I need a complete camera set up,but what to get?

[mrsbos]

My daughter is 12 and loves to take pictures,she has since she was very little. She was showing me the "macro" pictures online that all of you took and was fascinated. I really think this could be a life long passion for her and maybe even a career. I want to get her a really amazing camera set up for Christmas this year instead of a bunch of toys that will end up in a yard sale. Where do I begin? I can't even google because I don't know what terms to enter. I need a camera,tripod,and whatever it takes to be able to take the "macro" pics you guys do,and would also like for her to be able to have a lot of versatility,like taking photos at night,up close,far away,change focus,etc. Any help is appreciated,especially any with models of cameras , an all in one kit would be great. TIA!

 

[jbr13]

My daughter is 12 and loves to take pictures,she has since she was very little. She was showing me the "macro" pictures online that all of you took and was fascinated. I really think this could be a life long passion for her and maybe even a career. I want to get her a really amazing camera set up for Christmas this year instead of a bunch of toys that will end up in a yard sale. Where do I begin? I can't even google because I don't know what terms to enter. I need a camera,tripod,and whatever it takes to be able to take the "macro" pics you guys do,and would also like for her to be able to have a lot of versatility,like taking photos at night,up close,far away,change focus,etc. Any help is appreciated,especially any with models of cameras , an all in one kit would be great. TIA!

I suggest first looking at the first thread listed in this photography forum. I have outlined some stuff there. Second, What range of money are you looking to spend. A Digital SLR can run anywhere from $700 to $5000. Then lense can run from $200 to $5000 as well. You can post it or send me a private mess. and I can start to give you kind of a guide or some stuff to look at.

Jason

 

[Joe'smom]

Hi!
I am too getting my son into photography--he has a good "eye" and uses my old Canon A520-a small point and shoot able to fit in your pocket. He uses my S3IS(canon) to try more advanced styles but he has no clue about light, speed and the many other little pieces that just take time and practice to learn. My S3 took the bug macros in my posts on the "yay....post your bug macros" however I also have a microscopic lense and adapter to boot(I too have been bitten by the MACRO bug!)
The S3 is no longer in production--you can by a used one or a refurbished one at a lesser price if you can find one-they are very popular. The S5 is it's replacement and as I understand - Canon is about to do one better than that. This is a larger more advanced camera that does not fit in a pocket but does have allot of advanced settings but not the price of an SLR.
Start small---hope it is a lifelong passion and let her "work" up from there--it is work to learn, but very satisfying and to most of us on here-a down and out high to achieve the perfect or unusual shot. Look forward to seeing some of her achievements on here with the rest of us!

 

[mrsbos]

Thanks to both of you for all the help!