Today, we provide some tips on getting the right beginner’s DSLR camera model to provide lots of fun, be educational and spark the imagination of a young teenager.

We all know that our children’s hobbies come and go so unless you are certain that your teen is going to stick with photography, check out our tips on buying a good second hand model and see our suggestions for buying a budget-priced, entry-level DSLR camera.

Buying Secondhand
If you don’t have a friend, or family member with an interest in photography who might have upgraded and have an older model to sell, you can use the following checklist when buying from a shop or online and you will be more likely to get a good buy:

• If you are buying online, from eBay (for example), ask for extra images and ask questions. Be sure the pictures are of the actual camera you are buying. Get close up images so you can check for any damage or wear and tear.
• Check the battery contacts for any sign of battery leakage. If there is any, don’t buy as the contact points will have been damaged.
• Check the memory card port for any signs of damage and if you are buying in person rather than online, take a memory card with you and reassure yourself that it is working correctly.
• Check on accessories provided with the camera. You should get at a minimum, the USB lead and the battery charger. These are generally manufacturer specific and the charger in particular may be difficult to source and may prove expensive.

Recommended Entry Level DSLRs For Older Children and Young Teens

If you want to buy new, here are two cameras we can recommend as being user-friendly, reliable and getting great reviews from buyers online.

Pentax K-x Digital SLR

• 12.4 megapixel camera is supplied with an 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 AL lens
• Good sized 2.7″ LCD screen
• 11 point wide angle autofocus, face detection and shake reduction
• Max shutter speed is 1/6000 of a second and can capture 4.7 frames per second
• HD video capture at 24 frames per second
• SD/SDHC memory card capacity (card not supplied with camera kit)
• Power source, AA lithium batteries

Canon Rebel XS 10.1MP Digital SLR Camera

I particularly love the fact that the viedo review below is done by a child!

This camera is compatible with all Canon Lenses so provides an excellent entry to the range of Canon Cameras available.

• 10.1 megapixel camera enables printing up to poster size if required.
• Easy to use 2.5″ LCD display screen with live view function
• Has Canon’s DIGIC III image processor for speedy and accurate processing of images
• Has a self cleaning sensor unit and EOS integrated cleaning
• Supplied with Canon EF-S 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 IS lens, video and USB cables, a battery pack and charger.
• Uses SD/SDHC memory cards (not supplied with camera)

To Sum Up
We have provided details of two great cameras available at entry-level prices and advice on getting the best second hand deals. A camera like this will prove invaluable for school projects and may develop a hobby that could last a lifetime and have features that will allow your child to learn to get better results and to be creative.

It is not necessary to spend a lot of money to get a good digital camera with all the features we have mentioned and even if your child’s interest in photography does not last, a good camera can be re-sold or passed on to a younger member of the family.

Buy the Pentax K-x from Amazon!	Buy the Canon Rebel XS from Amazon!