Hi all. My 7 year old son Robert is as he says "into cameras" He uses a cheep point and shoot now but I would like to set him up with a DSLR kit. Lenses are not a problem, i have plenty. Would the D3100 be a good camera for Robert to learn and grow with? The plan for the sommer is my father and other 7 year old son Nick are going to build a garden train layout and Robert is going to shoot it all. THANX
D3100 for 7 year old?
- Thread starter gork
- Start date
Depends on the seven year old. My daughter had a point and shoot and treated it very well. She was responsible with it and never left it laying around. I wouldn't have hesitated to give her a D3100. However, my boys, at their adult age I still wouldn't give them one.
The camera wouldn't be too much for him to handle. Kids today are so wired for technology and he can always shoot in auto as he grows into the more manual settings.
The camera wouldn't be too much for him to handle. Kids today are so wired for technology and he can always shoot in auto as he grows into the more manual settings.
x2
My 6 year old has used my D40/18-55mm a few times now, only under my direct supervision and with a camera strap.
It's all about your willingness to teach & trust him to look after it, and whether he will learn anything from it over and beyond what's he's learning now from his P&S.
That said, the perspective from a child is much different than of an adult so could make for some interesting pictures
That said, the perspective from a child is much different than of an adult so could make for some interesting pictures
Horoscope Fish
Senior Member
I think the D3100 is an ideal camera for a beginner to learn the basics of photography on, regardless of their age.
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I think a 7 year old is certainly capable of operating the camera, especially on Auto or P. I don't think the average 7yo will quickly master the concepts of depth of field/freezing/blurring motion, exposure triangle, etc. You have guide mode, so that will be nice when he is ready. There is a big variation among kids that age on how they will handle a moderately delicate piece of equipment. Some will treasure and protect it, some will toss it around like any other toy. Since he already has a P&S, you know he is responsible. I would still keep the P&S around though and not talk it down. If he enjoys taking pictures, sooner or later he will want to take the d3100 other places. Then you are in the position of deciding whether or not to let the camera/lens go on a class trip or to a friend's birthday party, etc. Kids are kids and no matter how responsible yours is, things go downhill in a group. So keep the P&S around for those times.
When my daughter was six is when she received her first point and shoot. It was one of the best decisions I made. Her perspective and what caught the eye of a small child was fascinating. That was eleven years ago and I have given that advice to hand a child a camera to every young parent I have met. I, as well as new parents, have found it so rewarding to go through their images.
MartinCornwall
Senior Member
I bought my 6 year old daughter a Hello Kitty point and shoot a couple of christmas's ago and she was so disappointed when viewing the pictures. She was so used to seeing the pictures from my D7000. I had an old D70 lying around and I let her use that whenever she wants. I have recently bought a D3200 as a 2nd camera on night shoots and she has recently started using that and gets along with it better than the D70, mainly due to the bigger and brighter screen for reviewing photos. I do tend to put on a cheaper lens for her rather than taking the chance on an expensive lens. The great thing with children is that you can show them how to do something once and they are then good to go.
When I was 8 I had my first FTN. That was going back years, but if he has any interest in photography he should know how to take care of what would be his. Especially if you taught him the importance of the value of items. Then you should never worry about care of equipment.
Just-Clayton
Senior Member
If you want a used 3100 I have one. I have a 300s and 610. So, 3100 just sits around. let me know. I love the 3100 and trying to get rid of extra things to get fx lenses.
Don Kuykendall_RIP
RIP :(
My first camera was a German Folding Camera that shot 620 roll film. I recently found my first selfie shot. I remember getting string and looping it around a chair leg and pulling the string to get it to fire. That was well over 50 years ago and I have loved photography ever since.
I don't think you can get started to young. There are some good bridge cameras that might be a good choice to start with. They produce grate photos and the child can learn composition and the basics.
I don't think you can get started to young. There are some good bridge cameras that might be a good choice to start with. They produce grate photos and the child can learn composition and the basics.
I agree with all and the D3100 with guide mode is great for a beginner at any age. I think my dad gave me an argus 120mm twin lens reflex at about that age. It was like a piece of gold to me..., oh to have that feeling again. Funny how I can buy anything now, but that argus was like winning the lottery 
(probably because Dad gave it to me and trusted me with it).
(probably because Dad gave it to me and trusted me with it).Just-Clayton
Senior Member
The 3100 is a great camera to start with. I wouldn't go more advanced then that for now. Give the kid time. The NAS bug will set in soon enough.
Which bug I guess you don't want him to get just yet as you-know-who will be funding it!