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What are the best digital camera for kids?
Do you have a child that has expressed an interest in photography, and are not sure what to look for when buying a digital camera?
Selecting A Camera
When buying a camera for a younger user, the main factors to consider are the durability of the camera, how affordable it is, and how easy is it to use. The camera you choose will depend on the age of the child. Digital options include: Toy Cameras, Point & Shoot Cameras, DSLR’s, or Mirrorless Cameras.
Preschoolers and younger children – Toy Cameras are the best digital cameras for this age group. Choose a model that is easy to use, durable, and not too expensive. VTech company offers two cameras that are designed for kids 3 to 9 years old.
Toy Cameras The VTech Kidizoom Duo Selfie Camera is available in blue, pink, or camouflage colors. It features a 2.4″ color LCD screen so kids can see the pictures they take. It can take photos and videos, and has a rear-facing camera that’s fun for for taking selfies.
The VTech KidiZoom Action Cam is a durable, versatile waterproof camera. Mounts are included, so kids can attach the camera to their skateboards, bikes, or helmet. The Action Cam can take photos, videos, stop-motion videos, time-lapse photos, plus has fun photo effects, frames and filters.
Point & Shoot Cameras
Tweens – Kids between 9-12 are ready for Point & Shoot Cameras that have some zoom range, and different shooting modes. Some younger kids can handle these as well. This type of camera is better for kids with a genuine interest in photography. There are some decent, inexpensive options available.
Canon PowerShot ELPH 180 Digital Camera is easy to use, and features an intuitive design. Scene Modes, such as Fisheye Effect, Toy Camera Effect, and Monochrome allow creative adjustment of your photos in camera. The camera has digital image stabilization, 20.0 MP sensor, and an 8x optical zoom lens offers a 28-224mm equivalent focal length range.
Sony DSCW830 offers quite a bit for the money. It’s easy to use, and small enough to fit in your pocket. Features include a 20.1 MP sensor, 8x Zoom, Image Stabilization that gives you the freedom to shoot movies even while walking or running, 720p MP4 HD Movie Mode, Face Detection technology, and Smile Shutter technology that captures a smile the moment it happens.
Picture Effects Include: Toy camera, Pop Color, Partial Color, Soft High-key, Panoramas: Pop Color, Partial Color, Soft High-key, Movies: Toy camera, Pop Color, Partial Color, and Soft High-key.
Teens – DSLR’s or Mirrorless Cameras are good options for this age group. Both offer cameras with inter-changeable lenses. Prices can vary greatly, so you’ll want to consider how serious your child is about photography before investing in a camera. Try finding a camera that comes with a kit lens. You can add more lenses as your child’s experience, and interest grows.
DSLR’S Cameras
Canon EOS Rebel SL3 is an ultra-compact DSLR camera. There is a lot to like about this camera. It’s lightweight, fun, and easy to use. It has one of the best beginner-friendly guide modes on a camera we’ve seen. It’s perfect for teens, starting out with their first DSLR, learning the fundamentals of photography.
Features include a 24.2 MP sensor, Optical viewfinder with secondary 9-point autofocus system, 4K video recording, 12 Scene Modes and Wireless Remote Control. The articulating rear touch screen is quite handy and allows touch screen photography. The Wi-Fi with Bluetooth capability allows you to quickly pair the camera up to your smart phone, and easily share images on social media.
Nikon D3500 is a compact and lightweight DSLR camera. It’s designed for beginners, featuring simplified controls, and a built in Guide Mode, which makes it great for students learning about photography.
Features include a 24.2 MP sensor, 11-point AF system, fast single-shot AF, and comfortable ergonomics. It doesn’t have WiFi, however it has built-in Bluetooth that lets you transfer images to your smart device using Nikon’s SnapBridge app. It does not offer 4K video, but has full HD as the maximum resolution. It has built in special effects filters such as Night Vision, Super Vivid, Pop, Photo Illustration, Toy Camera Effect, Miniature Effect, Selective Color, Silhouette, High Key and Low Key.
Mirrorless Cameras
Fujifilm X-T100 is an entry level, versatile Mirrorless Camera, with a lot to offer. Its lightweight, has a retro design, and is perfect for everyday shooting. Plus, it’s feature set is quite impressive.
Features include a 24MP sensor, 91-point hybrid AF system, ISO range of 100-51200, 4K/15p video capture, and a fully articulating touchscreen. The Film Simulation and Filter Modes are a lot of fun, and provide opportunities for greater creativity. With Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connectivity, you can pair the camera to a compatible smartphone or tablet for easy photo sharing.
Sony a6000 is a super compact Mirrorless camera, with easy and intuitive controls. You can personalize your camera by adding new features of your choice with PlayMemories Camera Apps, from portraits, to detailed close-ups, sports, time lapse, motion shot and much more.
Features include a 24.3 MP sensor, Fast Hybrid AF with 179 phase-detection points, ISO 100-25600, Wi-Fi connectivity allows you to control your camera with your compatible smartphone or tablet, and transfer the images taken directly to your mobile device for sharing. Creative Style settings provide control over how the camera processes images with predetermined styles: Standard, Vivid, Portrait, Landscape, Sunset, and B&W. Within these settings, contrast, saturation, and sharpness can be adjusted.
