Help Please! Totally new to this world and need help - Camera recommendations

[trisha3121]

Help me please.  I have a 14-year old nephew who has learning deficiencies (possibly on the autism spectrum)  so whenever he shows interest in something I really want to help him out.  He's obsessed with puppets and asked me to buy him a camera to film his puppets.  He found something on the internet that recommended Canon M5 or Canon M50.  I know absolutely nothing about cameras so have tried to acquire more information.  (I know it may sound stupid, but I am going to buy him a new one for Christmas.)  

So I look on Amazon and find these two:   

1. Canon EOS M50 15-45mm Mirrorless Digital Camera (Black) with Canon EOS Camera Gadget Bag, 64GB SD Card, Flexible 12" Spider Tripod, and Battery & Charger Pack Bundle 

2. Canon EOS M50 Mark II Content Creator Kit, Mirrorless 4K Vlogging Camera Kit Includes EF-M 15-45mm Lens, Tripod Grip, Stereo Microphone Black

Not understanding a thing about either, could someone please recommend?  If there's another version of the M50 that you think is better, please let me know that also.  I definitely will shop around for the best price, no matter what I get him.  He does put up stuff on YouTube so it's possible he might put videos on YouTube.  Not sure if that makes any difference.

Thank you so much in advance for any help and I apologize if I sound really stupid and/or uninformed.  I didn't know how else to phrase what I'm trying to ask.

[Replaced links with images to facilitate conversation]

[Tintype_18]

I don't think this inquiry sounds stupid but reflects a genuine concern to help your nephew. This might lead to other areas of video and still photography.Would it be possible to share some things here?

[trisha3121]

I thank you very much for your help! As long as you think these are good for beginners and especially for videoing, I will definitely look into them!!  🙂

[rs-eos]

Canon's M-series line (which includes the M50) will not be a good long-term investment.

The future of Canon's cameras is the newer R-series line.

First thing to note though is when doing a purchase, only purchase from Authorized Canon Resellers.  I note that the first product you listed earlier is sold by "BH 52 Innovations" which is not an authorized reseller.   If you stick with Amazon to do the purchases, double-check that the "Sold by" vendor is an authorized reseller.

The newer R-series cameras also have creator kits available such as:

• Canon EOS R50 Content Creator Kit (normally $1,000 but now at $850 at least at B&H Photo)

The most inexpensive in the R-series is the EOS R100.  That camera along with an 18-45mm lens (typical lens that creator kits come with) sells for $550.   It would not have a microphone though or other accessories found in creator kits.

One other possibility...

If your nephew only ever plans to record video, then looking at a camcorder may make more sense since they are dedicated video equipment.

[rs-eos]

Forgot to add... what is your budget for purchase a camera or camcorder?

[trisha3121]

John, I want to make sure I'm understanding you.  Are you saying I could look at these in place of the M50, or are these things to look at once he's into photography and videoing?  Thank you!

[shadowsports]

Greetings ,

I would not recommend investing into an M series body.  The M series has been discontinued by Canon.  Consider an R series body.

Only buy directly from Canon or an authorized reseller.  Amazon resellers may not offer authentic gear.  It might be counterfeit or gray market.  

You can buy new or refurbished gear directly from Canon.  Other authorized retailers are B&H photo or Adorama.  If you want to buy used gear, KEH is excellent.

I would consider refurbished or used as your nephews interest may be short-lived.  Just something to think about.  Please reply back with your budget and we can make some recommendations for you.

[trisha3121]

Thank you Ricky.  I asked him and he's only interested in filming puppets and not re-recording.

[trisha3121]

I don't have a particular budget.  However if I can get him a camera that does what he wants it to (record puppets) and get it for under $500 I'm there!  I want to spend as little as I have to, getting him a quality beginner's camera with a good record function.

Unfortunately, he saw this video on YouTube.  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z92Oq8WVHLo  He's a very literal kid, so if I get him something that doesn't at least resemble those cameras, he'll be convinced it's not as good.   I'll definitely go with a camera as opposed to a camcorder.

[trisha3121]

I'm taking my nephew into account when I give my response.  I will present the camera to him as new, even if' it's refurbished.  Because he won't know the difference. (It's his Christmas gift.)  I thought about used but decided against it.  I want him to feel he's getting something new.  I have a better chance with refurbished.

I don't have a particular price point but will quote what I told another poster who asked about price.  

I don't have a particular budget.  However if I can get him a camera that does what he wants it to (record puppets) and get it for under $500 I'm there!  I want to spend as little as I have to, getting him a quality beginner's camera with a good video function.

Unfortunately, he saw this video on YouTube.  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z92Oq8WVHLo  He's a very literal kid, so if I get him something that doesn't at least resemble those cameras, he'll be convinced it's not as good.