Top 10 Best Cameras for Kids Who Love Taking Photos in 2024
Have kids and want to help them explore their passion for photography?
Here are some tips about choosing the right camera for a young aspiring photographer:
Ease of Use
Look for cameras with simple controls and automatic modes that let the child focus on taking great photos, like point-and-shoot or instant cameras.
Durability
Kids can be active and sometimes clumsy.
So it's smart to get a camera that can handle some bumps and spills.
Rugged, waterproof, or shockproof models are best.
Room to Grow
While instant cameras are fun, the picture quality is not the best in the long run.
So, consider a used DSLR or mirrorless camera.
They offer more advanced features and the ability to use different lenses as the child's skills improve.
For more tips on this, check out my Used DSLR Camera Buying Guide.
Budget
Keep the budget around $200-300 as your kid’s interests might change over time.
Used DSLR or mirrorless cameras can provide great value and the chance to add more lenses later on.
You can find more recommendations in my Best Cameras to Start Learning Photography Like a Pro guide.
Camera Recommendations
Under $100 Cameras
For a budget under $100 per camera, here are some great kid-friendly options:
Kodak PixPro Friendly Zoom FZ45
16MP sensor
4x optical zoom lens
2.7" LCD screen
Easy auto mode
Durable plastic body designed for kids
Can take decent quality photos for the price
Kidizoom DualCam
Dual cameras (front and rear)
Large 2.4" color screen
Fun photo effects and editing tools
Durable, chunky design for small hands
Includes games (can be disabled)
Dragon Touch InstantFun2
Instant print camera with 0.3MP sensor
Reprint photos via smartphone app
Fun AR games and photo effects
Compact size, simple operation
Instant prints are lower quality
The Kodak and Kidizoom offer more versatility as basic digital point-and-shoots with decent image quality under $100.
The Dragon Touch provides an instant print novelty factor, though at lower resolution.
All three are designed to be durable and easy for kids to operate, with fun features like games and creative effects to keep them engaged.
Under <10 Years Old:
Playskool Showcam (ages 3-6)
VTech Kidizoom Selfie Camera (ages 3-5)
VTech Kidizoom Duo 5.0 (ages 2-5)
Prograce Kids Camera (ages 2-5)
Ourlife Kids Action Camera (ages 3-7)
Fisher-Price Kid-Tough Camera (ages 5-7)
These are simple, durable cameras made just for young kids, with big buttons, bright colors, and sometimes even games.
For Toddlers (Ages 2-3)
Used GoPro Models (Hero5, Hero6, Hero7)
Simple operation with large recording button
Compact, rugged and waterproof design
Affordable used prices around $100 or less
Captures decent 1080p video and photos
Minimal protruding parts to break
Along with the cameras mentioned earlier like the VTech Kidizoom Duo 5.0, Prograce Kids Camera, a used older model GoPro makes an excellent point-and-shoot camera choice for toddlers.
The large recording button, waterproof body, and lack of complex controls make GoPros incredibly easy for little hands to operate.
While not having the latest features, an older GoPro model still takes perfectly acceptable video and photos for a 2-3 year old's needs at a very affordable used price point.
For the Young DSLR Enthusiast (Ages 4-6)
If your young child is showing interest in using a DSLR-like camera, consider these options:
While not a DSLR, it offers a viewfinder and screen, mimicking the DSLR experience in a kid-friendly package.
Used entry-level DSLR or mirrorless camera
For supervised use, a used Nikon D3200 can be a good option. It’s relatively inexpensive when bought used and offers a real camera experience.
For more tips on buying used cameras, check out my Used DSLR Camera Buying Guide.
Not a DSLR, but offers manual controls in a virtually indestructible body, making it suitable for young, curious hands.
For very young children, durability and simplicity should be prioritized over advanced features.
Always supervise their use of more complex cameras and consider transitioning to these gradually as they show more understanding and care for the equipment.
10-14 Years Old:
At this age, kids can start using more advanced point-and-shoot or instant cameras.
The Nikon W100 has an easy-to-use menu for kids.
For kids around 12 years old interested in learning photography with more advanced controls, an entry-level DSLR or mirrorless camera can be a great option:
Nikon D3200 or D3300
These older Nikon DSLRs offer great image quality, manual controls to learn from, and a beginner-friendly interface.
For more beginner-friendly cameras, check out my Best Cameras to Start Learning Photography Like a Pro.
Canon EOS Rebel T5i
Older Canon Rebel DSLRs are another solid DSLR option.
Their extensive lens system allows you to expand later.
15-18 Years Old:
Sony ZV-E10 Mirrorless Vlogging Camera
Used Entry-Level DSLR like Canon Rebel or Nikon D3000 series
Older teens can handle more complex mirrorless or DSLR cameras.
The Sony ZV-E10 is great for vlogging, while a used DSLR is a budget-friendly way to learn manual controls.
And That’s It
The key things I looked at were:
how easy the camera is to use,
how durable it is,
the image quality,
the price,
and how the child can grow into more advanced photography over time.
Let me know if you need any other details.
I hope that helps,
Hakan.
For more tips on choosing the right camera, check out my Beginner Photography Cameras and Used DSLR Camera Buying Guide.