70 year old Dad wants to buy a DSLR but...

[Ken W.]

... he is completely computer illiterate. Also, he insists that he wants at least 12mp but has absolutely no clue as to what that means.

He will likely never print a single image (he doesn't own a printer, let alone a photo printer, for the computer he never turns on).

He used to be a hobbyist photographer and I don't want to discourage him from doing something he enjoys. But how do I advise him if he has no clue as to what all the new digital terminology means and in reality, he shouldn't be spending the money for a fancy camera he will never really make use of? On the other hand, if I don't advise him, he'll go ahead and spend the money for cr@p camera anyway (like he did with the computer and his previous P&S digital).

I know... a tough question to respond to. I guess partially, I'm just needing to vent.
--
Ken W.
http://www.arc-photo.com

 

[bw100]

... he is completely computer illiterate. Also, he insists that he
wants at least 12mp but has absolutely no clue as to what that means.

He will likely never print a single image (he doesn't own a printer,
let alone a photo printer, for the computer he never turns on).

He used to be a hobbyist photographer and I don't want to discourage
him from doing something he enjoys. But how do I advise him if he has
no clue as to what all the new digital terminology means and in
reality, he shouldn't be spending the money for a fancy camera he
will never really make use of? On the other hand, if I don't advise
him, he'll go ahead and spend the money for cr@p camera anyway (like
he did with the computer and his previous P&S digital).

I know... a tough question to respond to. I guess partially, I'm just
needing to vent.

OK, you vented. good.

A 70 yr old guy is going to do whatever he feels like, including buying cr@p cameras. this could be a positive thing - might give him something to do during the day.

--
http://www.flickr.com/photos/w-photos/

 

[nickoly]

... he is completely computer illiterate. Also, he insists that he
wants at least 12mp but has absolutely no clue as to what that means.

He will likely never print a single image (he doesn't own a printer,
let alone a photo printer, for the computer he never turns on).

He used to be a hobbyist photographer and I don't want to discourage
him from doing something he enjoys. But how do I advise him if he has
no clue as to what all the new digital terminology means and in
reality, he shouldn't be spending the money for a fancy camera he
will never really make use of? On the other hand, if I don't advise
him, he'll go ahead and spend the money for cr@p camera anyway (like
he did with the computer and his previous P&S digital).

I know... a tough question to respond to. I guess partially, I'm just
needing to vent.

No need to discourage him. If he's got the money, let him spend it. If he used to be a hobbyist photographer, he probably finds P&S cameras just the frustrating consumer toys that they really are, he may well be more aware of that fact than you are, and he is better off with a DSLR in the first place. He can use it just like his Spotmatic if he needs to and, if he didn't have a darkroom, he can get the stuff printed down the road just like he always did.

he may have to learn to use automatic focus, but that can't be hard and, if he used an SLR before, his only problem is that he might find the viewfinder a bit of a shock.

 

[jeffkrol]

Just get him a TV to review his jpg's and a local developer where he can drop off a memory card if he wants to. I guess you would never need a computer to enjoy a DSLR, or any camera.....
--
360 minutes from the prime meridian. (-5375min, 3.55sec) 1093' above sea level.

'The exposure meter is calibrated to some clearly defined standards and the user needs to adjust his working method and his subject matter to these values. It does not help to suppose all kinds of assumptions that do not exist.'
Erwin Puts

 

[sherwoodpete]

Well, there aren't any really bad DSLR cameras, so anything he gets will be a reasonable choice. I suppose the important thing is to aim for a camera that can produce decent JPEGs straight from the camera. Luckily, that tends to include the lower-cost cameras, so again, he shouldn't go too far wrong.

As far as megapixels are concerned, I can still get good results with my 6MP Pentax K100D, but it is dated, in terms of the marketplace, if not in capabilities.

I can see this venture could require a lot of hand-holding and guidance in the computer-related parts, patience might be a virtue.

Regards,
Peter

 

[Blinky the Shark]

Sounds like a job for a Nikon D40. Check it out. Cheap and surprisingly capable. Not new (two later models were released), so the price has dropped.

 

[Bill Randall]

... he is completely computer illiterate. Also, he insists that he
wants at least 12mp but has absolutely no clue as to what that means.

He will likely never print a single image (he doesn't own a printer,
let alone a photo printer, for the computer he never turns on).

He used to be a hobbyist photographer and I don't want to discourage
him from doing something he enjoys. But how do I advise him if he has
no clue as to what all the new digital terminology means and in
reality, he shouldn't be spending the money for a fancy camera he
will never really make use of? On the other hand, if I don't advise
him, he'll go ahead and spend the money for cr@p camera anyway (like
he did with the computer and his previous P&S digital).

I know... a tough question to respond to. I guess partially, I'm just
needing to vent.

I have been and am currently going through a similar situation with my mother. You must realize a very basic and unpleasant concept: Some people reach a point in age where one cannot reason with them on some, or all, subjects. There are medications which may help slow down this process.

I don't know what his financial situation is, but he is reaching an age where medical expenses may become significant. I had to force my mother to sell her home and move to an assisted living facility. She lived in an area where she had to drive everywhere and her eyesight and coordination were bad. In addition she was making bad financial decisions. The cost for the assisted living is $3,500 per month. If your father can afford it, however, let him get the camera.

I take it he does not use the computer or P&S camera. Did he learn to use the P&S? If he did then perhaps he has just outgrown it. If he hasn't then the DSLR will probably not be used either.

Could you convince him that knowing how to use the P&S camera is essential to learning how to use a DSLR? Once he masters the P&S he will have the basics to start with a DSLR.

I quite well understand your situation and there is no simple solution. Good luck.

--

FINE PRINT: I reserve the right to be wrong. Should you prove me wrong, I reserve the right to change my mind.

 

[Blinky the Shark]

Sounds like a job for a Nikon D40. Check it out. Cheap and
surprisingly capable. Not new (two later models were released), so
the price has dropped.

Cancel. I lost sight of his insistence on 12MP. That breaks my good theory in several small pieces.

 

[Bill Force]

Well, I'm over 70, have a dozen cameras and would be bored stiff if it were not for photography. Give him what he wants, he may just shock the hell out of you.
--

' You don't have to have the best of everything to get the best out of what you do have'.

 

[Charles Self]

... he is completely computer illiterate. Also, he insists that he
wants at least 12mp but has absolutely no clue as to what that means.

He will likely never print a single image (he doesn't own a printer,
let alone a photo printer, for the computer he never turns on).

He used to be a hobbyist photographer and I don't want to discourage
him from doing something he enjoys. But how do I advise him if he has
no clue as to what all the new digital terminology means and in
reality, he shouldn't be spending the money for a fancy camera he
will never really make use of? On the other hand, if I don't advise
him, he'll go ahead and spend the money for cr@p camera anyway (like
he did with the computer and his previous P&S digital).

I know... a tough question to respond to. I guess partially, I'm just
needing to vent.

OK, you vented. good.
A 70 yr old guy is going to do whatever he feels like, including
buying cr@p cameras. this could be a positive thing - might give him
something to do during the day.

LMAO. As a 70 year old, I find there are not enough hours in the day, including those occupied with one of my DSLRs.

--
Charlie Self
http://www.charlieselfonline.com

 

[Jay Turberville]

I have been and am currently going through a similar situation with
my mother. You must realize a very basic and unpleasant concept: Some
people reach a point in age where one cannot reason with them on
some, or all, subjects. There are medications which may help slow
down this process.

Isn't that usually somewhere between 14-17 years old?

--
Jay Turberville
http://www.jayandwanda.com

 

[Charles Self]

Well, I'm over 70, have a dozen cameras and would be bored stiff if
it were not for photography. Give him what he wants, he may just
shock the hell out of you.
--

Yes. And of all the rest of the patronizing twerps who answered. "Let him," my butt. Most other 70 year olds I know are in better shape than I am, able to do more, and those who aren't computer literate are perfectly capable of learning basic operations inside of three easy listening hours.

--
Charlie Self
http://www.charlieselfonline.com

 

[Charles Self]

I have been and am currently going through a similar situation with
my mother. You must realize a very basic and unpleasant concept: Some
people reach a point in age where one cannot reason with them on
some, or all, subjects. There are medications which may help slow
down this process.

Isn't that usually somewhere between 14-17 years old?

Heh. IME, it usually starts at 13 and continues to about 21, unless Junior is going for a master's, when it is extended to 22 or 23. Then it leaps to the fore again around 40 or 45, obviously.

--
Charlie Self
http://www.charlieselfonline.com

 

[Jay Turberville]

... he is completely computer illiterate. Also, he insists that he
wants at least 12mp but has absolutely no clue as to what that means.

Well, if it weren't for the 12Mp bit, I'd recommend a Panasonic DMC-L1. It is rather retro and has an aperture ring and shutter speed dial and a rather nifty retro look. You can also pick them up at pretty reasonable prices these days.

He will likely never print a single image (he doesn't own a printer,
let alone a photo printer, for the computer he never turns on).

My Mom, who is a similar age, just takes here SD card down to Costco for prints. Same as it ever was for her - except that she doesn't have to buy film any more.

He used to be a hobbyist photographer and I don't want to discourage
him from doing something he enjoys. But how do I advise him if he has
no clue as to what all the new digital terminology means and in
reality, he shouldn't be spending the money for a fancy camera he
will never really make use of? On the other hand, if I don't advise
him, he'll go ahead and spend the money for cr@p camera anyway (like
he did with the computer and his previous P&S digital).

If the 12Mp is really a must have, then any of the budget models with that feature could be good choices that will make nice photos and not break the bank.

--
Jay Turberville
http://www.jayandwanda.com

 

[Bill Randall]

I have been and am currently going through a similar situation with
my mother. You must realize a very basic and unpleasant concept: Some
people reach a point in age where one cannot reason with them on
some, or all, subjects. There are medications which may help slow
down this process.

Isn't that usually somewhere between 14-17 years old?

It was in my case but I was an early achiever.

--

FINE PRINT: I reserve the right to be wrong. Should you prove me wrong, I reserve the right to change my mind.

 

[schmaud]

some thoughts:

did he used a SLR in film days?
If it was pre-AF he might prefer the form-factor of an olymus e420.

if there are still some fast prime-lenses around (50 1.8/1.7) this might point towards this brand.. (watch out, e.g. Nikon only supports all lenses on highend modells (1 or 3 digits), quite some pre AF mounts are obsolete)

How is his eye sight?

I general older people appretiate big bright view-finder. If money is no issue: sony alpha 900;-)

How is he going to view the pictures?

if he bought himself a fancy TV a HDMI port seems to provide good signal (but stay away if his tv does not ave, or he is going to by a tv soon), at least some sonys have this

How steady are his hands?
image stabilisation might be a very good idea ( it is anyhow).

Does he need the newest and best? ( the 12 MP sound in this direction)

than the panasonics g1 could be something special enough to show off .. and it is cheaper than other caneras with high show.off potential...

Sticking with the biggest brands ( N&C) might be safer if he has aquaintances he wants to show off to...(I am purely speculating here, but if he needs at least 12 MP, it could be that his neighbor/ collegue/friend/... just got a 10 or 12 MP system...)

an uninvited non-technical comment:

make sure that he and not you are selcting the camera, otherwise it is going to be your fault, if his expectations are not met...

point him to a good store with knowledable people. I sometimes have the impression that the salesstuff in big chains have special courses on how to brain wash technical unexperienced people in to some high revenue products...(this is already the polite phrasing of my thoughts on this)

Most important:make sure that this in not getting in the way off good relation with your dad...

cheers

r.

 

[Jay Turberville]

Well, I'm over 70, have a dozen cameras and would be bored stiff if
it were not for photography. Give him what he wants, he may just
shock the hell out of you.
--

Yes. And of all the rest of the patronizing twerps who answered. "Let
him," my butt. Most other 70 year olds I know are in better shape
than I am, able to do more, and those who aren't computer literate
are perfectly capable of learning basic operations inside of three
easy listening hours.

I play competitive table tennis and there are a number of over seventy fellows that it took me years to finally beat on a regular basis (I'm 49). I just played a fellow who is over eighty last night. And while I won, it wasn't exactly easy.

I'll be playing in the Nationals in the Hardbat Open with a fellow who is 66. It is only recently that I've been able to beat him fairly regularly. But I wouldn't be surprised if I were to lose on any particular day. Tomorrow I'll be training with another fellow who is over 60, and is probably one of the top five players in the state. I've beat him once and that was largely because I happened to be playing my very best for a short while. Good timing and luck. He is clearly a better player than I am.

--
Jay Turberville
http://www.jayandwanda.com

 

[Jay Turberville]

I have been and am currently going through a similar situation with
my mother. You must realize a very basic and unpleasant concept: Some
people reach a point in age where one cannot reason with them on
some, or all, subjects. There are medications which may help slow
down this process.

Isn't that usually somewhere between 14-17 years old?

Heh. IME, it usually starts at 13 and continues to about 21, unless
Junior is going for a master's, when it is extended to 22 or 23. Then
it leaps to the fore again around 40 or 45, obviously.

I guess I was a late bloomer. I left home at 17. I'm glad they didn't try to medicate me.

--
Jay Turberville
http://www.jayandwanda.com

 

[Martha Yount]

This is good! I encourage you to help your Dad if he wants your help. Not many 70 year olds will up and buy a DSLR camera without thinking it through. He may not know a lot of the digital terms, but it sounds as though he might know about SLRs and photography and that goes a long way. He also is trying to embrace technology. I would encourage him, if he has the money to get involved and it sounds like he does. I would imagine he will learn. Epson has a small picturemate printer (Zoom and the Dash). It gives one the ability to print out pictures and store them on a CD. It does a wonderful job and requires no computer. It allows you crop and print different photos with or without borders and so on. These are all things your Dad knows about. I use the zoom in a lot of my volunteer photo work.

One of my clients bought a digital camera at the age of 75. When I ask him what he was going to do with it. He said he thought he would view his pictures on TV and wanted to know if I would help him select a camera. Digital has given us so many options and a lot of them surround the computer, but that doesn't mean there aren't other ways of using digital media. Let us dare to step outside our box.

Just let him find his way, it's a good time to begin to learn about digital. This summer I had the opportunity to teach a Digital Photography Class and there sat a 85 year old lady. She didn't have a computer, but she saved her pictures on CD's. She had a great collection of photos. She had a problem though. Her flower pictures were not turning out the way she wanted them too. They were not real clear. At the end of the class, we all went outside and I explained to her about the macro button. Then I told her to take the photo and voila it was great. She was so excited! She made me pretty happy too. I have an Uncle who is 86, that man has helped me with my pictures for 40 years. He realizes that film is on the way out, and he wants to continue to embrace his passions of life. I will be right there to help him, if he needs my help.

Enjoy,
MY

Enjoy,
MY

 

[Martha Yount]

n/t