Photo Gift Ideas

For that youngster on your birthday or holiday gift list who wants a camera:  If that young person is between the ages of 6 and 12 you have a number of gift options that wern't available five years ago:

• One time use film cameras.  If you doubt the committment of the child to photographic pursuits then this might be a good way to test the water.  Be sure to buy good quality brand name units from suppliers such as Kodak or Fuji.  Nothing is less inspiring than a photo gift which delivers poor results.
  
• Inexpensive reusable film camera.  One step up from the one-time use camera is the inexpensive film camera.  The advantage of this type of camera over the one-use is it can be used with different types of film, should have a stronger flash and better quality lens.  Here is one we located for under $15!  The Bell and Howell BH-M-5 Motorized 35mm Camera from http://Shopperite.com. 
  
• Inexpensive digital camera.  The same outfit, ShoppeRite, also has a simple digital camera with the Bell and Howell moniker:  BH-325R - 1.3 Megapixel Camera.  Yes, 1.3mpx doesn't do particularily well for 8x10 prints, but it's perfectly fine for 4x6 prints and Internet photo sharing.  At less than $40 you could even send the camera off to camp knowing that if it's damaged or lost it's not going to be a big deal.
• Used film camera.  Film may not be glamorous or represent the leading edge of technology, but today it's possible to buy a fine used film camera for very little.  This solution should be considered for the older child who is serious about photography as a hobby.  Often, for around $100, (plus or minus $50), you can purchase a good quality used single lens reflex camera with zoom lens made by a manufacturer such as Canon, Nikon, Minolta or Pentax.  To try to duplicate that level of quality in a digital camera you will have to spend from $600 to $1000, or more.