Originally posted by jatrax Just food for thought:
What is her photographic experience?
Would she be OK with a DSLR and lenses or better with a Point & Shoot? Sony RX100? Superzoom? Ricoh GR?
Does she have a computer and processing software or will she be shooting jpg?
Does she have a computer and a way of saving and finding/sorting her pictures? Or will she just leave them on the card like my dad?
How much time & effort is she willing to put into learning dslr photography?
We considered the same question for my mother in law. Ended up getting her a high end P&S. Takes very, very nice pictures. Small learning curve. She carries it in her purse and really uses it. Been to Europe several times and her shots (viewed on computer, plus the 4x6 prints from Walmart) are quite good. Bottom line, had we got her a DSLR, she would have thanked us, used it once or twice and put it on the shelf. DSLRs are not for everyone.
Hi jatrax,
Her photographic experience is little. She used to have a film compact camera many years ago, now she uses her phone and that's it. I thought of going for a premium compact but then I though, "what if she likes it and wants more flexibility?". I have an Olympus XZ-2 that I shoot with every day and love to bits, but I can't mount a 300mm lens for butterflies. The macro is formidable but I gotta be reeeeeeeally close. I considered a Fuji XQ2 or X30.
The Sony is disqualified due to cost, and superzooms due to IQ. Which yes, that's me yapping about it, not her but I can't help it. I've been asked over a dozen times "hey, I got this semi-pro camera, but it's blurry/slow/whatever" and it turns out to be a superzoom. I now know all brands menus, that's the good side xD But seriously, I'm not getting her into that. The GR has a fixed lens so no good.
She has a small laptop and would be shooting JPEGs, but I think she'll be happy to learn how to use her camera once she sees what she can do with it. At first she'll be in full auto, no doubt hehe.
Originally posted by Alex645 I think you've really got to ask her what she wants to do with her photography. Most older folks that are new to photography would prefer something small and light, but of course, that's a generalization that may not pertain to your Madre. The K-50 can be set up as auto everything too, but unless she's joining a local photo club or bird watching club, it's probably more camera than she'd prefer.
Have you considered the Pentax Q-S1? It has a lot more "style" and comes in white, black, red, and champagne gold!
Hi Alex,
Well, she has no idea I'm getting her a camera, so I can't ask. But I know she'll use it for family reunions and social gatherings, and most importantly, to capture nature. Haha yes, full auto is how she'll use it at first and JPEGs, but I do think that in time she'll want to learn more. She's actually working with the local zoo in a project for observing and preservation of the monarch butterfly. This is why I want to surprise her with a camera.
I agree with the lighter setup, which makes me think of micro4/3. The Panasonic GM1 would be a good option too, but there's no weather sealing [vs the K-50]. I considered the Q and then though of the GM1. The Q is one of my favourites, but I'm afraid that it will get discontinued [and thus, the lenses].
Originally posted by VoiceOfReason My mom loved the KS1 I got her and almost kept my 18-135. Perhaps a K50 and 18-135 would be good?
And you
had to be called just that, eh?
That's a good choice too, but a tad more expensive than what I was considering.. if I could afford it [$300 body + ~$450 lens], I guess this would be the best option. Single lens and a WR system, but really out of my budget.
Originally posted by TER-OR All good questions. Sometimes a bridge camera with a good superzoom built-in does the job for people. If Mum is an old camera buff from the film days, though, she may well enjoy a DSLR. The K50 with 18-135 could be something like a bridge on its own, and provide room to grow.
Hi TERROR,
Like I was telling to the VoiceofReason, the 18-135 is out of my budget. And a superzoom is a no-no for me, if it was a compact, then it would be a premium compact, not a superzoom. I do think she'll enjoy a good camera, even a dSLR =]
---------- Post added 03-07-16 at 12:22 PM ----------
Originally posted by micromacro You did not tell if your mom has interest in photography, and what camera she has now.
Oh, well, she does not have much interest yet, I just know she will. She shoots with her phone only, but if I surprise her with a camera, I know she'll want to use it and learn how to use it properly after some time once she gets used to it =]