like a nice warranty.


I’m thinking she should see if she’s happy with the iPhone camera first and then we’ll go from there.


Would you consider an instant camera? Not the DSLR learning experience if that's what you're looking for, but they are fun for kids and different than the camera she'll have on her phone. The Fuji instax cameras print cute, credit-card-sized photos. 


You will not get a good new camera for $200.

You will basically get a cheap point and shoot which will be no better than her phone. 

Too bad you won't consider used. Your $ will go much farther. Most come with a 90 day warranty.  



joy said:
You will not get a good new camera for $200.
You will basically get a cheap point and shoot which will be no better than her phone. 
Too bad you won't consider used. Your $ will go much farther. Most come with a 90 day warranty.  


 Yup... I got a great used one for my daughter and it came with the box and manual.  I paid $175 for the camera and one lens.    And a 90 day warranty since I purchased thru a retail store.  And best part is that a couple of years later we traded it in for a better camera and virtually every store would offer a $50 credit for turning in the old camera.  




with a 90 day warranty, I’d consider it. My preference is always for a year warranty on higher $ items. But my feeing that the iPhone camera will be better than any (most) $100-200 cameras seems to be being supported here. I think I’ll wait for now and see how she feels after using her phone for a while.


Iphone cameras have their limitations, but fine for point and shoot.   They sell accessories for the iphone as well as software to improve the quality of the photos.  And an Iphone is  $700 - $1,000 and they do not last as long as a camera (used or new).   


she is already getting the iPhone. It's bought and is a gift from her grandmother. 



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