Beginner Camera-Graduation Gift

Depends on how much you want to burn.. Canon EOS type bodied DSLR's are pretty bullet proof for beginners in auto modes, but can do more as experience grows and add lenses etc...starting around $500 for and from the sky's the limit.

It's a trap. If you get her a cheap camera, she'll think your a cheap bastard that doesn't think too much of her to get her a decent camera.

If you spend too much, you'll feel like an idiot for wasting your money when it sits in the closet unused and resent her for it.

My advice, get her something more personal, like hire a professional photographer to follow you two around at the park, or in the city for a few hours. The pics will be great and memorable. You both win.

Then PIIHB.

quote:

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She lives with me. She knows I’m not cheap. We have been together 3 years. I just don’t see her using it like she thinks.

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Tough to know what to get if this is just an idea or she's really serious about photography. If serious then what she uses today will change in 2 or 3 years to much more expensive gear. Keep in mind it's the lenses that are expensive but give the most bang for the buck.

DSLR gear I've recommended or bought as gifts the Nikon D5500 / 5600 with a Tamron 16mm to 300mm all purpose lens. Both are light weight for women especially the lens much lighter and cheaper than the Nikon equivalent and has decent low light capability. Each are about $600 plus a bag say $100 then some cards, lens cleaning supplies and card readers for your computer figure another $100 so around $1,400 all up.

Personally, I wouldn't buy that for a beginner who may or may not stay with it but it's your girl and graduation gift. I'd buy used gear but....it's your girl.

If you were sure she'd stay with it than Micro 4/3 is the way to go with future in mind but that's a whole other deal and more expensive to get DSLR performance.

Or, look at "all-in-one" compacts. This one is a steal for a beginner and at $400 you're not out much if / when she looses interest.

Amazon Panasonic

Panasonic above is a good way to start for a beginner - good luck.

I have a Sony a6500 and love it. I have friends that have Nikon and Canon and my Sony is more friendly for everyday use. Also takes better pictures.

You could probably get a great deal on one, either new or used, considering it is 4 years old. Maybe look at an a6000.

Does it have to be a DSLR?

If you don't think she is going to use it much, and has never really had much camera experience before, maybe look at a nice, higher end compact.

I shoot a Panasonic ZS100 (about $400 on Amazon), and they now have a ZS200 (about $650 on Amazon). I love my camera. It takes great pictures, has most, if not all of the modes of the DSLRs, and you can get ND and circular polarizer attachments for it.

I think something like that, which would allow her to get her feet wet with shooting and also get her a copy of Lightroom so that she can edit the RAW files would be a great starting point. If she really likes the camera, then after she feels comfortable with the various modes and things, maybe then step up to a DSLR.