D40 or P100 for a Budding Photographer

[doubleg]

Need some advice on purchasing a camera for a 12 year old who has taken an interest in learning photography. Simply put, which would be a better option, the D40 or the point and shoot? She's just learning and wants to be able to use settings vs all programmed modes. After reading the review of the D40 here I am thinking this might be a better choice for her to learn. BTW, she's paying for this herself. Thanks.

[OsmosisStudios]

for someone who is TWELVE? No offence or anything, but a simply point and shoot might be a better option. Teaching her about technique, not technology.

[Almond.Butterscotch]

Originally Posted by OsmosisStudios

for someone who is TWELVE? No offence or anything, but a simply point and shoot might be a better option. Teaching her about technique, not technology.

Hey now- I was given my first camera at 12- a Leica M5 (sadly, it's no longer in working condition now)

[gtpete]

The D40 can do point & shoot at a pinch. If the cost is no problem I'd go with the D40. It will allow for more scope to learn photography skills as her interest grows.
Should she decide to drop the hobby then you have a very popular camera that you could sell anytime & not loose a lot of money.
How I wish my first camera was a D40! She is a lucky girl!

[doubleg]

@Osmossis, this young lady has a lot going on, extremely intelligent, very mature for her age and attends an advanced middle school. In fact, she did the initial research on the D40 and I was swaying her towards the point and shoot. After I read the review and did more research, it made more sense that she go with the SLR. She's an avid learner. Her Mom and I think she did more investigating than we thought. Fortunately we have access to the Palm Beach Photography Center and they hold Photo Camps for kids. Believe me I said the same thing to her!

Thanks GTPete, for the advise and suggestions, I'll pass it along to her parents.

[pjflan7]

a point and shoot wll frustate her, but the isuue will lens......are you considering anything beyond the 18-55 that comes with it?

[doubleg]

Not yet, but I thought she could use my telephoto lense. Baby steps! I think it will only be a matter of time until she starts saving up for one!!

[pjflan7]

at least there is one she can borrow........d40 for sure then

[wulf]

The D40 is an excellent little camera. You can use a wide variety of lenses (as long as you aren't too attached to the idea of autofocus or metering ) and it is light-weight, too. For the situation described, I think it would be an appropriate choice.

Wulf

[TRemark]

Just a newbie but I'm going to throw out my opinion here too if you all don't mind.

I just got a P100 last month and like it alot. I have found it a great upgrade for me and without the added complication and expense of separate lens. As I've seen other places learn the basics, the techniques, and then move up as you learn. And I am definitely still learning and I don't feel I'm being held back in any way by not having all the available manual options of most interchangeable lens cameras. Perhaps I will in a couple years if I continue with his hobby I will be in that postion until then I'm satisfied with the P100.