Hold on guys -too many assumptions about seniors here (of which I am one at 71). My mother is 93, and uses a Panasonic P&S which has action modes, gets them right most of the time, and cheerfully downloads to her computer and emails the results to friends and family. Doesn't have a clue about using the computer beyond what I've shown her and/or written down for her, but she ain't brain-dead! Walt, for this task (not one I'd take on, BTW!), I'd try to group them into classes of experience: if there are any former amateur photographers among them, they will have a better idea of some of the more sophisticated options available and can be pointed in that direction. Those with no photo experience, yep, Bob Sullivan had it right. For both groups, you also need to find out their computer level of comfort. This surely can't be a one-off session, I'd want to break it down over two or three at least: advise on the appropriate purchases, then next time have a hands-on training session on taking the photos, then finally a practical use of the computer for the basics. No more than that to begin with, but I'd offer follow up with individual coaching as people either got more or less confident. Is it possible to ask a local dealer to loan two or three examples of the types of camera under discussion? Maybe two simple P&S and a bridge model? And what's so terrible about Pentax P&S models Igor?
John Coyle Brisbane, Australia -----Original Message----- From: pdml-boun...@pdml.net [mailto:pdml-boun...@pdml.net] On Behalf Of Jeffery Smith Sent: Thursday, 14 October 2010 2:39 AM To: Pentax-Discuss Mail List Subject: Re: Choosing a Digital Camera Something with as few frills and choices as possible. And megapixels are insignificant since I doubt that any of them will be making 11x14 prints. My mother is a senior citizen (89), and I cannot imagine a camera simple enough for her to use. Next time you're at the store, take note of any senior citizens who try to use a debit card to pay for their purchase. The cashier will have to tell them every step and usually has to reach around to push the "Accept" button for them. Technology is very confusing for people who are not used to it. I bought Mom a telephone with Caller ID on it. She can't use it. Too complicated. Too many choices. Something with an optical viewfinder would be good. Having trifocals and trying to see that LCD is murder. It has to be easy or, like a cell phone, it won't get used at all. Jeffery On Oct 13, 2010, at 9:49 AM, Walter Hamler wrote: > I need some input. I have been asked to give a short presentation to a > group of senior citizens on "choosing and using a digital camera". > I know what I have and need, but my criteria may be different than > some, or even most. So how about some input from you folks. DSLR's and > P&S will be addressed. > > Walt > > -- > PDML Pentax-Discuss Mail List > PDML@pdml.net > http://pdml.net/mailman/listinfo/pdml_pdml.net > to UNSUBSCRIBE from the PDML, please visit the link directly above and follow the directions. -- PDML Pentax-Discuss Mail List PDML@pdml.net http://pdml.net/mailman/listinfo/pdml_pdml.net to UNSUBSCRIBE from the PDML, please visit the link directly above and follow the directions. -- PDML Pentax-Discuss Mail List PDML@pdml.net http://pdml.net/mailman/listinfo/pdml_pdml.net to UNSUBSCRIBE from the PDML, please visit the link directly above and follow the directions.
