Heartbreaking!!!

[Drakeskakes]

So I just stopped in the camera store quick while wondering around taking some shots. I had to get a lens pen.

While waiting in line, I saw a kid (17-18ish) with his dad looking at cameras because he just started "Film School". I just kept hearing him say it would be his first camera ever

The poooooor kid couldn't make up his mind on whether daddy should buy him a 7D or a 5D MKII. Poor kid

Im sure I'm just being bitter because I've worked for everything I own since I was 14. But also, not gonna lie..... If I could get my dad to buy me an expensive camera I wouldn't say no haha.

Anyway, he left with a 7D after some other hobbyist schooled him and the guy who worked there and the advantages of the 7D video vs 5D MKII

[aebrown]

Hey can't be bitter. There's nothing to say that Daddy's money is going to make him a better photographer.

Some people are more fortunate than others. I, like you, worked for all of my gear as well--which in my opinion, makes me take more care of it, and truly value it.

Don't worry about it, and focus on what you need to focus on--your camera, your gear, and your photography. Not what other people's parents are buying for their kids...

[Drakeskakes]

Haha no worries, I'm not "truely" bitter. Just venting a little
And I agree, I value my equipment much more that I purchased it with my money.

[PacAce]

I let my 5 year old grandson use my Nikon 90D when he wants to go take pictures (he has a Canon A510 but he prefers shooting with the DSLR camera). I wouldn't mind him using my 7D or my 5D2 but they're way too heavy for him. If he were tells me tomorrow that he wants his own DSLR camera, I wouldn't hesitate for minute buying him one (whatever it takes to get him to keep up his interest in photography). ;)

[Mastamarek]

There was a thread ones when this girl's mom spent like $20K on the equipment for her and she was very young as well and never touched SLR before ^^ I thought that was a bit of overkill. Getting a camera from your parents is a nice gift but nothing extra ordinary nowadays.

[jdizzle]

I let my 5 year old grandson use my Nikon 90D when he wants to go take pictures (he has a Canon A510 but he prefers shooting with the DSLR camera). I wouldn't mind him using my 7D or my 5D2 but they're way too heavy for him. If he were tells me tomorrow that he wants his own DSLR camera, I wouldn't hesitate for minute buying him one (whatever it takes to get him to keep up his interest in photography). ;)
Can you be my dad, please?!?!?!;)

[PacAce]

There was a thread ones when this girl's mom spent like $20K on the equipment for her and she was very young as well and never touched SLR before ^^ I thought that was a bit of overkill. Getting a camera from your parents is a nice gift but nothing extra ordinary nowadays.

I agree. Buying a DSLR camera just because it might make a good gift or with the hope of getting the kid, especially very young ones, interested in photography is a bit of an overkill. When my kids were very young, I bought them a Polaroid camera (so they could see the pictures right away) and then cheap but good P&S film cameras. They never showed a real interest in photography beyond taking snapshots so inexpensive P&S cameras were all I ever got for them.

[PacAce]

Can you be my dad, please?!?!?!;)

LOL. One 5 year old grandson is already a handful. I don't know if I can handle another child. ;) :lol:

[PacAce]

Here's my grandson at 1 1/2 years old when he was still trying to get the hang of using the camera the correct way:

439120

And later at age 2 1/2 years old:

439121

[Orangegsx]

Im sure I'm just being bitter because I've worked for everything I own since I was 14. But also, not gonna lie..... If I could get my dad to buy me an expensive camera I wouldn't say no haha.

I think I would say no. I dunno if I'm weird or what but I don't ever feel right getting gifts. I'm used to working for what I have or just dealing with not getting something. It's too bad that some people's children get whatever they want and don't appreciate it. Not always the case I guess.

[aebrown]

The reality is, we don't know the situation behind the story. Maybe the kid was VERY appreciative of what their parent was doing, or maybe there was an agreement to do extra work for it. So yeah, i'm being to hypothetical, so I'll shut up after these last words...

And as I'm sure a lot of people here know, they would do anything for their kids to be happy, active, and do something they love. I would do it for my kids, if I had them that is.

[fotoworx]

Sounds like a great Dad.

You can never please everyone. Would you rather be posting a story of a dead beat Dad?

[neilwood32]

Here's my grandson at 1 1/2 years old when he was still trying to get the hang of using the camera the correct way:

439120

And later at age 2 1/2 years old:

439121

Now that is cute!

A budding photographer if ever I saw one!

[PacAce]

Now that is cute!

A budding photographer if ever I saw one!

Thanks.

Yeah, that's why I'm doing whatever I can to nurture his interest in photography. He's into videography, too. He borrowed my Flip video camera when he was four years old to shot a couple of "action movies" with his Ben-10 action figures. He did the directing as well as the action movements of the "good guys". He had me doing the action of the "bad guys". The Flip camera is his now since he uses it much more than I do. So far, he hasn't asked to borrow my video camcorder yet though. :)

[Ironforge]

Thanks.

Yeah, that's why I'm doing whatever I can to nurture his interest in photography. He's into videography, too. He borrowed my Flip video camera when he was four years old to shot a couple of "action movies" with his Ben-10 action figures. He did the directing as well as the action movements of the "good guys". He had me doing the action of the "bad guys". The Flip camera is his now since he uses it much more than I do. So far, he hasn't asked to borrow my video camcorder yet though. :)

Probably soon, he will ask for your camcorder... :)

[neilwood32]

Thanks.

Yeah, that's why I'm doing whatever I can to nurture his interest in photography. He's into videography, too. He borrowed my Flip video camera when he was four years old to shot a couple of "action movies" with his Ben-10 action figures. He did the directing as well as the action movements of the "good guys". He had me doing the action of the "bad guys". The Flip camera is his now since he uses it much more than I do. So far, he hasn't asked to borrow my video camcorder yet though. :)

A future Spielberg perhaps?

[robscomputer]

From a guy who bought all of his gear (me), it's a big tough to hear that some kids get it all from their parents but honestly, I wish my parents showed even half of that interest in my hobby.

When you think about prodigy's like Tiger Woods, or even race car drivers, many of them couldn't have gotten their start without help from their parents. Seriously, thinking about even junior race levels, what kid could afford to pay for his own dirt bike or golf clubs, etc.

Also knowing that when I have kids, I would be excited to buy them their own camera gear. (of course it would be hand me downs from my gear). :)

[Maureen Souza]

I let my 5 year old grandson use my Nikon 90D when he wants to go take pictures (he has a Canon A510 but he prefers shooting with the DSLR camera). I wouldn't mind him using my 7D or my 5D2 but they're way too heavy for him. If he were tells me tomorrow that he wants his own DSLR camera, I wouldn't hesitate for minute buying him one (whatever it takes to get him to keep up his interest in photography). ;)
Yay, Leo. I gave my grandson an S5IS when he was 5 and he uses my Pro 1 when he is here. If he asked to use my 50D, I would be thrilled.

[PacAce]

Yay, Leo. I gave my grandson an S5IS when he was 5 and he uses my Pro 1 when he is here. If he asked to use my 50D, I would be thrilled.

The way kids these days, even the very young ones, are so computer and electronic gadget savvy, I'm sure it won't be long before your grandson asks to use your 50D, especially if he sees you using your DSLR all the time. Hopefully, when it does happen, he'll be a little older so that the weight of the camera won't be too much of a problem for him. Or, you can just buy yourself the lighter T2i in anticipation of that day when he does ask. ;)

[n4ffd]

At 11, my son asked to "borrow" my new (to me) 20D. I gave him a very fast tutorial with the camera set on full auto. He returned about 20 mins later with the below photo

We bought him a camera - though not a big DSLR, and he did really well with it.

Sometimes, you just have to feed the beast.

JC

[birdfromboat]

So What? Somebody is buying equipment you lust after for someone else that you are jealous of. I am sure it happens all day long, someone somewhere is getting something I wish I had. Way too far from anything I can do anything about to spend one minute worrying about.
Look at it this way....every used camera out there has a story behind it. Make it a goal to someday find the one that reads "daddy bought it for me, but I discovered boys my first week at film school and flunked out after just one term, I think it still works but the batteries have been dead for a really long time. 200 dollars? Sure, thats exactly what I need to bail my boyfriend out of jail". Good luck!

[littleboi21]

At 11, my son asked to "borrow" my new (to me) 20D. I gave him a very fast tutorial with the camera set on full auto. He returned about 20 mins later with the below photo

We bought him a camera - though not a big DSLR, and he did really well with it.

Sometimes, you just have to feed the beast.

JC

That is a good start for an 11 year old. It doesnt seems like a random shoot. It looks like he planned the shot and waited for the right moment. Really nice.

[LBaldwin]

I busted my A$$ to get all the gear I have ever owned. BUT my Daddid get me my first Pro SLR the venarable Canon A-1. It was expensive, nearly $800 on a US Navy Chiefs pay. I got it for a grad gift. I ended up buying three more... all with motor drives.

If you want to WORK as a pro you have to have the right tools for the job, it is just that simple. Yes they are expensive, and like any kid that age he will probably change his mind a dozen times and the gear ends up in the bottom of the closet or worse sold for pizza money.

I have been chasing this addiction with photography for most of my life as have many of you...

There is no 12 step program.

[Cole_Schmitt]

I'm 17 right now and I have paid for every piece of my photography gear bag (I know, it's not much or worth much). Right now I'm working and saving for a rig, a new tripod, and possibly a 300 2.8 IS. I am very, very fortunate to live the life I live at home. My family is very close and we are upper class. However, if my dad was to tell me he would buy me the 300, or a 5D2, or even a 40D, I would tell him I don't want it. It might just be me, but I would not be happy with myself if my parents went out and blew $4,200 on a lens that I want solely for my use. They love the fact that I am into photography, but I just wouldn't be able to accept it.

So, seeing a 17 year old who is having a hard time choosing between the 7D or 5D2 that his dad is paying for is just embarrassing if you ask me.