Thanks for all the comments folks. It looks like if this is still something she wants by the time December comes along she may have her wish granted.

Ron

December? I think you should get that camera faster...So much great shots to take in summmer and autumn

Verloc wrote: If she wants it that much she can wait! :-)

I think that's a wise decision. It's not so much about underestimating a teen's ability to do something - it's concern about a teenager's often fickle interests than can lead to great expenditures on mom and dad's part thateventually get left in the dust because the child has lost interest.

My fiance's 20 year old neice "got"very enthusiastic regarding photography about 2 years ago. She has since lost adigital camera, broken one, and then losta digital video cam (cost her stepfather $500)and has now lost interest.


Also note that a less expensive "in between" camera can be passed along to someone else, so it's hardly buying something twice.