Cameras for high school photo program - recommendations needed

[Bryanstough]

Hello,

I am a high school teacher building a photo program from scratch. Does anyone have any recommendations of what would be a good setup to purchase for students that would last for years to come.  Something that can shoot both video and stills.  I’m interested in the R series moving forward.  Maybe the R10.  I even thought about the M series. Budget will come into play.  I have large classes around 25 students.  I though about starting with 5 bodies that students can sign out week by week.   Right now most students use cell phones.  Any teachers out in the community?

Thank you!

[ebiggs1]

Your statement, "...a good setup to purchase for students that would last for years to come" makes the R series the only practical answer. Do not consider the M series, it is dead already. The current DSLR or EF series can be a good buy but again it is at life's end. However, it "would last for years to come". 

My school, GEHS USD 231 uses Rebel cameras. But we bought them a few years ago. They have served us well. The kids are instructed on how to care for them thoroughly before they check the out.

I would opt for the new R series models of which the R10 is a good choice.

[jrhoffman75]

If I was buying new for myself (so to speak) I agree with Ernie - the R10 is a good choice. New with a wide range kit zoom lens it is priced at almost $1400.

You said budget is a consideration; you didn't state what your budget is. Your use case is students who won't necessarily develop any affinity for the hobby or the product line. You just want a tool that you can use to teach the basics of photography. If they decide they want to progress everything they learned will be transferable to the latest out there - Canon or otherwise.

You can pick up used Rebel series cameras from a place like Keh camera for much less money.  The Rebel series are reliable. The basic operation is the same for all versions, even though specific feature sets may vary. 

[Bryanstough]

Thank you both for the quick reply.  I have not met with my admin to establish a budget.  It seems like Canon is heading in the RF direction.  I have encourage kids that are looking for their own gear to check FB marketplace for some good used gear.  There are some good deals on the Rebels.  I bought a brand new m50 creator kit for $240 marketplace.  It’s a great camera for the price.

[ebiggs1]

If you buy used make sure there is a "try it" period and a return option.  Rebels are good cameras but they need certain careful handling so the used market is a way for folks to get rid of faulty equipment. Places like KEH, B&H Adorama, and some others, all have excellent customer support so that makes them great sources for used gear.

I don't know if I would say starting out with used cameras for HS is a good way to go. In a year of kids using it you will have used gear! You can save a little money by selecting off brand lenses. We have Sigma 24-70mm f2.8 and Sigma 70-200mm f2.8 zoom lenses. All the Rebels were purchased new, as were the Sigma lenses.

Schools typically don't like buying things twice that is why I still think going with the R series is a good strategy. Perhaps more expensive in the beginning but less in the long run. School boards always think we did that once why do we need to do it again.

[Bryanstough]

Thanks for the info.  I met with our Audio video teacher today and overviewed some things.  We want to move into the use of video as well so that will play into what we purchase.   I think I am going to ask for 3 R cameras to get started and see what happens.  Also, our library has morphed into an enrichment center so we discussed today about building a cyc wall there.  

The school is pretty progressive with tech, they bought a motion capture system for over 5K last year and we do a lot with live stream.  We have the funds, so if I can justify the reason, the school board should be pretty supportive.

Thanks for the help!

[ebiggs1]

Good luck.