The photography world is fascinating, and digital cameras are a convenient way to help kids unleash their potential. However, what’s best for one child may not intrigue another, mainly because of the age difference.
Youngsters will benefit from a camera with straightforward controls, while older children may require one with more innovative features. You’ll also need to shop for one with a rugged exterior since you'll want your kid's digital camera to last a long time.
Here are the best digital cameras for kids available today.
Premium pick 9.60 / 10Read ReviewsRead More Reviews Read More Reviews Read More ReviewsSee on AmazonThe Olympus Tough TG-6 makes an ideal gift for older kids who love underwater photography. It can withstand water submersion up to a distance of 50 feet, allowing teenagers to take breathtaking photos during scuba diving. They can also document their swimming journey and share the videos with family members or friends. The rugged body stands up to major falls (up to seven feet), so besides being ideal for taking pictures when hiking, it can withstand the abuse from drops or accidents. Its body is also crushproof and freezeproof, making this camera suitable for kids who want to capture incredible shots during harsh weather conditions. The Olympus Tough TG-6 includes five shooting modes and three underwater white balance modes, allowing kids to find the best setting for a particular situation. They’ll also love the microscope mode that lets them discover the beauty of macro details and tiny insects. The camera system and controls aren’t oversimplified, giving your child more room to grow as a skilled photographer.
Key Features SpecificationsPros Cons Buy This ProductOlympus Tough TG-6 Shop at AmazonEditors choice 9.40 / 10Read ReviewsRead More Reviews Read More Reviews Read More ReviewsSee on AmazonOlder kids who have a keen sense of adventure will love the Fujifilm FinePix XP140 for its well-built body and excellent functions. It is waterproof up to 82 feet, which is somewhat higher than what other cameras offer, allowing your kid to have worry-free dives during holidays. It also operates on low temperatures and endures drops of up to 5.9 feet, making it a great choice for taking pictures when hiking or snowboarding.
The 4K movie capability makes the Fujifilm FinePix XP140 one of the best video cameras for kids. Such resolution enables older children to capture more detailed videos during outdoor excursions. Another attractive feature is the smile shutter, which allows the camera to take memorable photos after detecting a smile. Kids don’t have to press the shutter, ensuring they don’t miss authentic moments.
Transferring photos is quick and easy as the camera has a built-in Bluetooth function. It pairs effortlessly with most Bluetooth-enabled devices, allowing instant image transfer.
Key Features SpecificationsPros Cons Buy This ProductFujifilm FinePix XP140 Shop at AmazonBest value 9.20 / 10Read ReviewsRead More Reviews Read More Reviews Read More ReviewsSee on AmazonThe VTech Kidizoom packs engaging digital effects and kid-friendly features, making it one of the best cameras for kids aged three to nine years. The settings aren’t complicated, and the buttons are well-laid out, giving kids an easy time accessing different modes. As such, youngsters don’t have to deal with confusing controls that may make them lose their interest in photography.
Besides entertaining young children, this camera is built to last. It has rubberized sculpted hand grips on each side that keep the camera in place to avoid accidental drops when in use. These grips are also slightly higher than the camera, so they absorb knocks to protect fragile components after a fall.
The 70 photo effects act as helpful learning tools that kids can use to capture creative images when in different environments. Kids also get access to five interactive games that allow them to escape from the usual photo-taking experience.
Key Features SpecificationsPros Cons Buy This ProductVTech KidizoomShop at Amazon9.00 / 10Read ReviewsRead More Reviews Read More Reviews Read More ReviewsSee on AmazonThe Instax Mini 11 is an affordable solution if you’re looking for a budget-friendly and compact camera to gift your kid. What makes this camera stand out from other models is its lightweight body as it only weighs 0.07 ounces. It feels comfortable in the hands of younger kids, enabling them to take many pictures before the battery dies without feeling any discomfort.
The built-in automatic exposure is an excellent addition that saves kids the hassle of adjusting the camera settings for proper exposure. It ensures the photos aren’t underexposed or overexposed, so all pictures will have the correct details.
In addition, this camera produces instant credit card size images, making it easy for kids to share them after a birthday party. The camera has fewer controls that aren’t challenging to master, enabling beginners to have an easy time taking photos.
Key Features SpecificationsPros Cons Buy This ProductFujifilm Instax Mini 11 Shop at Amazon8.80 / 10Read ReviewsRead More Reviews Read More Reviews Read More ReviewsSee on AmazonThe Panasonic Lumix DMC-TS30 is a rugged camera designed for older kids. Durability is one of the camera’s main strengths as it can stand up to shock (up to five feet), freeze (up to 14 degrees Fahrenheit), dust, and water up to 26 feet. Such versatility allows teens to unleash their photography skills even when in the most challenging environments.
The advanced water mode is an excellent addition that ensures red underwater images don’t look dull. This allows kids to enjoy capturing natural-looking and vibrant pictures of underwater creatures. They’ll also love the built-in torch that makes it easy to record stunning videos in low-light underwater environments.
This camera uses an optical image stabilizer mechanism that corrects images captured when there’s movement. It’s a handy way to ensure kids don’t take blurred shots when engaging in fast-paced activities. The 220MB built-in memory offers backup storage once the SD card is full, which is sufficient to store 34 photos.
Key Features SpecificationsPros Cons Buy This ProductPanasonic Lumix DMC-TS30Shop at Amazon8.60 / 10Read ReviewsRead More Reviews Read More Reviews Read More ReviewsSee on AmazonThe KODAK Printomatic is a functional and easy-to-use camera that produces instant prints. It uses a zink technology that holds layers of ink on paper, so kids can capture and print instant photos. This technology saves children the need to refill ink cartridges which can be pretty messy to handle. In addition, the print-out images are resistant to tear, water, and smudges, making them long-lasting.
The 5MP sensor coupled with an f/2 wide-angle lens makes it easy for children to capture clear and beautiful photos. The point-and-shoot function enables them to take clear images while printing the previous ones, saving time and battery.
There are tiny LEDs that light up to alert kids when they’re running out of battery power, paper, or memory card space. These features ensure youngsters don’t get disappointed without sufficient space or enough juice to take memorable photos.
Key Features SpecificationsPros Cons Buy This ProductKODAK PrintomaticShop at Amazon8.20 / 10Read ReviewsRead More Reviews Read More Reviews Read More ReviewsSee on AmazonThe Polaroid Now gives kids access to various creative control options to make their photography enjoyable. This camera has a two-lens autofocus system where it switches to the most convenient one to cater to different situations. It uses the close-up or distance lens depending on how far the subject is, so kids can capture stunning portraits.
The camera has a sizeable flash that produces sufficient brightness, so kids can continue shooting high-quality images when in dimly-lit environments. There’s also a self-timer function that delays the shutter release for nine seconds, making it easy for children to take group portraits and selfies.
The photo counter is a valuable inclusion that alerts youngsters when the battery is low or how much film is left, making it more convenient. Additionally, the Polaroid Now comes in different colors, both dull and bold, giving you the versatility to choose what excites your kid.
Key Features SpecificationsPros Cons Buy This ProductPolaroid NowShop at AmazonBefore dumping your kid’s camera, there are some things you can do to fix some errors.
Some common problems include issues with the SD card, software errors, damaged battery, dirty lens, or shutter error. You can help your child solve some of these problems by running the latest software, cleaning the lens, replacing damaged batteries or SD cards.
However, if the repair costs more or is close to the camera’s price, consider buying a new one.
Your kid’s age and technological competence will help you decide the best camera to buy. For instance, older children will benefit from a camera with adjustable controls, while younger ones can go for point-and-shooters.
The build quality should be a top consideration, too, since kids tend to be more adventurous than adults, and may accidentally drop the camera or leave it somewhere without thinking.
It should be tough enough to endure drops and water immersion. It’s also an excellent way to ensure older kids can explore photography in harsh environments.
Keeping digital cameras clean is one of the most crucial things kids can do to ensure maximum longevity. The process involves using a soft lint-free cloth or blush to clean various components.
Storing the camera in a humidity-free place is also an excellent maintenance tip (unless it’s waterproof) since moisture destroys the internal parts. You can also replace the batteries when required and avoid excessive impact.
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ShareTweetShareEmail Related TopicsAbout The AuthorRachel Scherer(65 Articles Published)Rachel finds providing consumers with honest and detailed reviews about the best tech products on the market quite fulfilling. She has created tech content for other reputable websites such as Screenrant.com and CBR.com. Working for white label SEO companies such as The Hoth and Semify also expanded her SEO knowledge. Her hobbies are reading novels, watching movies, gaming, and swimming.
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