My son has expressed a great deal of interest in photography. He has a very good eye, and can take for his age (11) some decent photographs. However, he is very clumsy for his age too. Last night we let him take our Nikon for five minutes, and even though he had one the wrist strap, he dropped it and my lens froze half way in. We were panicked, and he got quite a speech from us. I saw my business take a tumble because I had to shell out for a new camera. Luckily, it worked five minutes later, however, he saved up $150 to get a small Olympus Brio, digital. I think he's too young and still to putzy, and explained to him he'd be spilling out the money to break something. Is there something I can start him with that anybody can recommend that is more durable? Thanks, Syyd

Syyd, I'm not realy up to speed on hardware these days, but from what you say are the one off disposable types an option, or does it have to be digital ? Just a thought, although I'm not sure what the quality is like, wouldn't cost much to find out though. Mike

I would suggest the disposable ones, so he gets used to handling cameras, or some of the sturdier "point and shoots"...wish I could help more...I don't let my 4 year old too close to my cameras, yet! :-)>

Yeah, they got them in various types too....panoramic and water proof ones. Maybe it would be fun to let him try those too....like when going too a swimming pool, or playing in the rain or something. Love your idea & love to see the results as well =)

I know I'm crazy but in terms of durability, I recommend those old heavy slrs like the Pentax I use. Good for riots and clumsy children. If he can handle it, why not? ;-)

I would suggest getting him a good old camera such as the Pentax K1000. It is a very rugged 35mm slr that will allow him to learn alot about camera settings, f-stops, etc. You can find a good K1000 with a zoom lense in most large pawn shops for $75-$125. If he has a true interest in photography, I am sure he will learn alot by using this camera.

Hey, don't forget about the Mamiya Sekor 500DTL. That was my camera when I was 13-14-15 yrs old, and I dropped it on the floor several times - a very tough camera WITH a switchable spot meter. Thinking about it makes me want to get another one.. Joe

LOL! Of course, a neck strap! Trust Alpha to come up with a common-sense answer! We all know that saying don't we?

"Common sense is not common" Well, often it takes a while before we hit on it, anyway! :-)>

Has he used a camera at all before? At that age, my generation had things like Kodak "Instamatics." They were fine for the kinds of things kids do at that age. I really do not know what has replaced them. Maybe the disposables, though if use them a lot the costs add up. Maybe some of the "Web cams" that can also work unconnected?

Syyd, worry not - even at my age I'm clumsy and always dropping expensive things. Note : It MUST be expensive to be dropped. Cheap things are out of the question, and always remain firmly in my grasp. I've got to admit my old digi got dropped x number of times and didn't bother a jot. Apparantly they can withstand something like 75 g's.....though how hard a smack on the floor that is I've got no idea.... how about one of these little plastic webcam's that have built in memory? They're only about 40 over here, so can't be too much in the US, and it gives him the best of everything......well, cept picture quality, but a good learning tool and teaches him to look after it. (",)

I saw polaroid made and instamatic AND digital camera. Which retails for roughly $40.00. The instant pics are those band aide sized stickers but the digital I think is 640 X 480. I think it can take up to 20 at a time. What about a 110mm? I used one when I was younger up to when I was in coledge. Bsteph