Is this a rubbish idea?

[Jon]

My youngest, who is 8, loves a camera, and uses mine, under supervision, and gets some good shots.  I've seen a Canon 40D, in good condition at a reasonable price.  I'm seriously considering buying it as a second body and for use when the weather is less than clement - its a prosumer model so has a bit more weatherproofing.

Would also let him take his own pictures - I'd stick the nifty fifty on it for him

 

Think it's a good idea?

[Denis]

That is only something you can answer. It is your money and your child, and if you think he's capable of using it as you wish him too, then good on you!

[Barbara]

I have a 40d and all I would say is that it is quite heavy but it is very robust, although I have upgraded to a 60d I wouldn't part with it

Edited March 5, 2014 by blackrox

[Black Pearl]

Its a big and rather heavy camera for small hands - its a good camera and a bargain but something lighter may be a better idea.

[pdcpic]

What about getting him a decent Bridge? 

[NannyFerret]

My nephew has got his two boys into photography, I think they are about 11 and the other one a bit older. They have DSLRs.

I think it would be how big your lad is and how strong so that he can manage.
A bridge is really a good idea, or maybe a zoom compact.

[ChrisLumix]

What about getting him a decent Bridge? 

 

Much better idea - my FZ38 superzoom weighs barely a pound and its original reviews decried its rather small buttons, which would be a major ADVANTAGE to a child.

[geodar]

I went to the 40d from the 350, I took me ages to use it on a regular basis. it is a lot heavier and bigger than the 350, then when a lens is added the weight increases.

I now use it all the time, but I think it will be too heavy for a youngster. if you are happy with the price I would buy it as a second body but look for a smaller, lighter body/camera for the lad.

geoff

[colinb]

At 8 your son might be enjoying the time spent with dad just as much or maybe more than using a camera, if he dropped the camera and broke your 50 how would you feel/react?

 

A bridge or compact might be better (check out Fuji' reconditioned cameras web pages) and in a couple of years you might decide to upgrade your own camera body which he then could have?

Edited March 6, 2014 by colinb

[Jon]

Thanks, I need the voice of reason sometimes :-)

 

I may well get the 40D as a second body, it is a very nice thing :-)  Thinking on, I have a Fuji S1000f in the back of a cupboard - I'll buy some new batteries for that and let him use it

[pdcpic]

It would be great to see the photos he comes up with

[ChrisLumix]

At 8 your son might be enjoying the time spent with dad just as much or maybe more than using a camera, if he dropped the camera and broke your 50 how would you feel/react?

 

A bridge or compact might be better (check out Fuji' reconditioned cameras web pages) and in a couple of years you might decide to upgrade your own camera body which he then could have?

 

Hi Colin - just a quick heads up, your reconditioned cameras link doesn't function.

[Leon]

I keep having the same with my lad at 8 years old, the girls rarely use their compacts so I make  them all share now, he does just want to do what daddy does

[Jon]

I shall add some in a new thread :-)

[NannyFerret]

It's a great hobby to get them into.
My nephew takes both of this boys out with him and their cameras and they really enjoy it. I think they have had their about a year now.

[colinb]

Hi Colin - just a quick heads up, your reconditioned cameras link doesn't function.

 

and that would be as I didn't put one in 

 

I underlined it to point out I was referring to reconditioned as opposed to new  - 

[ChrisLumix]

and that would be as I didn't put one in 

 

I underlined it to point out I was referring to reconditioned as opposed to new  - 

 

That's odd - it LOOKED like a link? What's more, I would have clicked it too as that's the kind of thing I would have browsed quite happily.  

[colinb]

Chris - just for you...

 

http://shop.fujifilm.co.uk/refurbished-digital-cameras

[ChrisLumix]

Chris - just for you...

 

http://shop.fujifilm.co.uk/refurbished-digital-cameras

 

Thanks Colin. You know, from your original post I thought you meant OUR Fuji.  But I will have a look at the link you posted anyway.

[colinb]

Thanks Colin. You know, from your original post I thought you meant OUR Fuji.  But I will have a look at the link you posted anyway.

 

maybe he should sue for copyright? 

[ChrisLumix]

maybe he should sue for copyright? 

 

Yes, I'm still awaiting a settlement from Panasonic myself...