PM Curnster - re: Cameras

picking a camera for a 9 year old really depends on what they're like and what photos they're wanting to take.

I suggested a tough camera (like the Pentax WG-1000) as it'd be pretty bombproof and by being properly waterproof opens up a wider variety of stuff that can be taken with it (beyond what can easily be taken by a phone, for example).

When I was around that age I inherited my Grandad's SLR - had a lot of fun with that, but it is not just pick up and use - if you've got manual controls on a camera it gives you more scope for adapting things for your specific needs, but you need to learn how to use it...

Younguns are really keen on using old digi cameras nowadays - which means buying one cheap on ebay is a bit of an art - best bet would be to tout around friends and family to see if anyone has one laying around.

DSLRs are bulky - compact system cameras are properly fab and a bit more portable (I've used Micro four Thirds for the last 15 years or so) - so if you're wanting to go proper photography - that might be nifty.

If you're going digi cameras you'll also need to be computer savvy too - as, in order to use the photos you'll need to upload them to a PC - either via the memory card or by cable. Worth bearing in mind...

A left field alternative would be to get a polaroid instant camera (there are digi ones using zink and analogue ones).

Soooo - plenty of choices - and much of it will depend on the kid and what they want to use it for - but my temptation would be to look for something you'd like to use too, as it's likely to be a hobby you do with them, rather than just set them off to do what they want.

Posted By: Cardiff Canary, Feb 3, 13:20:03