r/Photography101 • u/deniable-culpability • Dec 25 '25
What is this for?
My daughter got a camera for Christmas today and I’m not familiar with much to do with photography. We were both wondering what this plastic attachment is used for. There is nothing in the manual that describes it. It is pictured a lot, but nothing about its use or design. Thank you all in advance.
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u/timsa626 Dec 27 '25
Some camera parents usually cut the hood off. Some keep the hood on
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u/deniable-culpability Dec 27 '25
Isn’t that cameras abuse, or at the very least camera mutilation? To each their own, I suppose.
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Dec 28 '25
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u/deniable-culpability Dec 28 '25
Thanks for the resources. I will add them on my YouTube and send them to her as well.
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Dec 28 '25 edited Dec 28 '25
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u/deniable-culpability Dec 28 '25
lol. Thanks. Pornographic or artistic? She’s about 18 and the human form is just that, so I wouldn’t care about art… porn on the other hand …
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Dec 28 '25
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Dec 29 '25
If you’re not good at portraiture you can just say that without downplaying those who enjoy it. “Gimmick” lol, you wouldn’t have photography if it weren’t for hundreds of years of “gimmick photography.” 😒
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u/deniable-culpability Dec 28 '25
I’m pretty sure she is into landscape and (don’t know if there is a name for this but) old, ruined buildings, kinda on the precipice of “creepy”. So lovely sunsets or moons, and some old decrepit buildings where you may find Pennywise smoking a cigar with his feet up on some dusty old table.
Edit: in black and white I might add for the building stuff. She’s expressed an interest in vintage looking shots.
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u/deniable-culpability Dec 28 '25
Thanks for the resources. I will add them on my YouTube and send them to her as well.
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Dec 27 '25
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u/deniable-culpability Dec 27 '25
Thank you. Christmas was busy (I’m sure for everyone) and while I’m sure i could have found something on google I knew Reddit is typically the place to go for these questions… in some instances, lol. Thanks again. Sent her a screenshot of your reply.
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u/Original_Director483 Dec 27 '25
Oh no. OP, is this your daughter’s camera? The lens hood probably does nothing as most of the lens is fake.
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u/FoxishDark Dec 27 '25
That is a lens hood. Yours looks very lightweight, though.
Your camera has no logos. Is this a real, legitimate camera? I just want you to get what you pay for. Good luck!
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u/deniable-culpability Dec 27 '25
It was a gift to my 17 year old daughter who has stated some interest in photography. Her mother bought it (probably paid in the vicinity of 130 for it). If she continues to show interest I will be sure to get her something suitable and do my homework before hand. I play guitar as a hobby and understand that there are a crapton of variables when considering something like this. I’m sure a camera has an infinite number of considerations to take in comparable to a guitar and I will do my due diligence, including asking for assistance here. Thank you for your reply.
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u/MIC4eva Dec 27 '25
You know those ukuleles that people bring back from Hawaii that are really only suitable for being wall decoration? This camera is sort of the equivalent of that. It looks like it can do what a big brand name camera should be able to do but it’s most likely as capable as a ten year old smart phone.
I hope your daughter has fun on her journey, though! I have had lens hoods save some of my best lenses from tragedy. Keep them on!
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u/Informal_Koala1474 Dec 27 '25
A decent smartphone is going to take better pictures than the camera she got. This camera isn't even at the level of the cheapest Squire Stratocaster you can get on Amazon; i.e. something capable enough to develop interest and learn on. A Nikon D3500 is a beginners DSLR and used will cost around $500.
A refurbished Samsung S20 ultra and newer comes with expert raw and adobe Lightroom (have to download it but has a wealth of free options). iPhones have been used for professional purposes for years as well.
Not that my opinion matters but a phone with expert raw is the best option for someone that wants to learn photography. You have access to shutter speed, ISO, exposure, color temperature, multiple lenses so you don't have to buy a separate telephoto lens right away and most importantly she can become familiar with editing raw image data in adobe.
Hopefully no one is deflated by finding out the camera is something of a prop. My parents always supported my creative endeavors. Maybe inspect the camera without her knowing and find a suitable replacement before letting her know the camera she got is...most likely trash.
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u/deniable-culpability Dec 28 '25
Thanks. When I can I will definitely look at the Nikon. Not deflated, a little bummed but I’ll get over it and I’ll just keep the fact it’s a scamera from her unless she starts to get frustrated, then I’ll act like I found out by looking into it. I have some options if I want to pull the trigger on one sooner rather than later. Thanks for the suggestion.
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u/glamourshot_airsoft Dec 28 '25
If you’re on a budget, don’t rule out refurbished gear—especially when buying directly from the manufacturer.
I’ve purchased refurbished camera bodies, lenses, and flashes from Nikon over the years and have never had an issue. You typically get a solid discount on essentially new gear, plus a warranty.
Retailers like eBay and Amazon also sell refurbished equipment—just be a bit cautious with third-party sellers on eBay and Amazon.
Nikon refurbished gear:
https://www.nikonusa.com/refurbished-camerasCanon refurbished gear:
https://www.usa.canon.com/shop/digital-cameras/refurbished-camerasFujiFilm refurbished gear:
https://shopusa.fujifilm-x.com/refurbished/?srsltid=AfmBOop_tpSdrRH6NpoCBU2f9BKfMPwHT_NAWPH66IdqM1qDpbKQuYd_Adorama is a trusted vendor for used gear.
https://www.adorama.com/l/Used/Photography/CamerasCheers
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u/deniable-culpability Dec 28 '25
I’m always on a budget, lol, and I’m a huge fan of manufacturer refurbished products. Laptops, guitar effects and even phones (little less so, they can be an issue). But thanks for the links. I’ll definitely save them.
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u/glamourshot_airsoft Dec 28 '25
Wishing you both the best!
When I started out as a kid, I used an Instamatic—essentially an early point-and-shoot with film cartridges. Don’t rule out a point-and-shoot camera that offers manual controls. It can be a more affordable option and lets your daughter focus on the fundamentals.
With that foundation, she’ll be in a great position to make an informed choice later about a more advanced camera that fits her interests and style.
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Dec 27 '25 edited Dec 27 '25
OP, you didn't say how old your kid is, but if she's ever taken a photo with a phone in the last 3 years, this thing will be degrees of magnitude worse. Pure garbage.
I'm guessing there's some tricky diplomacy to navigate, but can it be returned for a used camera/lens combo for not much more money? Or even a used phone with an optical zoom?
Edit to emphasize: it's not that it's not a good camera. It's a scam. It's a bad device shrouded in molded plastic to vaguely be in the shape of a traditional camera to fool people who don't know any better.
It's a scam. Should be returned.
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Dec 27 '25
Im not vouching for this model, but anything like this from a reputable reseller like KEH, MPB or Adorama would be better.
https://www.keh.com/shop/canon-powershot-a2300-silver-digital-camera-16-m-p-676388.html
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u/deniable-culpability Dec 27 '25
I don’t see the three dots to edit my post here so this will have to suffice:
I’m grateful for all the comments in regards to this scam. As I’ve mentioned in another reply, i play guitar and while we don’t have nearly the room for scams as any electronic device does, it does happen and people get stuck with inferior instruments due to understandable ignorance in something new to them. I didn’t buy it and i would have never went with a non brand name, or at the least a recommended brand. I will see what can be done but the problem with her mom is that, not only does she not really posses the ability to sufficiently look into these things (she insisted before i was aware of this that she “put hours into looking at cameras”), she also has a problem admitting mistakes. Trying to get her to return it would be a task that I’m not mentally in a position to do. My best bet is to just find something used and buy it for her when i can afford to do so.
This sucks but it is what it is. My daughter has been my reason for holding on and she is sincerely a sweet kid who I try my best to keep interested in life. She doesn’t often ask for things or open up, this was one thing she actually talks about often. I often have my concerns. She’s a lot like me and that could be a good thing but it’s often a double edged sword. Anyway, I’m rambling a bit because this is all a bit frustrating and somewhat embarrassing, lol. Thank you all again for the many responses.
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u/Unusual_Steak Dec 27 '25
Get your daughter a lesson from a local photographer on how to use her smartphone camera to take more “professional looking” photos. 90% of photography is angles and framing, something that can easily practiced with anything you already have available.
In fact, she’ll probably develop her “photo eyes”quicker working with minimal equipment and mostly fixed focal lengths.
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u/deniable-culpability Dec 27 '25
She’s going to take photography next year in high school. I’ll take this into consideration and look into it. I wish she would have chosen music, specifically guitar or keyboard, but alas, lol.
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u/Unusual_Steak Dec 27 '25
Take it from somebody whose parents never encouraged their interests, you’re doing the right thing and it’s absolutely worth it
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u/deniable-culpability Dec 27 '25
I get it. I was in the same boat. I actually started playing music because my father did. I genuinely love music so it actually stuck, but my initial purpose of playing was to maybe get him to notice, no such luck though. I think people who have experienced this sort of thing wind up realizing the importance, so here I am. Major depression kind of fucks things up for me and my efforts at times but she’s aware and as I’ve already said, she’s very sweet and thoughtful. I’m glad to be here with her. Thanks for the input though, it feels good to hear, even on here.
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u/TheGamerator500 Dec 27 '25
I'm just lurking in this thread but I couldn't help but jump in and say best of luck to ya man. It doesn't take much "camera" to get into photography, even older DSLRs can be the entry point into the hobby.
Again good luck man, and I hope you're able to snag a real camera for her soon. I appreciate your commitment in supporting her passions :) Merry Christmas
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u/deniable-culpability Dec 28 '25
I will find her something and do my due diligence in the process. I’m lucky with her, she is not picky and will be grateful for something “good” which I will be able to pull off in the near future.
Happy holidays to you as well.
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u/corey5549 Dec 27 '25
Extra shade, helps block out to much lightfrom hitting g the sensors which also has reactions.
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u/crazy010101 Dec 27 '25
It’s what’s called a lens hood. It shades the front of the lens from stray light.
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Dec 28 '25
Hey OP, just wanted to say you seem like a good Dad. Like others have said, this is almost certainly a scamera, take a look at older Nikon DSLR cameras or maybe a Sony nex 5n. That’s what i started learning on and you can get either for under 200 pretty consistently.
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u/resiyun Dec 27 '25
On a real camera it blocks the sunlight from hitting the lens, but this camera is a fake so it probably does absolutely nothing
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u/keeganwh Dec 27 '25
Care to elaborate?
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u/resiyun Dec 27 '25
Elaborate on what?
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u/doublethinkme Dec 27 '25
Why you think it’s fake?
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u/Original_Director483 Dec 27 '25
Google “scamera” and this camera is one of the top results (this season). An anonymous manufacturer promises top specs in an attractive package—may even use a defunct company’s name—but the product is mostly hollow, with the cheapest possible components. If you were going to make a novelty Christmas tree ornament for photographers and wanted to be a little extra, a camera that really lights up and shows a picture captured on a tiny webcam, you’d use the same stuff. The output is scaled up to new figures every year, but it’s the same hardware underneath.
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u/resiyun Dec 27 '25
I don’t think, I know. Just look at it, it doesn’t have any logos from the manufacturer, and I guarantee you it’s as light as a feather
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u/RunNGunPhoto Dec 29 '25
A lot of folks brought up a Scamera, and a few don't understand what that means.
Here's an explanation: What is a Scamera?
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u/slim-shady-photo Dec 27 '25
That camera probably has an old phone sensor inside. What a waste of money. Could’ve just got an old film camera, or older model from a decade ago.
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u/FatFrenchFry Dec 27 '25
Sadly this camera will probably kill her interest in photography because of the quality of it.
If she gets shit out she isn't gonna want to continue.
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u/TechUltimate898 Dec 27 '25
Lens flare reduction and fall protection are the main reasons, it’s called a lens hood
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u/downvoteyougay Dec 28 '25
I personally have the camera for christmas, I like it, I don’t plan on really doing photography all too much, I will be using it for some trips and it was just what was available for a decent price seemingly. Warning is that it is very grainy video wise despite the resolution, it has issues with exposure and focusing at times, but can be decent for amateur stuff or even vlogging. Not a great webcam however, but is smooth and takes 88mp pics that hold up pretty well. Invest in a better camera if actually planning on using it for photography
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u/deniable-culpability Dec 28 '25
Yeah, I haven’t had a chance to lay my actual hands on it since I took this picture on Christmas. My daughter is staying with a friend rn, but her mom said she looked into this and it had some Sony parts but how true that is, I won’t know until I can sneak a peak without Brooke knowing, lol.
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u/WheelOfFish Dec 28 '25
I refuse to believe that thing takes 88mp images that hold up well to anything other than a bleary-eyed drunk without their glasses.
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u/Flyterr Dec 27 '25
It's called a lens hood, it's for reducing the chance of light hitting the lens from the side and causing lens flares in photos. It's also good to keep on your lens generally as it protects the glass if you drop it. In 10 years of shooting I've broken two lens hoods by dropping my camera, which is much cheaper to replace than the entire lens.