One of the best gifts you can give to a child is a camera. Kids should be able to start experimenting with video and photography from a very early age as it is very beneficial to their creative growth. And as modern technology has been evolving exponentially, it sometimes makes it hard to grasp everything that is happening around us. So it’s perfectly okay if you are baffled by the amount of information out there and don’t where to start when choosing the best cameras for kids.
This article aims to give you all the info you need to make it easy for you to choose which camera you should buy for your kids. Below are our top 10 choices of cameras for kids on the market:
1. Olympus Tough TG-5 (Overall Winner)
This is perhaps the most rugged looking camera, but that is a huge pro. The Olympus Tough TG-5 is definitely one of the most durable cameras for children. Given that most kids are very active, their camera is prone to get damaged. So a sturdy and tough camera might be a wise choice for those looking to get the most value for their money due to great longevity.
2. Canon IXUS 185
The Canon IXUS 185 is the ultimate choice for those on a budget, but still looking for quality. The other two main pros of this camera are its extremely slim body and the simple user interface, making it very suitable for children.
This model boasts 20MP and a 1/2.3in sensor. Its zoom is 8x optical and enough for almost any occasion.
Although there is not full HD, the 720p makes up and makes it a perfect entry camera.
3. Fujifilm Instax Square SQ10
The Instax is a great entry camera with a fun twist. It has a square and rather thick body with a bulkier look than average cameras. But its biggest advantage is the small LCD screen on the back of the camera that allows instant editing of your pictures. It has the ability to store up to 50 pictures.
Like most cameras for children, the Instax is quite simple and straight forward when it comes to navigating – another great budget camera.
4. Sony Cyber-shot WX220
The first thing you will notice on the WX220 is x10 optical zoom with a focal range of up to 250mm. This in itself is rather impressive for a kids camera. But the other main thing that is quite impressive is the ability to shoot 1080p.
The images are colorful and vibrant, and the detail is of very high quality. This is an all-rounder, and you could comfortably call it the jack of all trades.
5. Nikon Coolpix W100
Another sturdy camera. This might be called the Nikon version of the Olympus. But in fact, they are quite different from each other. The Nikon Coolpix W100, although waterproof, looks a bit nicer and has a more premium feel to it.
Equipped with a vibrant OLED monitor, it allows instant viewing at almost the same quality as you would at home on a computer.
Nikon has somehow managed to squeeze all the pros of this camera in a small compact body that can easily slide inside your pocket. The W100 is an all-purpose camera as well and will suit all your needs – a great choice for those who want a little bit of everything.
6. Ricoh WG-50
Sometimes referred to as the transformer camera, the Ricoh WG-50 is an amazing camera with built-in LED lights that can appeal to kids. It has a whooping 16MP. Once again, this camera is very sturdy, and you don’t have to worry about its longevity.
Dust proofed and usable at -10C, this camera is prepared for the harshest of conditions. Another almost unbelievable fact about the WG-50 is that it can withstand a 100kg crushing force. This is a perfect choice for kids who aren’t worried so much about bashing their toys around. Because, let’s face it, if you have young kids, their new camera is essentially going to be a toy.
7. VTech KidiZoom Duo
This is the ultimate camera for kids aged five and up. It has a spaceship design that will appeal to the little ones. Its interface is extremely stripped down with the aims of simplicity. The VTech KidiZoom Duo is a gadget as much as it is a camera.
While it has average specs, the KidiZoom is a great choice for young kids to start learning about photography and video.
8. Fujifilm Instax Mini 70 (Budget Winner)
An even smaller version of the original Instax. This is perhaps the most compact camera out there on the market. Surprisingly, it has selfie mode and point and shoot operation.
The Fujifilm Instax Mini 70 is aimed at those that take a more casual approach to photography and want to be able to take out the camera from any pocket at any given moment. The pricing is also very budget friendly and makes it a good choice for a kid’s first camera.
9. Polaroid OneStep2
If someone is in need of inspiration, this is the camera for them. The OneStep2 will give you exactly that; a retro, vintage feel to your pictures. It is very easy to use, and the film is a story of its own. This camera screams the 1970s.
Although not the first thing that comes to mind for a children’s camera, this choice has perks of its own and is very viable. Maybe keep it in mind for the more advanced child photographer who is interested in learning old school fundamentals.
10. Fujifilm FinePix XP130
This is a very good beach camera for its high level of durability, making it a good choice for a kid’s camera. The XP130 is a compact model equipped with a 28-140mm lens and 16.4MP. Although the image quality is not the best compared to its rivals, the many vibrant filters make up for that quite a bit. This is the cheapest of the rugged cameras, and for that, it might be a great entry choice.
Conclusion
Is your kid just starting out? Or perhaps they are on their way to becoming a pro? That should be the biggest factor when deciding which camera to go with. The market is full of great choices, and the ones above are the best of the best. You now have a great list with simple yet very useful explanations; hopefully that helps!
