Getting your kid or teen their first camera can be an amazing adventure and experience for both you and them. You have the opportunity to spark their interest in a new craft and fuel their creativity. This can become their go-to hobby or perhaps lead to a career later in life. Either way, this article will help you find the best cameras for kids, no matter their age or skill level.
How to Choose a Camera for Kids
Whether you want them to have a distraction or to learn a new craft, there are a few things you will need to consider before purchasing a camera for your kid or teen. You will want the camera to be durable enough to withstand the test of time and your kid, as they may very well see this as just another toy. Some cameras are waterproof and shockproof, ensuring they can withstand some wear and tear.
Sometimes, less is more. Try sticking with a simple-to-use and easy-to-learn camera. Even a camera that shoots only 12MP and has no frills can still spark their creativity. Once they have an understanding of the camera and photography, it will be time to give them a camera they can grow into.
Although digital cameras are easy to use and more common, owning a film camera may be a great way to open up their creativity and teach them patience. You can still get amazing quality from film cameras, just as you can with digital. There are numerous instant cameras on the market that are easy to use and affordable.
Lastly, be sure to check on the battery life. Most entry-level photography cameras on this list will have decent battery life, but action cameras geared toward video will have significantly shorter battery life. Consider purchasing a couple of extra batteries if you’re interested in one of these options. Let’s take a look at some of the best cameras for kids currently on the market.
Fujifilm Instax Mini 12 Instant Film Camera
Fujifilm is renowned in the instant-camera world for a reason. The brand continuously innovates and expands upon its roster of instant-film cameras—take the popular Fujifilm Instax Mini 12 Instant Film Camera as proof. This cute and portable instant camera features auto exposure with a flash that automatically adjusts to the situation, ensuring optimal lighting. Photographers can pick it up and snap whenever the perfect moment strikes. Additionally, selfie mode allows you to preview the image before snapping it via the front camera’s mirror. From unique colors to customizable shutter buttons and a strap, users can add a fun flair to showcase their personal style.
With different colors to choose from and two interchangeable shutter buttons included in the kit, the Fujifilm Instax Mini 12 offers plenty of ways to customize your new instant camera.
Canon PowerShot SX740 HS Digital Camera
The Canon PowerShot is a great starter camera for kids and teens of all ages. The 40x optical zoom makes it effortless to capture subjects that are farther away without the need for interchangeable lenses. It features a minimalist design, allowing users to quickly learn its functions, and includes built-in Wi-Fi and Bluetooth, enabling easy transfer of photos to other devices.
At 4K video and 4K time-lapse recording, that is more than enough for them to get a feel for video while still getting a 20.3MP image sensor for photos. This really is a great entry-level camera for anyone wanting to learn or explore their interest for photography. Recommended for ages 8+.
Olympus Tough TG-7 Digital Camera
The Tough Camera is a great option for any kid, because it lives up to its name. Olympus created this camera with adventure and action in mind. It is shockproof, waterproof, dustproof and freezeproof, making it perfect for any outdoor adventure your kid will find themselves on. It also films in 4k and full HD at 30 fps, making action footage a bit shaky and means you won’t be able to slow the footage down. The Tough Camera is also compatible with multiple accessories that make it even more durable. Recommended for ages 10+.
GoPro HERO13 Black Camera
The GoPro Hero13 Black is great for family outings or adventures, and will easily fit in your pocket. There is a reason professional athletes use these every day. They are extremely durable, high tech, and just plain fun to use. Although they are designed for action or underwater adventures, these can also be used for blogs when paired with the proper accessories.
Not only can they experiment with multiple shooting modes, but they can also learn and grow into this camera as it shoots 5.3K60/4K120/2.7K240 and 8x slow-motion video. It features built-in image stabilization and a 27MP sensor, capturing RAW images that can be edited later. Recommended for ages 10+.
Fujifilm Instax Mini Evo Instant Film Camera
In a world where instant gratification reigns, having an instant film camera can be a fun and experimental outlet for your child, teaching them about both the digital and physical aspects of using a camera.
The Fujifilm Instax also features ten different film effects and 10 lens effects. Your child can learn and experiment with retro presets, vivid colors, and even adjust the white balance and exposure. This is a great way to teach them how to expose a photo using trial and error properly. Though this could be frustrating at first, it will allow them to experiment with proper lighting and fuel their interest in the craft. Recommended for ages 10+.
Insta360 GO 3 Action Camera
Like the GoPro, the Insta360 camera is geared toward action and adventure-style shooting. This Go 3 camera is definitely more geared toward video recording rather than photography, so keep that in mind. It is capable of recording high-definition 2.7K video and also features Up to 1080p120 Slow-Motion Video. Like most action cameras, it is completely waterproof to 16′ and features built-in flow-state image stabilization, allowing it to be taken anywhere.
One drawback of the size is that it may be easy to lose. This camera is incredibly small, approximately half the size of its competitors. I recommend attaching a keychain to it or, alternatively, an Apple AirTag, so your child doesn’t misplace it. Recommended for ages, 12+.
Conclusion
When it comes to getting your child their first camera, numerous options are available on the market. Although it may be challenging to find the perfect camera for them, try to envision which one would best benefit your child based on their personality and needs.
For an entry-level camera to spark their interest in photography, look no further than the Canon PowerShot. If you think it will be used mainly outdoors and need something that will survive usage and the elements, I would recommend the Tough TG-7, or the GoPro Hero13 Black. If you believe they would like to be more involved in the physical process of the craft, consider checking out the Insta360 or Fujifilm Instax cameras. Either way, there is no wrong choice here as you will be fueling their creativity and giving them a new to look at the world they live in.
