Camera for GCSE

[Igmum]

Hello wise mumsnetters, I'm looking for some advice. DD will be doing photography as part of her Art GCSE from next year (well, assuming they ever get back to school...) and hopes to also do GCSE Photography as an extra subject. She loves art subjects and might well take these at 'A' level so I'd like to get her a fairly decent camera. I know nothing about cameras and a quick Google search got me recommendations for ones costing £6.5k + . I don't mind spending for a good camera but wasn't thinking of that sort of budget! Any recommendations or any rookie mistakes to avoid? Many thanks

[TheWindOnTheMoon]

We bought DD a DSLR camera last year. Have a look on Argos website at DSLR cameras. You don't need to spend huge amounts for a decent camera. Any of the known camera makes will do a decent one your DD can use for gcse.

[TempestHayes]

Good 'best cheap beginner' cameras or something like that. A basic DSLR can be found in the £200ish range.

[SerenityNowwwww]

Nikon - excellent cameras. Will she learn how to print her own photos? I’d also get her a Polaroid camera (you can do fun things with these). Maybe a student version of photoshop.

[wentawaycameback]

We bought my son a Cannon DSLR camera for GCSE from Currys. It was just over £200 (5 years ago). The good thing was he also used it for A level. You can also buy reconditioned cameras. Think it helped not having to borrow school equipment. He still likes the fact he has a good camera but now tends to use his phone. Overall a good buy and if she doesn't use it after GCSE you could always sell it on.

[IceCreamAndCandyfloss]

Ask the teacher to recommend one, they will know the best budget one that meet the spec needed especially for photography.

[Oakmaiden]

I would be inclined to get something like a reconditioned/second hand Canon EOS 450 (for around £200) and maybe a 50mm lens in addition to the kit lens.

[FloggingMoll]

I got a very decent Nikon a few years ago for £500. That was a heart-stopping amount of money for me but definitely worth it. For art, I'd also have a look on eBay for old film cameras. The Lomography ones are also very cool.

You could definitely get a lot of bang for your buck for a lot less than £6k!

[Igmum]

Lots of lovely suggestions thanks Mumsnetters - knew I could rely on the hive mind! 😁

[SerenityNowwwww]

I’d be wary of a second hand unless you can get to a shop like Fox Talbots. Get a couple of lenses - I used to always get 2 zooms and sell back the portrait one. I’d usually get something like a 35-hundred and something then a jam jar.

God it’s been such a long time since I even held a real camera - and I have 4!

[FloggingMoll]

@SerenityNowwwww

I’d be wary of a second hand unless you can get to a shop like Fox Talbots. Get a couple of lenses - I used to always get 2 zooms and sell back the portrait one. I’d usually get something like a 35-hundred and something then a jam jar.

God it’s been such a long time since I even held a real camera - and I have 4!

I agree with this, I wouldn't personally buy a second-hand DSLR but then I'm generally wary about buying electronics that way.

[Greengrapes1357]

My ds has managed to do his on his phone camera so an expensive one is definitely not needed.

[SerenityNowwwww]

But SLRs are so much more fun.