My son is taking photography course in school from September. There seems to be some decent deals at moment. Any advice on Camera types?
Have a smallish budget.

If he's doing a photography course I assume he'll probably want something that can work in fully manual mode.

I'd be looking at a secondhand DSLR. Personally I'd look at something like a Nikon D3200 as it hits a sweet spot of price, age and image quality but you may want to look at something a bit older that was a bit more pro when it was released. That will get you something a bit tougher with more customisable controls. It depends what level they're at, a relative beginner I'd go with something like the D3200.

aggi wrote:If he's doing a photography course I assume he'll probably want something that can work in fully manual mode.

I'd be looking at a secondhand DSLR. Personally I'd look at something like a Nikon D3200 as it hits a sweet spot of price, age and image quality but you may want to look at something a bit older that was a bit more pro when it was released. That will get you something a bit tougher with more customisable controls. It depends what level they're at, a relative beginner I'd go with something like the D3200.

The more up to date D3300 and D3400 can be bought second hand for a very reasonable price too. Lens wise the 18-55mm kit lens is a very able lens for the beginner and if you want a fast prime lens the 35mm f1.8 DX is an awesome lens for the price

Hi, Some good advice above.
For what it's worth I would also consider a Nikon D90. Although an older model it was referred to as a prosumer camera, trying to bridge the gap between amateur and professional. It is a cracking camera, which benefits from having a motor built into the body for lenses. This means that any Nikon fit autofocus lens will work on the camera. A lot of the modern 3000/5000 series do not have this. At 12mp it produces good quality images and is built to work, not necessarily to a budget.
I currently have a Hasselblad H5d, Nikon D4s, Nikon D3x and a D90. The D90 has had some serious abuse over the past ten years but I still use it at some weddings especially for low light black and white shots. Sometimes I find that although the other two have better ISO performance and can make tea if they need to, the D90 does let the image breathe. Don't forget the greater the number of megapixels doesn't equate to better images. Anything above 10mp will pretty much give you a well detailed image once printed.
It is a good time to be looking for a camera as there are increasing numbers of professional photographers who are selling their gear to switch to mirrorless systems. Should be bargains out there for you.

Good luck

1st up, I must declare an interest as I have my own small camera business.

My advice would be to buy the camera with the most manual control that you can. Buy one with a hotshoe and a pc sync port. There are no bad sensors these days.

On my list would be:

Nikon D90 or D300 a Nikon 18-70 lens would be my budget choice or a Nikon 50mm f1.8D That combo = £175
Fuji X-T1 or Fuji X-T10 a lens adapter and use vintage lenses manually. Body £150 - £200. lenses from £20

iw1961 wrote: It is a cracking camera, which benefits from having a motor built into the body for lenses. This means that any Nikon fit autofocus lens will work on the camera. A lot of the modern 3000/5000 series do not have this.

Unless you're looking at a new lens with an electronic diaphragm that the D90 can't control so you'd only be able to shoot wide open. That's fine for some uses but suspect it won't be for someone doing a photography course.

The suggestion of a D300 by Guppyspotter is better imo, as that can control electronic diaphragms.

But, I am coming at this from the angle of someone whose main lens has an electronic diaphragm (200-500mm f/5.6)

Is your wife interested in photography? Snap, snap, candid (could be), you know what I means ? Say no more, say no more.

Vino blanco wrote:Is your wife interested in photography? Snap, snap, candid (could be), you know what I means ? Say no more, say no more.

Is she from Purley....

I'll bet she is, I'll bet she is. Say no more squire.

RE Deanothedino

The lenses with electronic diaphragms are all £1k plus and there only about 5. I don't think this will be an issue to be honest.

The D90, D200, D300 would all tick the boxes.

Before deciding on a camera and lens I would recommend studying the syllabus of the course. A DSLR with manual features would be a good start but some photography courses also require the student to use a film camera for some part of the syllabus. So two camera bodies may be needed which can be used with the same lenses.