Camera for my Dad

[NikonSimon]

Hi all,

My Dad has tasked me with finding him a camera. He has a pretty basic compact, but my parents have had a small windfall and want a new one. They initially mentioned a DSLR, but then Dad mentioned the words 'I don't want one that's too complicated or anything' which made me think he'll probably just chuck it in Auto and fire away.

So I'm now thinking a real good compact or bridge. The Canon G11 is very highly thought of isn't it? He's told me his budget is between £400-£500. I could obviously get him an entry level DSLR (I'm a Nikon shooter so could get him one of the entry level ones), with a kit lens and let him use some of my lenses, but I just don't think he'll do anything but stick it in Auto. I might be wrong.

He's a very young at heart (nearly) 66 year old, who enjoys taking lots of snaps on holidays he goes on, and we're off to the Norwegian Fjords on a cruise at the end of this month where he'll be wanting to take loads.

Any recommendations would be greatly appreciated.

Simon

 

[Digikat]

Let him have a go with your camera and see what he thinks, then take him to a good camers store and look at the options. I was always P&S but the limitations made me think about a DSLR a couple of years ago, it's not hard to pick up the basics especially if you have someone who can help. Also many local colleges do intro sessions maybe one day or a few evenings so he wouldn't be alone.

I hope you have a fab time on your cruise I have the Norwegian Fjords in my future holiday bank and I love cruising...

 

[NikonSimon]

Let him have a go with your camera and see what he thinks, then take him to a good camers store and look at the options. I was always P&S but the limitations made me think about a DSLR a couple of years ago, it's not hard to pick up the basics especially if you have someone who can help. Also many local colleges do intro sessions maybe one day or a few evenings so he wouldn't be alone.

I hope you have a fab time on your cruise I have the Norwegian Fjords in my future holiday bank and I love cruising...

Thanks for your reply. I think if he got a DSLR I could teach him most things. The basics anyway. He's quite impatient though, and I don't think he'll like having to change things before taking a shot. I'm not sure.

I'll let him have a go on my D300s, though I know he'll think it's too big and heavy!