Top 5 Cameras for Kids

My kids are always asking me to borrow my camera. I usually grudgingly oblige as I don’t want to stifle their creativity and am curious how they see the world around them. I have been researching different options, so I don’t have a heart attack every time they borrow it and I want them to be able to explore the beauty around them whenever they feel the urge. While doing so I found good cameras for different ages so I put together a list of the Top 5 Cameras for Kids at different ages/stages.

For the littlest Photographers

VTech KidiZoom Duo 5.0

We will start with cameras for very little hands. The Kidizoom is great for those of us whose biggest worry is that our children will break the camera before they even use it. At $49 the rubberized camera is built to absorb shocks which means worry no more. The Kidizoom has a 5 megapixel sensor has a 2.4 inch LCD for composing pictures and reviewing their shots. It also has some games on it if you are looking for something to keep them entertained.

Things to be aware of: You will also need to purchase a microSD card and 4 AA batteries. Also, watch out for older versions as they do not have the resolution of this model.

 

For the Brute

Fujifilm FinePix XP130

This rugged camera is a steal when compared to its tough rivals. Dust proof, waterproof and shockproof, most, I say most, kids couldn’t harm this thing and it’s only $131. This 16.4 Mega pixel Camera is tough and easy to use. There are lots of fun filters, 11 to be exact. The bonus is that it has Wi-Fi capability so you don’t have to worry about finding the chords to download your images.

Things to be aware of: This does camera does not Aperture priority, Shutter Priority or Manual settings so you do not have complete control over your images.  Comes with rechargeable lithium-ion battery and charging chord but you would need to purchase an SD card if you don’t have one lying around.

 

Great Point and Shoot for a Great Price

(This would be my pick for my 6 year old)

Canon ELPH 180 / IXUS 185

The ELPH is Canons beginner model that delivers a 20 mexapixels (in college mine had 4 and I thought that was amazing) and 8x optical zoom. This camera is simple for kids to use and really is just a great camera for the $119 price. It comes with a wrist strap to keep from dropping and DigitalIS to reduce the effects of camera shake. The menu even has some digital filters for the kids to experiment with.

Things to be aware of: You will need to buy a SD card but it does come with a battery pack and wall charger. (In my experience Canon batteries last for a good amount of time).

 

DSLR for beginners

Canon EOS Rebel T100 / EOS 4000D / EOS 3000D

Canon’s 18 Mega Pixel camera with a with a kit EF-S 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 III lens costs a mere $284. That is a lot of gear for such a low price. Great for beginners, it has auto mode, scene modes as well as advanced shooting modes. It is a very basic DSLR for a good price.

Things to be aware of: It is getting hard to find so if you want it get it soon. Comes with Battery and Charger; you would need to purchase an SD Card.

DSLR for beginners but parents may want to borrow it

Canon EOS Rebel SL3 / EOS 250D

This 24.2 Mega-Pixel workhorse also sports 4K video resolution and a vari-angle touchscreen for $475. This model has the same lens as the previous camera but the construction of this camera is much better. Also, great thing about this is you can start with guided menu interface and switch over to standard once you get the hang of things.

Things to be aware of: Comes with Battery and Charger would need to purchase an SD Card.

Now please excuse me while I go by 3 new cameras.