Best DSLR Camera for GCSE Photography

Helen224488

Hi,

My 14 year old daughter who will be going into Y10 needs a DSLR camera for her GCSE Photography course.

Info from school: As part of the course students are expected to equip themselves with a Digital SLR Camera. We recommend the Canon EOS 1200D as this is an entry level model with creative modes. Kits can be found at approximately £250

Alternatively you could purchase older models; Canon 400D or Canon 450D. These cameras cost less and are more than adequate, they are however no longer manufactured and may be difficult to find.

Investigate other models such as Sony, Pentax, Nikon and Panasonic

Why an SLR? A ‘single lens reflex’ camera allows us greater control and creativity when taking a photograph. When looking through the viewfinder we are seeing exactly what the picture will be through the use of mirrors. If we change the lens, or change the focus on our SLR we can see the changes through the viewfinder.

I was thinking of buying her Nikon D3300.

Is Nikon D3300 a better option to Canon EOS 1200D.

What would you recommend?

I have around £300.

Gloomendoom

If the school is recommending a canon EOS 1200D, why buy a Nikon D3300?

You may find that the school recommends the Canon because they have alternative lenses or other accessories specific to the EOS. Worth checking.

googler

Exactly, if the school has a brace of Canon lenses, accessories, and other doodads that the students can use, these absolutely WILL NOT work on a Nikon.

paddyrg

For GCSE, ANY modern DSLR is more than good enough. Frankly a great photographer with a smartphone will take better pictures than a fetishist with a £10k kit

How about https://www.amazon.co.uk/Canon-Digital-3-5-5-6-discontinued-manufacturer/dp/B004MPQXZA/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1467997951&sr=8-1&keywords=canoneos+1200d

£180 for the kit!

or https://www.amazon.co.uk/Canon-1200D-Digital-Camera-3-5-5-6/dp/B00IE3UR08/ref=pd_vtph_421_bs_t_2?ie=UTF8&psc=1&refRID=BSPVR7C87T3BFBM801YC

as the school suggest?

Helen224488

Thanks for the replies.

The school recommended the Canon EOS 1200D or older models Canon 400D or Canon 450D but they also said to investigate other models such as Sony, Pentax, Nikon and Panasonic so i thought that's what I should do.

When I researched best camera for GCSE Photography the Nikon D3300 came up and it looked very similar to Canon EOS 1200D but had a few better features. Also in Argos the Nikon is £279.00 and the Canon £258.99 also I found the following info:

http://cameradecision.com/compare/Nikon-D3300-vs-Canon-EOS-1200D

I have no clue what all this means to be honest. I will ask teacher if she has canon lenses at school.

I also am not sure if it is better to buy a second hand one for e.g.:

https://www.mpb.com/en-uk/used-equipment/used-photo-and-video/used-digital-slr-cameras/used-canon-digital-slr-cameras/canon-eos-1200d/

My daughter is very accident prone and breaks everything! Or I could buy new and get insurance.

What would you do?

London50

Personally I would suggest that if you have a good camera shop in your area take your daughter along to them and let her handle a couple to see what feels right for her. Good camera shops are quite happy to let people get a feel for the cameras without any pressure to buy.
Re insurance check as long as you have it home contents insurance to see if any damage indoor or out will cover it rather than going straight for camera insurance as it can save you money. :0)

Helen224488

I am definetely going to take her to a shop to handle the cameras, excellent idea.

[Deleted User]

Why specifically a SLR?

Why not a Bridge Camera?

Helen224488

Bedsit Bob - The school have stated it must be DSLR.

wongataa

Helen224488 wrote: »

Bedsit Bob - The school have stated it must be DSLR.

And yet the school have suggested Panasonic as a possible camera brand. Panasonic don't make and SLR cameras.

Faith177

wongataa wrote: »

And yet the school have suggested Panasonic as a possible camera brand. Panasonic don't make and SLR cameras.

the LUMIX DMC-GH4 or the LUMIX DMC-GH5 are both DSLR