Great to get some sunshine at last, few from the Garden today.

Thanks guys appreciate the feedback.

Damian.

I am hoping to gather some advice and possibly a recommendation for a new camera purchase. A year ago give or take a few days I bought my eldest son his first camera, a Pentax WG-1. At the time my selection criteria was driven largely by proof as in water, shock, cold, dust and crush. There was also an issue of cost, I wanted to minimise my expense because to be honest I had no idea whether he would show any interest. Im glad to say its rarely out of his hands, so much so that I've watched with amazement at the speed with which he navigates the menu system, though this should be no surprise to anyone with a child that’s been educated by nintendo.

So now with his one year anniversary looming I'm looking at an upgrade. This is where my dilemma begins, I want to make a purchase that will help improve his photography, not just provide 'cleaner' photos. I've always believed that getting the right foundation regardless of activity is the only way to improve. Giving this some thought I've compiled the following list, things that I think will aid his understanding. It would be great to get your views on this, suggestions, corrections and recommendations.

Camera with a viewfinder, I've watched him frame with the LCD, I'm not convinced that an LCD is a good way to learn as its too easy to get distracted when composing.
A/S/M modes with support for exp comp.
Camera with B&W filters, primarily to aid seeing a scene in grayscale.
Support for frame lines, for e.g. Rule of thirds to help with composition.
Support for turning the LCD off, to help avoid chimping.

He's turning 10, going on 30, small hands would exclude mini dslr or bridge camera, really still looking at point and shoot size. Guys understanding that this is a pentax forum and not wanting to offend any advocates, I'm not religious about brand in relation to recommendations.

It would be great to hear about other 'features' that you would look for as training aids to someone starting out.

Thanks in advance for your suggestions.
Damian.

hmmm, online through their site with my member details in the additional info, each time charged.

not good if they dont read their order info, I assumed it was another n.i. thing.


Damian.

Not if you live in N. Ireland.

Damian.

# 3, beautiful light

Well done that man.

Few shots from yesterday, one of the few days recently where it hasn't been raining in Ireland.

55-300 sold.

77 and 43 still available.

Regards,
Damian.