The Best Kids' Cameras for Your Little Shutterbug
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Photography is an excellent way for children to learn about the world around them and to express themselves creatively. We've selected a handful of cameras that are affordable, comfortable for small hands, and easy to use. Some are completely waterproof, most are tough enough to survive a drop, and all of them are perfect for kids with an eye for photography.
VTech Kidizoom DUO Camera
$60 Shop Now
Best for Ages 3-8
This "adurable" (that's adorable and durable) camera from VTech is feature-filled, and it provides high-quality images. It has rubberized bumpers, covered ports, and a splash-proof design. The camera takes standard photos and selfies because it has a lens in the front and back. Your child will learn to use it in a flash, too. There's 256 MB of built-in memory, but you have the option of buying a microSD card for storing even more photos. We're impressed with the camera's automatic shut-off feature, stop-motion capabilities, and fun voice changer. The camera comes in blue, camo, or pink.
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Fujifilm instax mini 9
from $58 Shop Now
Best for Instant Printing
One of the most popular instant film cameras around, the quirky-looking Fujifilm instax mini 9 is perfect for kids. It captures credit-card-sized prints using the manufacturer's proprietary film. It has an optical viewfinder, available auto exposure mode, and built-in flash. It simply requires a duo of AA batteries (which are included) to work. The camera comes in five colors: lime green, cobalt blue, flamingo pink, ice blue, and smokey white.
Canon PowerShot ELPH 360 HS Camera
$199 Shop Now
Best for Teens
The Canon PowerShot ELPH 360 HS is a fantastic point-and-shoot camera that's perfect for the older kids. It's small enough to slip in your pocket, captures good-quality photos (even in low light), and records Full HD video clips. Its built-in Wi-Fi and NFC make it easy to transfer your photos to a smartphone for editing and posting.
More: Consider Getting Your Child a Laptop, Too
iPod Touch
from $179 Shop Now
Best for Selfies
An iPod touch isn't only a digital camera. It also plays music and games, and it lets you send messages, download apps, and get on the internet. It offers such an easy-to-use interface that if you just hand it to a child they'll figure out how to work it. The iPod is equipped with an 8 MP iSight camera and improved FaceTime HD camera, so your child can take stunning photos and high-definition videos. The cameras even record in slow motion and have a burst mode that takes 10 photos with one tap, which is perfect for selfies. Best of all, you can edit the images you take straight from the device.
Panasonic Lumix DMC-TS30
from $148 Shop Now
Best Waterproof Camera for Kids
The Lumix DMC-TS30 by Panasonic is a rugged, pocketable, and affordable digital camera. It has a 16 MP 1/2.3-inch CCD sensor with optical image stabilization, built-in memory (in case you forget your SD card), and a 25-100-millimeter zoom range. The compact unit can be submerged in up to 26 feet of water, and it even takes photos while it's at it. It's easy to use and affordable, and it can survive drops, making it a fine camera for kids.
VTech Kidizoom Action Cam
from $38 Shop Now
Best Action Camera for Kids
If your young child wants to dabble in recording video, we recommend this versatile action camera from VTech that comes in yellow, purple, or camo. It's a tough camera that can be completely submerged in up to six feet of water. Its case is 100% kid-proof, and it can be scuffed, dropped, or covered in mud with no consequences. The camera doesn't record in full HD resolution, just 640 by 480, which is fair considering its affordable price. The Kidizoom Cam supports up to 32 GB of expandable storage — just make sure you pick up a microSD card.
More: The Best MicroSD Cards for Your Camera
YI Action Camera
from $70 Shop Now
Best Action Camera for Teens
The YI action camera is a well-priced option that's capable of capturing Full HD 1080p video at 60 fps via a high-quality image sensor made by Sony. Available in black, lime green, or white, the camera has a 155-degree ultra-wide angle lens and a built-in image stabilizer. Plus, it takes 16 MP photos. A microSD card slot, Wi-Fi, and Bluetooth connectivity are also among the gadget's features. Amazon sells bundles under $100 that include a waterproof case or a selfie stick and remote.
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