The photography world is, without a doubt, a fascinating experience regardless of our age. But the management of complex cameras as it can be a DSLR model is not learned in just a couple of days.
For most photographers, this started as a hobby. Experiencing first (depending on the age of the reader) with compact digital cameras, or similar, to then switch to a model semi professional or Bridge, as we call them in photographic jargon, to finally make the leap to professional DSLR models technology. But what if the little ones of our home decided to join this fantastic adventure and ask us for a camera as a gift?
Indeed, and considering the price of professional photographic equipment, we will not give them a reflex camera to learn by playing; but there are cameras that, according to the age of the child, will help with their psychomotor development, increasing its capacity for creativity and improving their spatial understanding.
In this guide, we will know the best 12 cameras designed for children, organized by age.
Pre-Scholar Age
An age in which “accidents” are prone to happen, and while we can say that smartphones and tablets have contributed to making of the digital natives, such exposure is not healthy in the long run. Fortunately, there are very colorful digital camera models designed especially for toddlers, with simplified controls, which will help them to understand the magic of photography.
VTech Kidizoom Spin and Smile CameraGo to Amazon
A camera designed for that petite photographer who want to take its first steps into this exciting world with overwhelming certainty!
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Overall rating:
69
Features:
0
80
100
Internal Storage:
0
50
100
Resistance:
0
100
100
Price:
0
95
100
Image Quality:
0
20
100
Pros
Sturdy
Colorful
Allows Lens Rotation
Cool Effects
Easy to understand menu
Price
Two Viewfinders
Cons
Low capacity storage
Image Resolution
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The first impression that we get to know about this camera is how cheerful and warm turns out to be; good combo if we think of children photography. With respect to durability, VTech thought of the best way of ensuring the future of the gear without compromising the child's ability of free exploration for learning; so this camera features some rubberized bumpers, designed when thinking of the constant possibility of a blow or fall of child while using photography kit.
VTech also thought about the possibility that the camera should become an "off-road" model, so there are a few additional protections to prevent damage to fall part (being honest, this model is able to bounce to the moment of falling thanks to the protections on both sides of the camera). Other protections have been applied in the viewfinder, which cannot be removed, and finally one protection in the lens, also designed to be shock proof.
Another weak point that VTech took into is the protection system for USB port (for charging and data transfer) and the SD card; since if we are not careful can be exposed to water or dust while our little one is playing. With the Spin and Smile camera, you will see that each of those ports are securely protected by a rubber cap, to avoid the entry of any substance foreign to the camera.
Regarding design, VTech was able to combine a cheerful and eye-catching style with an easy to use menu. While the age recommended for this camera is from age 4, we believe without a doubt that even younger children are able to manipulate it without major drawback. The controls are clear and properly indicated, with the possibility to activate sound alerts when using them. In addition to capturing images at a top resolution of 2 megapixels, it has a wide range of creative effects as overlays that will draw more than one smile on the faces of the children. It is probably not a quality-thought camera when compared with the performance of any camera of a mobile phone nowadays; however, it meets with what we pretend from this camera: offering a first step through the learning process in photography.
In addition, and as if all this were not enough, this camera offers a rotating lens mode, so kids can take a selfie without major difficulties at the time of their choice.
Fast, agile, creative and fun, with this camera there won't be any inconvenience that our children have fun while learning. Works with two AA batteries.
Playskool Show CamGo to Amazon
If your child feels curious to experience how it feels to work with a professional camera, don't ruin its illusion and allow him/her to enjoy long hours of fun with this nice camera from Hasbro.
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Overall rating:
56
Features:
0
60
100
Internal Storage:
0
95
100
Resistance:
0
65
100
Price:
0
30
100
Image Quality:
0
30
100
Pros
Looks like a toy reflex camera
In-built Image Projector
Cons
Doesn't include an USB cable
Doesn't include games
Price
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A camera that emulates the appearance of a reflex camera at a glance, or even of some Polaroid models, but still a fun toy at the same time!
Unlike the VTech Spin & Smile, do not have games, nor is it so straightforward with regard to menus and options; however, focuses more on having experience as similar as possible to a real camera.
In image quality, it is equal to the VTech, with 2 megapixel maximum resolution (a feature that seems to be common to several models of children's cameras), but boasts more than 50 creative effects that we can add to our photographs as a wild hair or sunglasses, among many to choose.
In my opinion, besides not having a USB cable at the time of the purchase (major drawback), other aspects that this camera should have would be zoom, flash, and an option for SD cards; even if the storage capacity of this camera is not bad: 1000 photographs. What this camera has as a plus is the fact of having a way to projector, able to create a beautiful environment of cinema at home to enjoy unique moments with the family.
To operate, it requires 4 AA batteries, which are fairly easy to change. With the power saving mode, the battery life may be higher if we consider that it shuts off automatically after two minutes without using any option.
Discovery Kids Digital CameraGo to Amazon
Easy to hold, rather than a camera is a cute toy for children of all ages. Enjoy to see kids playing to be photographers with this Discovery Kids Digital Camera.
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Overall rating:
46
Features:
0
40
100
Internal Storage:
0
30
100
Resistance:
0
70
100
Price:
0
70
100
Image Quality:
0
20
100
Pros
Sturdy
Price
Can record videos
Easy to use
Cons
Image Quality
Doesn't feature effects
Doesn't feature games
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At first glance, it is a considerably more childlike model than the two previously seen, so children from two years onwards would be able to use it without a problem.
It is shock-resistant, and has two handles on both sides to offer a firm grip of the camera while the little ones enjoy photography as one game experience.
Has, as main difference with other children's cameras, the major drawback of not featuring effects or games; in addition to having a relatively small size of the camera display. However, compensates for such events with the ability to record short videos without sound - the child must move slowly, since the resolution of the camera is not considerable, but it is an excellent learning experience for which in the future can be an enjoyable activity with a real camcorder.
Because of not having flash, images will not look acceptable in low-light situations; however, it does not have a suitable sensor, images in a situation of excessive lighting will have a noticeable "washed out" effect.
Fisher Price Kid ToughGo to Amazon
The child toy industry giant gives us this model of camera designed to experience photography as similar as possible to a real compact camera.
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Overall rating:
69
Features:
0
70
100
Internal Storage:
0
100
100
Resistance:
0
70
100
Price:
0
45
100
Image Quality:
0
60
100
Pros
Tough
Simulates a real camera
Huge storage capacity
Built-in Flash
Features Zoom
Cons
Price
Weight
Doesn't feature games
Doesn't feature effects
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It is a camera that, given its weight of more than 14 ounces, it is intended for children from 3 years onwards. Able to withstand hundreds of falls and continue to operate, you will not find exaggerated handles on both sides since this camera is intended to emulate the experience of shooting with a compact camera, which can result in a fun family photo with an adult using a real camera while the child uses the Fischer Price :)
It has striking features for being a children's camera model, such as the zoom and automatic flash options, which can increase greatly the creativity at the time of capturing images in nocturnal environments or for close ups. As the goal is to emulate a real camera, we will not find in this model elements such as games or creative effects, so it will be the task of the parents to encourage the child's interest and creativity in the photographic world.
Works with 4 AAA batteries, which are protected by a cover with screws to avoid that children come into contact with them. It has an internal capacity of 64 GB, allowing us to easily store up to 2000 photos.
LeapFrog Creativity CameraGo to Amazon
When many times our children want to play with our Smartphone and we fear for the integrity of the given investment, LeapFrog offers this convenient Phone Case with App for iPhones, so we will convert our phone into a child camera.
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Overall rating:
74
Features:
0
20
100
Internal Storage:
0
100
100
Resistance:
0
80
100
Price:
0
70
100
Image Quality:
0
100
100
Pros
Sturdy
Quickly adapts your phone into a kids camera
Features app for smartphone
Cons
It isn't a camera on its own
Only works with iPhone 4/4S/5
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Okay, if you ask me my honest opinion on this behalf, I’d have to say that I’m not too prone about this camera. First of all, it isn’t a camera on its own, it relies on the fact of using an iPhone 4/4S/5 (more up to date models can’t fit within the case), so that’s also a huge disadvantage when thinking of getting a higher image quality.
Also, we should consider that even if the casing is strong enough to withstand shocks that children may cause to the phone while playing with it, it isn’t waterproof safe, so accidents may happen.
On the other hand, it offers quite the lovely way for our children to play with our mobile phone, and image quality couldn’t be any better for a children's camera as we are speaking that we actually use the iPhone’s camera; so there is a 5 mpx camera in the game, with all the sensor capacities that iPhones tend to have.
More than other children camera’s option, it’s a wise option when having an old discarded iPhone around the house and children want to play with it.
Scholar Age
Taking a leap in the age gap, we have further benefits designed especially for children from 6 years onwards cameras.
Already in these circumstances, photography stopped being an explorative game in which we have to constantly stimulate activity and with the child; becoming a real way of looking at life through a lens.
The following cameras will be showing, from low to high degree of complexity, how can we start taking the path towards professional cameras.
Fujifilm Instax Mini Hello KittyGo to Amazon
In all list we cannot miss a Polaroid camera! This Polaroid Instax Mini model, in their Hello Kitty special version, will give us the right choice to begin to introduce our children to the real photography experience.
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Overall rating:
37
Features:
0
60
100
Internal Storage:
0
0
100
Resistance:
0
30
100
Price:
0
30
100
Image Quality:
0
65
100
Pros
Point-and-Shoot
Features Flash, Instant Photos, Cute design
Cons
Expensive
Requires InstaxFilm to work, Can't save pictures internally
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For girls, it is a must-have. Who does not think that Hello Kitty franchise items are actually cute? Considering that, Polaroid thought possible to create a version of their cameras aimed at a child audience.
First of all, we will notice an incredibly tender design, which includes straps to carry it wherever we go, and we can even purchase as an accessory bag specially designed for this camera in faux leather material.
As with many snapshot cameras, we will not find so custom focus options as it would be in a compact camera, so the focus is going to be a matter of luck in many occasions. Many can say that such an approach is not suitable for children, however, and in my opinion, the sooner we can teach our children getting a quality without relying on the software the better, since they will not find that as an obstacle when facing DSLR camera models with manual focus in the near future.
Image quality is more than acceptable, although we must bear in mind that there is no internal storage, as the Instax system functions as point-and-shoot, without any customizable option. The shutter speed value is fixed at 1/60 seconds, and the flash will always be on.
My main criticism of this model, as well as the fact of not able to retain an internal storage of photos, is the price of Instax Film, so the camera will require a learning time, unless you want to waste a lot of money on prints of photographs with poor quality.
Olympus TG-860 Stylus Tough CameraGo to Amazon
A real camera for a real photography experience. With this Olympus camera our children can meet the challenge of living photography through their eyes everywhere they go.
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Overall rating:
81
Features:
0
95
100
Internal Storage:
0
70
100
Resistance:
0
85
100
Price:
0
75
100
Image Quality:
0
80
100
Pros
Waterproof
Shockproof
Auto Scene modes
In-built WiFi
GPS
Cons
Price
May take a while to know all the options
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The first real compact camera model that a child would be able to use. I remember fondly that my first camera was an Olympus; however, the internal storage was an issue with old cards XC (extremely expensive and difficult to obtain). This is not the case with current cameras made by Olympus, which accept the universal format SD cards, with which we enjoy a quality camera for an acceptable price.
The Olympus TG-860 is a camera designed for the adventure, so it is ideal for our children give their first steps in photography. Submersible up to 15m deep and able to withstand temperatures of - 10 degrees Celsius, also has a shock-resistant for drops of up to 2.1 m in height.
Its maximum resolution is 16 mpx, being possible to photograph in image ratios of 4:3 / 3:2 / 16:9 / 1:1. It has GPS technology, in addition to including features such as panoramic photography or WiFi.
This camera will know to last for many years, given its versatility; we have 20 different scene modes, including Portrait/Sunset/Beach & Snow/Underwater/HDR among others. At the same time we can apply interesting artistic filters to our photos for unique images. Editing tools in-situ include cropping, red-eye, shadow adjustment and correction of saturation adjustment.
Fujifilm XP80 FinePix Digital CameraGo to Amazon
Another model of compact camera, in this case by Fuji. Able to withstand extreme conditions, it will prove to be an interesting adventure companion.
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Overall rating:
70
Features:
0
65
100
Internal Storage:
0
60
100
Resistance:
0
65
100
Price:
0
80
100
Image Quality:
0
80
100
Pros
Waterproof
Shockproof
WiFi Capable
Easy to access buttons
Cheap
Cons
You need to scroll between menu options for changing image mode
Can produce considerable noise when using high ISO values
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In a variety of colours to meet the majority of interested users, this Fuji camera is a marvel to begin to experience an approach closer to professional photography.
A quick and agile, menu without too many options with which to waste time, so you adapt to the camera will be a process without too many delays.
This camera will withstand up to 15m underwater and supports fall of 1.75 m in height, something quite acceptable for a camera that could be used in the majority of cases.
The location of the buttons is primarily intended to be accessible while working under the water, by which our children will appreciate having a so simplified set of options. We have a dedicated button exclusively for the filming of videos, at the time that the shutter button will highlight its size - two buttons dedicated to zoom, and a menu of options very straightforward.
The maximum resolution of this camera is located in the 16 mpx, whereupon the image quality, thanks to its sensor, is more than acceptable. It has values of ISO up to 6400 adjustable (in which you will notice a lot of noise when selecting values higher than 1600); color quality to be intense and vivid, offering very natural image results.
The zoom has a maximum range of 5 x, enough for most everyday situations.
You will find an interesting selection of filters to apply to your images; and among any other features it is WiFi capable.
Cameras for Teenagers
And taking the last jump in the age category, we have the cameras designed especially for teenagers. Here we can find a wide variety of products, depending on how much money we want to spend and what is our objective to achieve as photographers.
The following selected cameras follow the criteria which we have evaluated previously; although we will not find differences too noticeable in the two last cases.
Panasonic DMC-TS30A LUMIX Active Lifestyle Tough CameraGo to Amazon
Our final option for Underwater, Tough-resistant camera, ideal for teenagers who desire to have an active lifestyle.
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Overall rating:
83
Features:
0
80
100
Internal Storage:
0
80
100
Resistance:
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