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These are the best cameras you can get for your kids
Kids are curious beings with a learning desire, which is why we must support their interests as much as possible. Your little one’s newfound enthusiasm for photography could kickstart a life-long hobby or career, helping them create great memories. So we have put together a list of the best cameras for kids.
While it’s true that trusting expensive gadgets to kids isn’t always the best idea, keep in mind our goal isn’t to show you a list of the cheapest cameras around. Instead, we promote value. We will include some of the best affordable options and shooters with educating and fun features children may find enticing. Ruggedness is another factor to keep in mind, because we all know kids can be destroyers! This list of the best cameras for kids should have something for everyone.
The best cameras for kids
Editor’s note: This list of the best cameras for kids will be regularly updated as new devices launch and older ones are phased out.
Holga 120N
A pinhole film camera with complete manual controls will give your kids a deeper appreciation for photography, even if they may complain about its difficulty at first. The Holga 120N is the best camera for kids who want to learn the fundamentals of this art.
Of course, operating this camera requires skill and knowledge, so you will also need to be proficient in photography to teach your child how to use a Holga 120N. Either that or you will have to pay for classes or find good online tutorials. This camera isn’t for everyone, but it is affordable and an excellent tool for learning more than pressing a button.
VTech Kidizoom Creator Cam
The VTech KidiZoom Creator Zoom is affordable, fun, and convenient. Its body features a 5MP camera that flips up to become a selfie shooter. The integrated screen isn’t only good for previews, but you can also play games when your children aren’t creating content.
Another great feature is that this camera isn’t limited to shooting photos. It can also record videos. The unit can capture up to 720p resolution if you stick a memory card in it. Otherwise, you would be limited to two minutes of 360p using the internal memory. A selfie stick/tripod is included, as well as green screen fabric and a strap.
Polaroid Go
Digital cameras are convenient, but instant cameras could be a more fun alternative. The Polaroid Go is one of the best cameras for kids due to its ability to materialize images right after being shot. Our only complaint is buying paper for printing can get expensive, and this one has an all-new type of film, so you can’t use older ones. It’s super easy to use, though. Since it has auto exposure, your kid won’t have to learn all the technicalities to use this camera. It also has a timer feature for selfies.
Fujifilm Instax Mini Evo
Kids who like a classic look will love the Fujifilm Instax Mini Evo. This instant camera has a beautiful classic design, but it’s much more advanced than a typical instant camera. It’s considered a hybrid camera, featuring both digital and instant camera capabilities.
Of course, you can take photos and print them out, but the Fujifilm Instax Mini Evo takes things many steps further. For starters, it has a screen. You can use it to visualize your shots and preview filters. It can also save images to a microSD card, so no longer are your photos fleeting memories. Furthermore, the camera can be used as a printer for your smartphone images.
Polaroid Now+ i-Type
Polaroid holds a special spot in the photo industry. The company was the first to commercialize user-friendly instant cameras, changing how we look at photography forever. Polaroid keeps producing instant cameras, and the Now+ i-Type model stays true to its roots with a classic yet fun design.
Don’t mistake this for an old camera, though. The Polaroid Now+ i-Type has a built-in rechargeable battery, a powerful flash, and a good lens. It also comes with modern technology like autofocus and double exposure. This model is compatible with both i-Type and 600 film, making it that much more versatile.
GoPro Hero 8 Black
The GoPro Hero 8 Black could be the best camera for kids you can find. It’s small, portable, has superb image/video quality, features a rugged, waterproof construction, and doesn’t cost an arm and a leg.
This will be great for casual 12MP photos and 4K videos. A built-in touchscreen makes it easy to frame and preview pictures. GoPro is trusted by the industry, making this an option you won’t regret.
Sony DSCH300
The Sony DSCH300 looks and feels like a serious camera, but it costs under $200. Its 35x optical zoom lens, 20.1MP sensor, various shooting modes, image stabilization, and traditional DSLR-like design are great for the young photo enthusiasts in the family.
It also helps you get all these features from one of the cheapest point-and-shoot offerings from Sony. Meanwhile, it comes with more advanced modes for when your kid is ready to start going into more advanced photo adventures.
Olympus Tough TG-6
The Olympus Tough TG-6 has a rugged construction that makes it great for adventure seekers. Children can be even tougher on tech, making this one of the best cameras for kids around. It is waterproof (up to 50m), dustproof, shockproof (7ft), crushproof (100kgf), freeze-proof (14°F), and has anti-fog protection. The sturdy body protects a 12MP 1/2.3-inch sensor, a 4.5-18mm f/2.0 lens, and a 3-inch monitor.
Nikon D3500
The Nikon D3500 is a great starter camera for kids. It can also take amazing shots if you are a proficient photographer. A previous version of this camera lived in my bag for a couple of years, and though something better would have made my job easier, I liked that the lack of features forced me to learn. I made the most of what I had and pushed the camera to its limits.
This comes with a great 24.2MP APS-C sensor, 11 autofocus points, and Nikon’s F mount, which has many available lenses. This will future-proof a kid’s photography experience for quite some time, but it is a bit more expensive at nearly $400 for the body and a kit lens.
Canon EOS M200
The Canon EOS M200 is great for kids who want to take their photography to the next level. This is a mirrorless camera with a Canon EF-M mount and support for interchangeable lenses. Meanwhile, it’s also a relatively affordable body with a small profile, which will be great for a kid’s smaller hands. Despite the smaller size, Canon managed to stick an APS-C sensor in there.
Next: The most impressive mirrorless cameras in the industry
This little camera is pretty impressive for its size. It is a fantastic starter camera, as kids can use it to learn photography while building their lens collection.
How about a camera phone?
Is your kid at the age to own a smartphone? If so, you should consider getting him a phone with a good camera. They are generally good enough to satisfy most casual users, and smartphone cameras are often better than some dedicated cameras listed here. You can check out our list of the best camera phones at the link below.
Here: The best camera phones | The best budget camera phones
This list of the best cameras for kids should help you find the right tool for your little ones. Each has its pros and cons, and we have covered different price points to fit your budget. Now enjoy this new tool with them.
Want your kids to learn more about photography? We have plenty of great educational material for them. Let’s get started with some Photography terminology they should know, as well as a guide for shooting in manual mode. They should also get familiarized with other shooting modes.