Kids photographing butterflies

[tog]

I've been asked by my children's primary school to advise on a suitable camera for them to buy for a butterfly project that's coming up. They're applying for a grant for funding and will need a camera for the kids to use to photograph not just butterflies, but also habitat, eggs, caterpillars, etc. It needs to be suitable both for 10/11-year-olds to use, but also right down to reception kids aged five or so (under supervision). My kids both have used my EOS 5DIIIs from a young age and get good results (though struggle to lift it with a big lens on), but am not really clued up on CSCs or compacts which may be better for small hands - had anyone got any recommendations? Or is an SLR the best bet? Butterflies are probably best shot with a longish lens, but eggs etc need a macro. They have a budget for this, but in hundreds not thousands.

[ruaricoles]

I reckon 10/11 year olds would be able to handle an SLR (in terms of size/weight) but the younger ones would struggle - our 8 year old can just about use my 6D but would hardly be able to wander around a butterfly house with it comfortably holding it high or steady.

Not sure what the school project entails, but is one expensive(ish) camera the right answer, given risk of damage and lots of pupils, rather than a few much cheaper compacts which would be easier to hold and in reality can cope with most scenarios including pretty close focal distances, albeit not a proper macro jobby.

If it's for more supervised child use (or adult use) then yes presumably the criteria are different and camera quality / capability might become more important. Perhaps a prosumer type of camera would be a suitable compromise.

[Simpo Two]

I think the brief needs changing. Butterfly eggs? Can't see a 5-year-old using a DSLR and macro lens.

Some compacts have a very good 'macro' feature and could probably be paid for by petty cash.

[Lynchie999]

SONY A5000 + Macro lens might do it ?

[conkerman]

I'm with Simpo here,

Compacts can be pretty good for shooting small stuff.

I have a Fuji underwater/tough camera at home, I'll take some 'macro' shots later. It was £130.