Beginner 9yo son... Where to start?

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Martin (OctoInk)

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Martin Smallridge
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I suspect this question, or a variation of it, has cropped up previously so apologies for not trawling back too far if the answer is already out there... That said, on the off chance that things have changed or this is a unique enough question, here goes...

My nine year old son is a keen artist and recently got his hands on his uncles DSLR camera before expressing an interest in photography... While I'd like to see how far he's interested in this I am more adept at the printing/output end of things and a proverbial babe in a blanket when it comes to taking images. So, my question is, if this were you, what would you suggest in terms of equipment and how to learn?

Budget is effectively £60 - 120 ish and I'm wary of spending more until he shows some commitment and ability to care for any kit he uses... As to learning he's a keen youtuber (what kids aren't!) and has picked up quite a few things from illustration to knot tying from watching online, so if I can steer him towards a good channel that's aimed at keen Destroy-It-Yourself enthusiasts then it has to be better than minecraft playthroughs. That said, he also reads a lot so a good book recommendation or two that's more pragmatic than technical would be great.

Thanks in advance...
 
With some canny Ebaying and/or Gumtreeing / Facebook market place shopping you may be able to get a Canon 400D/450D/500D era camera with a kit 18-55 lens, and then something longer such as a Sigma 70-300, which would give him a fighting change of getting something he can be pleased with.
 
Understanding exposure by Brian Peterson is an excellent book as a starting point my daughter found it very useful and still uses it at a reference tool.

You should be able to pick up an older used Nikon or Canon entry level body and kit lens for under £120.
 
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I know Nikon a little better than Canon. To stay within budget I'd suggest something like these:
Body - https://www.lcegroup.co.uk/Used/Nikon-D70s-Body-/-748101_214040.html
Lens - https://www.lcegroup.co.uk/Used/Nikon-AFP-18-55mm-f3.5-5.6-G-_196140.html

The body is an older design with some limitations, but not terrible, and the outfit would cost around £100 + postage.

A more recent outfit with significantly improved image quality (and small & light to fit a younger lad's hands) would be something like this D3200 & kit lens for £150 https://www.lcegroup.co.uk/Used/Nikon-D3200-+-18-55mm-_232060.html
 
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