OT- Camera suggestions for teen

[GemParty]

Joseph, put down the podcast mic and picked up a camera. He’s getting into sports photography. Action shots, player, and team photos. Going to enter high school next year.

Any suggestions for a good starter camera for his new interest? Nothing extravagant, he’s still a bit clumsy with equipment but likes being at games capturing moments.

Thanks

 

[JRDBWK]

What's your price point ?

Not knowing your price point, im a big fan of Nikon, if he's doing video photography with still photography then you want to consider the Z line, however there is going to be a price tag behind that, the Z8 is pretty much their top tier camera even though the z9 is out, maybe look at getting a used z6, Z6 ii, z7, or z7ii, you should be able to get any of them in the 1000-1500 range used. I'm a big fan of B&H photo, if you contact their customer service via the live chat, for used gear they can usually knock off anywhere from 25 to $50 off the price tag especially if you're buying a lens with it. I would also get a lens that has a good zoom Maybe a nikkor 28-400 or tamron 50-400. Other gear to consider is a camera strap especially since you mentioned he's clumsy, that way you don't have to worry about him dropping it since it goes around his neck, you want to get some memory cards and spare batteries. Sometimes on B&H Photo they have camera bundles that include that if you are buying new. so definitely search around that website. But based on what you mentioned, I think used is the way to go.

Also you have to consider a lot of stuff when it comes to Sports Photography especially lighting situations, if you're shooting outside in the sunlight then pretty much any lens will work, but if you're shooting indoor sports like basketball, you want to get a lens with a lower F stop like a 2.8, just due to it being darker, however most zoom lenses usually start at a 4.5 or 5 F stop, so if you want a 2.8 one, you're going to have to pay for it.

 

[WhereistheDove?]

When you narrow down the list of camera bodies, I’d also make sure you specifically look at reviews for auto-focus subject tracking. There are plenty of, especially more entry level cameras, where they do great for still subjects or low movement but really fall off on subject tracking, which is hugely important for sports photography.

 

[husky429]

I can't remember how old he is. Does he have a phone? Honestly any of the modern phones will most likely get the job done with a triped. There's way more advanced settings on a galaxy or iphone than people realize.

Otherwise, some used Canon or Nikon DSLR is going to get the job done. Some kind of 70-200ish lens would be fine for sports photography.

 

[GemParty]

I can't remember how old he is. Does he have a phone? Honestly any of the modern phones will most likely get the job done with a triped. There's way more advanced settings on a galaxy or iphone than people realize.

Otherwise, some used Canon or Nikon DSLR is going to get the job done. Some kind of 70-200ish lens would be fine for sports photography.

13

 

[temery]

Joseph, put down the podcast mic and picked up a camera. He’s getting into sports photography. Action shots, player, and team photos. Going to enter high school next year.

Any suggestions for a good starter camera for his new interest? Nothing extravagant, he’s still a bit clumsy with equipment but likes being at games capturing moments.

Thanks

Check to see if there's a photography after school club, or the school newspaper needs photographers. He may be able to even use their equipment.

 

[GemParty]

Check to see if there's a photography after school club, or the school newspaper needs photographers. He may be able to even use their equipment.

 

[GemParty]

Good idea!

 

[Stinger92860]

iPhone

 

[CL82]

13

Wow, that happened fast

 

[GemParty]

Wow, that happened fast

It sure did.

 

[Dove]

When I was his age I got a sweet Kodak Ektra. They appear to be available on Etsy and eBay.

 

[dogpause]

He's entering a very crowded field, I wish him luck. I would suggest you go with used gear. Also, consider an all-in-one with good reviews, such as the Sony Rx100 series. You get a Leica lens and a Sony sensor. Great combo.

 

[QDOG5]

When I was 13 I really got into photography. Some magazines had fantastic photos.

 

[Slipperman]

according to co-pilot..

📸 Starter DSLRs Worth Considering for Sports & Action

🏅 What each option does well


Canon EOS Rebel T7 / 2000D

• Great entry point with a 24MP sensor and simple controls.
• Works well for team photos and sideline portraits.
• Autofocus and burst rate are modest, so it’s best for slower‑paced action or youth sports.
• Huge Canon lens ecosystem—easy to add a telephoto later.

Nikon D5600

• Stronger for sports thanks to better autofocus tracking and 5 fps burst.
• Excellent image quality and a fully articulating screen for creative angles.
• Nikon’s DX lenses (like the 70‑300mm) pair beautifully for field sports.

Pentax K‑70

• Underrated but powerful: weather‑sealed, 6 fps, and in‑body stabilization.
• Great for outdoor sports in unpredictable New England weather.
• Pentax lenses are fewer but very good, especially telephotos.

⚙️ What actually matters for sports photography

• Autofocus speed & tracking — crucial for moving athletes.
• Burst rate (fps) — more frames = better chance of catching the moment.
• Lens options — a 70‑200mm or 70‑300mm telephoto is almost mandatory for field sports.
• Low‑light performance — indoor gyms and night games demand higher ISO capability.

🧭 Quick recommendation


If you want the best balance of action performance + beginner friendliness, the Nikon D5600 is the standout. If budget is the priority, the Canon Rebel T7 is the easiest entry point. If you shoot outdoors a lot, the Pentax K‑70 gives you durability and stabilization.



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i have a Nikon D5100. good camera but didn't use it for action shots. i have since upgraded to a D750.
so i guess my suggestion would be the D5600.

note: don't go with Canon just because everybody else does. Nikon is also a great brand.

 

[GemParty]

according to co-pilot..

📸 Starter DSLRs Worth Considering for Sports & Action

🏅 What each option does well


Canon EOS Rebel T7 / 2000D

• Great entry point with a 24MP sensor and simple controls.
• Works well for team photos and sideline portraits.
• Autofocus and burst rate are modest, so it’s best for slower‑paced action or youth sports.
• Huge Canon lens ecosystem—easy to add a telephoto later.

Nikon D5600

• Stronger for sports thanks to better autofocus tracking and 5 fps burst.
• Excellent image quality and a fully articulating screen for creative angles.
• Nikon’s DX lenses (like the 70‑300mm) pair beautifully for field sports.

Pentax K‑70

• Underrated but powerful: weather‑sealed, 6 fps, and in‑body stabilization.
• Great for outdoor sports in unpredictable New England weather.
• Pentax lenses are fewer but very good, especially telephotos.

⚙️ What actually matters for sports photography

• Autofocus speed & tracking — crucial for moving athletes.
• Burst rate (fps) — more frames = better chance of catching the moment.
• Lens options — a 70‑200mm or 70‑300mm telephoto is almost mandatory for field sports.
• Low‑light performance — indoor gyms and night games demand higher ISO capability.

🧭 Quick recommendation


If you want the best balance of action performance + beginner friendliness, the Nikon D5600 is the standout. If budget is the priority, the Canon Rebel T7 is the easiest entry point. If you shoot outdoors a lot, the Pentax K‑70 gives you durability and stabilization.



--------------------------------------------------------------

i have a Nikon D5100. good camera but didn't use it for action shots. i have since upgraded to a D750.
so i guess my suggestion would be the D5600.

note: don't go with Canon just because everybody else does. Nikon is also a great brand.

Awesome!