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. It could also help them create great memories. This is why we have put together a list of the best cameras for kids.
While it is true 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, as well as 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.
1. Holga 120N
A pinhole film camera with complete manual controls will give your kids a deeper appreciation for photography. 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 in order to teach your child how to use a Holga 120N. This camera isn’t for everyone, but it is affordable and a great tool for learning more than how to press a button.
2. VTech Kidizoom Duo
The VTech Kidizoom Duo is affordable, fun, and convenient. Its body features a couple cameras: a main one with a 1600 x 1200 pixel resolution, and a selfie cam with 640 x 480 definition. The 2.4-inch screen can be used to play games and preview images. What makes this one of the best cameras for kids is its more rugged construction, as it’s made to handle falls. And if it happens to break, the price is set under $50, making this one of the cheapest kids camera in this list. Our only gripe is that it has no built-in battery, so you will need traditional batteries to use it.
3. Polaroid Snap
Digital cameras are convenient, but instant cameras could be a much funner alternative. The Polaroid Snap is one of the best cameras for kids due to its ability to materialize images right after they have been shot. Our only complaint is buying paper for printing can get expensive, but the Polaroid Snap can also use microSD cards of up to 32GB for storing images. And boy does this camera look good!
4. Fujifilm Instax Square SQ6
Modern kids have Instagram ingrained into their minds, so they will feel at home with the Fujifilm Instax Square SQ6. This instant camera has a beautiful design and shoots square 1×1 photos. Images are printed immediately, and this camera has no memory card support, making the nature of the camera truly instant. Those who like the true experience of an Instax and beautiful designs will love this camera, though.
5. Polaroid Originals OneStep 2
Polaroid holds a special spot in the photo industry. The company was the first to commercialize user-friendly instant cameras, changing the way we look at photography forever. Polaroid keeps producing instant cameras, and the OneStep 2 stays true to its roots with a classic design. But don’t mistake this for an old camera. The Polaroid Originals OneStep 2 has a built-in rechargeable battery that can last 60 days, a powerful flash, and a quality lens.
6. GoPro Hero 7 Silver
The GoPro Hero 7 Silver could be the best camera for kids you can find. It is 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 10MP photos and 4K video. A built-in touchscreen makes it easy to frame and preview photos. GoPro is trusted by the industry, making this an option you won’t regret.
7. Sony DSCH300
The Sony DSCH300 looks and feels like a serious camera, but 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 that you get all these features from one of the cheapest point-and-shoot offerings from Sony.
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7. 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, which also makes 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.
8. 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 a plethora of 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.
10. Canon Powershot G9 X Mark II
The Canon Powershot G9 X Mark II is an amazing portable camera even professionals can use as a secondary shooter. It’s also one of the best cameras for kids who can be trusted with a more expensive gadget. Specs include a 20.1MP 1-inch sensor, 3x optical zoom (28-84mm equivalent), a 3-inch screen, and 8.2fps shooting speeds.
The Canon Powershot G9 X Mark II isn’t affordable, but it’s a great pocket camera for learning photography. It comes with full manual controls, a large sensor (for point-and-shoot cameras), and is absolutely gorgeous.
How about a camera phone?
Is your kid at age to own a smartphone? If he is, you should consider getting him a phone with a good camera. These are often good enough to satisfy most casual users, and smartphone cameras are often better than some of the dedicated cameras listed here.
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 individual budget. Now go enjoy this new tool with them!
Want your kids to learn more about photography? Here are some great educational posts for them to check out.