What camera should I get my kid?
Kids love taking pictures, especially selfies. They also enjoy playing around with their phones and tablets. If you want to capture these moments, then you'll need a good camera.
There are lots of options out there, from smartphones to DSLRs. Which one is the best kids' camera for your child?
For parents who want to give their children a better experience, choosing the right camera is essential.
The best cameras for kids are those that offer great quality photos and video, along with fun features such as filters and special effects.
In this article, we’ll go through a list of the best options when it comes to getting a camera your kid will love.
Don’t forget to check out our buyer’s guide and FAQ sections as well, so you can make sure you know absolutely everything you need to know before you buy.
Best Cameras For Kids – Comparison Table
Best Cameras For Kids – Reviews
As seen on TV!
Now you can take fun pictures while using the same camera as professional photographers. Create beautiful memories with your friends and family.
Capture the moment with ease. Simply touch the screen to snap your picture or use the dial to adjust settings. Take clear shots at night too – the flash works perfectly indoors and out.
With an easy-to-use design and intuitive features, the Fuji Instax Mini 11 makes it simple to capture special moments. The compact size fits easily into your bag. Store the camera in the included storage pouch when not in use.
The Mini 11 prints instant color photographs right on the memory card. A simple and quick way to share your memories with loved ones.
The new Fujifilm Instax Mini is smaller, sleeker, easier to hold, has more automatic functions & improved photo printing, so you’ll enjoy shooting even more.
It includes 2 x batteries, 3 x color film & a free instax printer – everything you need to make your first impression count.
You can print a whole range of high-quality images (instant snapshots) directly onto the glossy front cover of this stylish pocket camera.
You don't have to change any films or batteries. Simply pop in what's required and print away. To stop unwanted prints from being created, simply place a piece of paper over the lens cover before pulling out the battery pack.
You can choose between standard, sepia, and black & white prints.
- Film packs are affordable
- The adjustable lens makes macro shots easier
- Auto exposure makes getting conditions for a shot easier
- Can be slightly slippery to hold on to
- Sometimes overexposes in bright light
Also, Available: Fujifilm’s Instax website
The Konstruktor is super easy to assemble. The instructions are thorough, there is plenty of information regarding the components, materials, etc., and it was also fun.
This camera will make you fall in love with photography, whether again or for the first time, and will allow you to take some great pictures.
If you're looking for something different from using a point-and-shoot digital camera, this is a different option.
It is a lot cheaper than buying a DSLR camera and the results you'll get from it are comparable. When you use the Konstruktor, you'll feel like every shot you produce is a piece of art.
The lens is very powerful. It comes with a full manual mode and even has a polarizing filter which can be used to block light and stop glare off water surfaces but this isn't necessary unless you want to experiment with it.
It's a fully automatic model so all you have to do is pick up the camera, put it down, and wait for your images to come back. You don't have to manually focus, choose exposure, turn the zoom ring, or anything else.
We found that it took about 25 seconds to power up and the lens seemed to focus quickly. After picking up the Konstruktor you only have to press the shutter button once to start capturing awesome images.
It is also waterproof up to a depth of 30 meters.
There are two compartments to store accessories and one compartment just for your photos if you've taken more than 1000 pictures.
There is also a handy strap handle built-in, so you can carry the camera around without having to worry about it falling out.
We thought the Konstruktor had a bright display for its size, so we wouldn't recommend keeping it outside during the day though.
When we tried taking some pictures inside, we could see how bright the LCD would be if it were outside so try not to keep it under direct sunlight.
- Reasonably priced
- The construction process is a fun challenge
- Customizable
- Plastic construction seems cheap
Also, available: Lomography’s website.
The myFirst Camera Insta2 is a creative, easy-to-use camera with built-in editing software and creative filters.
It creates stunning photos, no matter the occasion. Photos look great straight after taking them thanks to its innovative optical system designed specifically for still images.
It allows people to see better themselves, and through clever lenses, they can keep their eyes open for longer without getting tired. If you have sensitive eyes then this may suit you best.
However, one thing to consider is that this camera does have quite a lot of buttons and options, meaning that it can take a while to get to grips with fully.
Also, if you aren't familiar with using a computer, you might find that it takes some time to become accustomed to its features.
The main feature of this camera is its unique “smart” image technology which lets you create various effects by just pressing the top right corner button on the camera.
There are six in total including classic retro settings such as: “Monochrome”, “Noise Reduction”, “Tilt-Shift”, “Vignette”, “Art Filter”, “Grainy Film”.
Another popular feature is the “Polaroid Mode”, which uses special film to turn normal photographs into Polaroids.
Finally, there's the photo editor “My First” where you can create your artistic effect before uploading it onto Facebook.
All these creative filters and effects add interest to any photograph you take. When you edit your photos in My First, you can apply any of the seven filters to give your picture a modern twist. These include vintage, black & white, sepia tones, and more.
In addition, you can enhance your photos by adding text, drawing, or creating a collage. The result? Fun images to share with friends!
Using a smartphone app, you can post your edited creations directly onto your social media profile (Facebook/Twitter) and email.
To edit your pictures, download the free companion app – My First Photo Editor for Android and iOS. And when you're ready to shoot again, simply tap the screen to wake the camera from sleep mode, and snap away.
The body itself isn't overly bulky, but at 10 mm thick, it's not exactly lightweight either.
However, we did appreciate being able to easily hold the camera with two hands. This means you won't drop it, especially if you have small children around who might grab it.
You will need to purchase the optional battery grip accessory ($30) to charge the battery.
- Fun to use
- Cute design particularly suits younger kids
- Plenty of photo paper comes with the camera
- Not particularly durable
- Basic picture quality
Available, at: myFirst website.
If you’re looking for an extremely compact, affordable, and yet capable camera for your child, Fujifilm has another entry-level model called the XP140.
If you want the cheapest way to start photographing on Instagram, this compact camera is for you.
A lot of times, choosing a new camera is daunting because there are so many choices to choose between. But what makes the XP140 stand apart is that it offers a simple, intuitive experience.
With a resolution of 16.4 MP, this camera delivers bright and crisp pics, even under low-light conditions. It also has a large 3 inch LCD with good visibility, as well as touch capabilities.
Plus, you don’t have to worry about buying additional memory cards – the built-in SD card slot allows for storage up to 32 GB and can be expanded via a microSD card.
We enjoyed shooting with this little camera, and it proved to be fun to use. On one hand, it was fairly easy to set up, thanks to the touchscreen controls.
Plus, it had a very simplistic design that was appealing to both adults and kids alike, making it ideal for children or anybody else.
A few negatives included a lack of manual focus, poor image quality in low light, and slow shutter speed performance, but overall, this camera is a great option at its price point.
- Excellent digital zoom
- Produces very high-quality digital photos
- Multiple self-timer modes
- Easy to insert battery incorrectly
Available, at: Fujifilm’s website.
Similar to the XP140, the Nikon Coolpix L110 is a super pocketable camera for beginners.
Its built-in 2x optical zoom lens lets you get close to your subject and capture more details without having to carry around a bag full of lenses.
With the maximum aperture of f:5.9, this camera gives users plenty of room for creativity and experimentation.
In addition, this camera features HD video recording capabilities and a 6.1 megapixel CMOS sensor, which gives you high-quality results.
This compact camera is perfect for anyone looking for their first DSLR.
It's also an excellent choice for photographers upgrading from their smartphones, as there is already a wide selection of apps available that work specifically with the camera.
Most smart devices now come loaded with photo editing software, including Adobe Photoshop Elements.
Because this camera utilizes standard HDMI input, you may be able to connect it to your TV using a USB adapter.
Of course, if you'd like to see things on a bigger screen, you can always pull pictures off the SD card onto your computer to share with others.
The only downside to this camera is that it lacks a viewfinder, so you'll have to depend on live preview mode when framing shots. However, we found it worked reasonably well and wasn't too difficult to learn.
- Very affordable
- Excellent zoom feature
- Vibration reduction feature
- Picture quality is solid but unspectacular
Also, available: Nikon’s website
If your kid has a taste for the retro aesthetic, then this camera will be a great way for them to capture life moments.
You don't need to be a pro photographer to take amazing pictures with the Polaroid Go. It captures images using two different exposures – one normal exposure and one more dramatic “double exposure”.
Double exposure photography was invented in the 19th century. Now you can shoot it digitally without any special skills required.
All you do is choose the double exposure mode and press the shutter button while simultaneously pressing the zoom button.
The photos are taken immediately after the second exposure. This instant action makes the photos feel spontaneous and creative.
The downside?
Well, it's not exactly a professional-level camera, but then again, that's not what you'd be buying it for.
If aesthetics are a priority for your child, then choosing this budget-friendly gadget could help start them down the road towards becoming a budding photographer.
- Unique Polaroid aesthetic
- Simple to use
- Double exposure feature
- Basic picture quality
Also, available: Polaroid’s website
Best Cameras For Kids – Buyers Guide
Pocket-sized cameras are a great alternative for people who want to create memories by capturing everyday events, such as vacations or day trips. They're lightweight, easy to use, and relatively affordable.
But before you buy one, here are some tips to keep in mind:
Size Matters
While the size of children's cameras varies quite a bit, they usually fall between 4 inches (ca. 10 cm) and 7 inches (ca. 18 cm) long.
Look for models with a 3 inch LCD because these give you quick access to shooting modes.
Battery Life
Battery power is key when traveling with a camera. Some cameras have rechargeable batteries that allow you to travel longer distances.
Others use AA batteries. Make sure the battery charger fits the camera (most cameras sold today include the necessary accessories).
When you set up the camera, look at how many batteries the camera uses to load the memory cards.
Battery life varies depending on usage patterns, however, so check the specifications before making purchases.
Price Range
Depending on the feature set, price ranges vary widely.
For example, there are basic point and shoots priced anywhere from $40 to hundreds of dollars. Most offer a variety of features, including autofocus, flash, image stabilization, and connectivity options.
Price points tend to scale based on those features.
For example, entry-level models typically lack autofocus, autofocus assist illuminator, and image stabilization, while mid-range models include all three.
Also, consider the memory capacity. Models with larger storage capacities generally cost more than smaller ones.
Focus Speed
The focus time varies depending on the lens used with each camera. Some lenses don't offer autofocus, so you will need to manually adjust the focus yourself.
If you don't own a tripod or handheld stabilizer, consider investing in a few inexpensive ones. Using a monopod works better than nothing, though it won't provide accurate results.
Connectivity
Most compact cameras come with an SD card slot, allowing you to connect directly to a computer or other device. Compact cameras also may accommodate standard USB connections.
These devices are compatible with laptops via a separate cable. Many cameras also include Bluetooth wireless capabilities.
While this option isn't necessarily needed, you can save money and space if you plan to transfer images wirelessly.
Memory Card Capacity
The memory card capacity determines just how many videos and/or still photos you'll be able to store. Depending on the model, you might find memory slots ranging from 2 GB to 32 GB.
As you increase the size, the memory cards will become increasingly expensive. In general, the bigger, the more expensive.
Display
Some compact cameras let you see what's going on within them. Others simply show an image in their viewfinder. If your child is old enough to handle the controls, you shouldn't have any problem using the latter method.
However, make sure that the display screen does not obscure the entire frame. Sometimes it is difficult to get close enough to the camera without hitting the display.
Features
Compact cameras aren't limited to automatic settings. Some have manual settings that allow you to control exposure, resolution, and even white balance.
With compact cameras, manual adjustments allow you to fine-tune specific settings to meet your needs. Manual control allows you to take full advantage of all the different picture-taking possibilities available with the compact camera.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do Cameras Made For Kids Produce Good Pictures?
Yes!
A camera's ability to take sharp, detailed photographs depends largely upon the quality of its optics (lenses), not the quality of its electronics.
Even the best electronic imaging systems cannot match the high optical performance produced by premium lenses. When choosing a camera for your child, look at the specification list of features for each model.
The most important things to look for are optical zoom capability, autofocus assist illumination, and image stabilization.
How Long Do Cameras Made For Children Last?
Cameras designed for children should be tough and durable. They often employ extra safety mechanisms such as oversize buttons, oversized screws, and sturdy body shells.
Look for a warranty longer than one year if you want to cover all your bases.
Does A Camera For Kids Cost Less Than A Similar Toy Camera?
Not usually. Toy cameras are generally very small and simple compared to digital compacts.
For example, a toy camera might feature only three pieces; a lens, a shutter release button, and a viewfinder window.
A compact camera typically includes several additional parts, including a battery compartment, storage area for accessories, and various electronic components.
None of the cameras on this list are toys. They're real cameras, just ones designed for younger people and/or beginners.
Final Thoughts
There you have it, a list of several impeccable cameras for any young, budding photographer.
It’s a joy to see kids grow up and develop hobbies, and getting them the right camera now might set them on a path to greatness later!