After spending a half hour deleting pictures of your child’s blurry feet, you may just come to the conclusion that he or she needs their own camera. Or the realization may come after seeing your child has shown a genuine interest in photography. Determining which of the two your child is closest to will help you decide which digital camera is right for you and your family.
We reviewed dozens of digital cameras for kids to identify the best of the best. W looked at digital cameras ideal for toddlers and those best for teens. We found the cameras that can take the beating of adventures and the waterproof ones your little one can take swimming. No matter what you’re looking for, we have the right choice for you.
If you’re looking for an adult with a habit of being under water, check out The Best Waterproof Digital Cameras. For other gifts you could give to your kids, you may want to consider The Best Drones For Kids.
When we began looking into digital cameras for kids, one camera stood out among its peers: the VTech Kidizoom DUO Camera was the obvious choice for our Best Overall Digital Camera pick. The VTech camera will let your little one use it just how they want, selfies and games, and teach them a few translatable photography skills that will prepare them for a more robust camera later on.
The 5 Top-Rated Digital Cameras For Kids
Editor's Picks | Brand | Rating |
---|---|---|
Best Overall Digital Camera for Kids | VTech Kidizoom DUO Camera | 4.3 |
Best Toddler Digital Camera | Veroyi Kids Camera | 4.6 |
Best Budget Digital Camera for Kids | Prograce Kids Camera Creative Camera Digital Video Camera | 4.2 |
Best Waterproof Digital Camera for Kids | Ourlife Kids Camera, Selfie Kids Waterproof Digital Camera | 4.7 |
Best Action Digital Camera for Kids | AKAMATE Kids Action Digital Children Camera | 4.6 |
*Ratings are from Amazon at the time of publication and can change
Best Overall Digital Camera for Kids: VTech Kidizoom DUO Camera
Sometimes all those extra features don’t amount to a pile of beans, because all your kid wants to do with a camera is take selfies. So why fight it? The VTech Kidizoom DUO Camera is designed to give your little ones their first selfie experience in the world with the rear facing camera that lets them watch as they pose on the display. All those fun features you can expect from VTech are also included. They can create a musical slideshow or play three logic and memory games. The camera even comes with software to create photo effects, cartoons, and collages. Your little one will forever be decorating her own photos, and the results will be absolutely adorable.
This camera is the next step up from the standard Zidizoom and only available online. Our favorite addition with the duo is the is the Photo Optimization, where your little one snaps a photo once and the camera takes multiple shots and selects the best one to save. It also has a motion sensor and several associated games to play around with the motion-sensor capability. It has 256 MB of memory built in but that’s for the program data as well, so you’ll probably want to add in some storage with a microSD card.
With an overall rating of 4.3 stars on Amazon, that rating is made all the more impressive when you take into consideration that it earned the rating from over 1,100 customer reviews. We don’t even hesitate to tell you this is the best rated kid camera available to you.
VTech Kidizoom DUO Camera Key Features:
- 4 AA batteries
- 2.4″color LCD display
- Intended for children ages 3-9
Best Toddler Digital Camera: Veroyi Kids Camera
The Veroyi Kids Camera is brightly colored to make sure your toddler is attracted to it from the moment he sees it. The stark contrast between the red camera and the yellow buttons will make sure that your little one can figure out how to operate it. The body of the camera is covered with an eco-friendly and soft silicone that is non-toxic so you won’t have to worry about your teething toddler hurting herself if she just happens to nom in the camera occasionally. (Though you should probably still discourage it.)
The four zooming lens will let your little one get in close and capture just what she or he wants, while the included SD card will store those photos with ease. You can transfer the photos to your computer through the USB cord during the charge, or you can pop the SD card into a compatible reader. You can even use your own SD card up to 32GB. It has face recognition, too, so you won’t have to worry about the focus being off and each button is clearly labelled with icons, not words.
This camera has over a hundred customer reviews and an overall rating of 4.6 stars on Amazon. A quick glance at those reviews and you’ll know without a doubt that this camera is worth every bit of the $40 price tag for your toddler.
Veroyi Kids Camera Key Features:
- Lightweight: only 3.4oz
- Included lanyard, USB charging cable, 16GB Micro SD card
- 1-year warranty
Best Budget Digital Camera for Kids: Prograce Kids Creative Camera Digital Video Camera
The Prograce Kids Creative Camera Digital Video Camera will let your little one explore his creative side by taking pictures as he goes about his day. It has easy-hold handles on each side to let your little one hold it steady and position just so, while the shockproof design means any fumbling during that process won’t destroy the camera. It’s covered with a soft silicone that makes it nonslip and comfortable in your child’s firm grasp and the flexible hold will maximize its durability.
The effects included on this camera are impressive by nearly any standards; it has seven different color filter effects and forty different frames that your kid can add onto his photos after they’re taken. Your little one will be able to take video or photos with this and in case there’s nothing happening at the moment that he or she wants to document, the camera also includes games to enjoy.
It does have an overall rating of 4.2 stars on Amazon, but the real selling point of this camera for kids is undoubtedly the price. You can pick one of these cameras up (in one of 4 fun designs) for under $30! That makes this a complete steal.
Prograce Kids Creative Camera Digital Video Camera Key Features:
- 32GB SD card included
- Reverse camera, selfie mode available
- 4 colors available
Best Waterproof Digital Camera for Kids: Ourlife Kids Camera, Selfie Kids Waterproof Digital Camera
The Ourlife Kids Camera, Selfie Kids Waterproof Digital Camera comes with two different cases, for whatever occasion they want. One case is for dry use and it has soft dual handles that allow your little’s ones small hands to still maintain a steady grip. The nonslip surface ensures fewer drops and the the dual sided camera allows you child to take selfies. The second case is shock absorbent and waterproof so it can be taken to the pool or beach alike. And because it’s rated up to 100 feet, your little one can even take it scuba diving if he’s able.
Also included in this set up is every accessory necessary for the budding photographer. Along with the two versatile cases, your child will get a tripod to allow him or her to easily use the camera for staged photos, a mount to document adventures hands-free, a lanyard, wrist strap, a USB storage, an 8GB SD card, and all the charging cables necessary to make sure it stays charged for the duration of your child’s antics.
With over 250 customer reviews, you can take confidence in the rating as an accurate one and when the overall rating on Amazon is an impressive 4.7 stars, that’s a big win. If that wasn’t enough to sway you, consider how minimal your risk really is with a 1-year warranty.
Ourlife Kids Camera, Selfie Kids Waterproof Digital Camera Key Features:
- HD 1080p/30fps videos
- 2 colors available
- 2.4 inch display screen
Best Action Digital Camera for Kids: AKAMATE Kids Action Digital Children Camera
The AKAMATE Kids Action Digital Children Camera will go where your child does, no matter how wild he or she is. If your child goes on big adventures on his own or just thinks he’s doing exciting things, you’ll be able to tell for real when he brings back his action cam to show you exactly what craziness he’s been up to while you weren’t there. You could also get good use of this action camera by attaching it to his helmet while you go on your family adventures. He may just love the role of family cinematographer.
This camera has a waterproof case that will take him up to 1000 feet without issue and the settings with which he’ll be able to alter the photos he takes will keep him busy for hours. He can add in one of five different frames to each photo and if that isn’t enough to entertain him after the fact, he can also play one of the three included games on this camera. It has a 32GB SD micro card included and is USB rechargeable. The video quality is HD 1080p and the display on the camera is a two-inch screen.
Well over 600 customers have come back to leave their feedback on this camera and when that feedback is 92% positive, you know the overall rating of 4.6 stars is not an exaggeration.
AKAMATE Kids Action Digital Children Camera Key Features:
- Accessories and carrying case included
- 2 colors available
- Recommended age: 4-12 years
Who Should Buy a Digital Camera for Kids
For the budding photographer, the need for a digital camera built for someone within their specific age range is an ideal gift. For young children, that usually means they’re interested in taking photos of themselves and their immediate surroundings. If they’re young enough, you can filter through the 100 pictures of their feet and stuffed animals and save the ones that they’ll appreciate as they get older, too. For the older kids and teens, they can filter through their photos themselves and for those teens, they can even work a bit on the angle, flash and settings on the more complex cameras. And this is a gift that will keep giving (or rather you will) because there are always new camera accessories or software to purchase; you’ll always have a gift that you can give them when they have a hobby like photography. If they hold on to that love of photography, think of the extra bonus: Family photographer for life!
Even if they’ve not shown much interest in photography as yet, a digital camera appropriate for their age is still a good idea. If your running out of ideas for your child, there’s a good chance that this will hit the mark your child may not even realize they had. Not only will it allow them the selfie and playful freedom they’ll appreciate, it will allow them to document their adventures, no matter what those may be. So for your wild child who wants to do big things, a camera can let him show you the whole story rather than just tell you. And while that can mean fewer embellishments in the story time, bear in mind, it may also mean a few more scares when you see what your child is really getting up to when you’re not around.
Important Features to Consider
A digital camera for your child should have a few important features. Here’s what to consider when selecting a digital camera for kids:
- Little fingers, big buttons. For the smaller children, the bigger buttons aren’t just because big is fun; their hand-eye coordination is still developing and while the camera will help them with that, regardless of button size, the bigger buttons the easier it will be for them. Along with the benefit of big buttons comes icons over words. If you’re giving a camera to a toddler, the chances are, he can’t read the words that label each button and part of the camera. You can avoid any confusion by finding a camera that labels the important components with a picture rather than words.
- Action = durable. Even if your kid isn’t into rock climbing or scuba diving, keep in mind that an action camera may still be the best path for him or her. Action cams will be extra durable and waterproof so it will withstand any drops or tosses that inevitably happen; even in the pool! And for the kid who actually does life a life full of adventure, of course this is going to document those epic tales hands-free, to make them that extra bit safer.
- Point and shoot. For a teen or pre-teen starting out in their photography hobby, you may want consider a camera that will train your child. If you buy a camera that is point and shoot, he or she won’t need to worry about any adjustments, the camera will automatically do them for your child. However, as they develop their photographer’s eye, they may want to experiment some and if you buy a camera that can be adjusted manually as well as automatically, you’re opening up a world of possibilities for your child.
- Display screen size. Younger eyes do typically see a bit better than yours, but that doesn’t mean you’ll want to completely ignore size on a child’s digital camera. In fact, some cameras won’t have any screen, and what you end up with will naturally depend on your choice and your preference. Make sure you’re getting something you’ve considered thoroughly to avoid surprises for you or your child.
- Rechargeable batteries. Consider that your child may go a while between uses as his interests ebb and wane. If your child accidentally leaves AA batteries in his camera and doesn’t touch it again for 6 months or so, then there’s a decent chance the batteries will have corroded and could potentially ruin the camera. In order to avoid this, you’ll either need to monitor his use, or you can opt for a rechargeable battery that won’t ruin the camera during those periods of disinterest. Additionally, you’ll be saving a fortune on replacement batteries if you opt for a charger!
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a digital camera for kids and how does it work?
Depending on your child’s age, a digital camera for him or her will differ drastically in its function (and perhaps, too, the quality of the photos). For a toddler, the camera will store fewer photos, probably, but be so easy to use, the photos will come easily, too. The buttons will be bigger so that the little fingers without superbly developed hand-eye coordination can still operate it. As your child ages so, too, will the complexity of their camera. Most cameras, even for teens, will be equipped with a “point and shoot” setting, so they can master the exterior skills before the camera tricks. That means they’ll learn what lighting to set, or what angle to capture before they mess with the different lighting or flashes. As they age, you’ll find each big stage comes with a big change in their ability to photograph. Toddlers need the basics, school aged kids need a bit more, with a bit of control on flash or deleting photographs, and finally teens can start the point and shoot cameras that also have other functions when they’re ready.
How do I get my child interested in photography?
The easiest way to get your child interested in photography is to allow them to take pictures that interest them. Depending on their age, that may translate to a lot of silly photos. Over time, that may translate into videos or an action cam that allows them to video a moment rather than photograph it, but it’s important to remember both are photographers in their own right and whether it ends in the kind of product you imagined originally, doesn’t matter when the point is for your child to develop a hobby they enjoy; it doesn’t always come out the way you expect, and that’s okay.
If there’s no interest innately for you to grow, then you’ll want to be more careful with pushing this as a hobby to make sure you’re not making your child feel forced. So take your time teaching photography a little at a time. Beyond that, make sure to take your child’s camera with them everywhere. Nothing is quite so loved by a child as spontaneity and pulling out a camera to capture those fun unexpected moments then allowing them to take the reigns of photographing something they’re enjoying will help them develop a love. It will also make them associate the fun events with the task of photographing it. There are a lot of cameras that have games and designs your child can play with to make the camera something they enjoy for several reasons. Once your child gets older, you may even want to push the buck off to an instructor and enroll your child in a photography class to really see how much he or she can hone the interest.
Why should kids learn photography?
The truth is, photography teaches your children invaluable skills. While yes, having a photographer may be a wonderfully beneficial skill for your family vacations or for documenting your family’s growth (newborn photo shoots are expensive), the skills learned while your child develops as a photographer will translate well into other aspects of his or her life. They’ll bloom their creativity by creating the perfect shot, and it will allow them to look at the work with an analytical eye. More than that; it will force them to do so to ensure they’re getting a good picture. The more they have to edit when they’re in front of a screen rather than the lens, the more they’ll learn about a variety of computer programs and how to manipulate images, but it will also strongly encourage them to take the best shot in the moment to minimize the less fun component of the perfect shot.
It will also teach your child to be in the moment by really appreciating what’s around them. They’ll develop their artistic eye and preparing for that perfect shot means they’ll have to visualize the outcome before they even look through the lens. Some of that will come with experience, but it will eventually become second nature and a child who can envision the result before they achieve it is one who will be better able to do the work necessary to achieve their life goals.
What does a beginner photographer need?
A camera is all a budding photographer will really need in the beginning. You’ll be able to show your child plenty before you ever need any additional accessories or editing software, that’s for certain. Once they begin to develop their interest and hone their craft, they’ll need some equipment to make their photography a bit easier. He or she will need a bag to make transport of their camera and gear safe and easy. Depending on the camera type (and how old and responsible your child is), you may want to get additional lenses, though that will probably be for a much older teenager, at least. You’ll want to make sure he has a tripod to help him keep the camera steady and plenty of memory cards to store the pictures he’s taken. Cleaning the camera will be crucial to the quality of the photos and doing so will teach responsibility, so making sure the bag is always stocked with appropriate camera cleansers and wipes.
Once they’ve gone as far as they can with the gear, there yet remains one more step for a photographer: editing. Editing software can run you a pretty penny, so even though you can pick up a camera and a lot of the accessories for a reasonable price, you may want to make sure your child is committed to the art before you purchase some of the more all-encompassing photo editing programs. There are a number of free editors that you can download to test if your child has the interest to justify the purchase if you want to make sure.
Other Digital Cameras for Kids We Reviewed
We looked at other digital camera possibilities for the kids. Even though they didn’t make our 5 best digital cameras for kids list, they’re the best of the rest and each is still a great option for your child. The information you’ll need to compare each one is included with the listing.
Action Digital Cameras for Kids
DROGRACE Kids Waterproof Digital Action Camera
If you’ve ever wished you could see what your child sees when they’re on their adventures, this camera is for you! Once you insert your own SD card, this camera is great for your kid to take on vacation or bike rides – the possibilities are endless. And should your child also be a water bug, no worries! This camera is also waterproof up to 99 feet.
Key Features:
- 4 color options and rechargeable battery
- 1.77″ LCD display
- 720p video and 5 mp photos
Cost: Est. $35
Intova Duo Waterproof HD POV Sports Video Camera
This camera is dual purpose – both photo and video capturing. And with it’s removable waterproof casing, it can go anywhere your kid goes. The camera has an SD card slot for storage that you will need to provide and has a burst mode for continuous shooting which ensures you get the best photo possible.
Key Features:
- 4 color options
- 1.77″ Display, rechargeable battery
- 720p HD video and 5 megapixel photos
Cost: Est. $30
Lightdow 1080P HD Sports Action Camera Bundle
This action cam has all kinds of surprising features. Best of all, this particular one comes in a set with all kinds of accessories that make it waterproof or mountable to your little one’s bike helmet, or strapped to his arm. It is a sturdy camera, but we suggest this go to your older children or teens.
Key Features:
- 4 color choices
- 1080p HD resolution and 12 megapixel photos
- 1-year warranty and hassle-free return
Cost: Est. $35
Powpro Kfun Underwater Action Camera
This action cam is designed waterproof: there is no waterproof case which can be removed or lost. That means this camera can keep up with your kid’s crazy life, even if you can’t! Biking to swimming at a moment’s notice? There’s no calling out to remind him to switch the case on his phone. You can relax and just enjoy the photos he shows you later.
Key Features:
- 5 megapixel photos, 1080p HD Video
- 2 AAA batteries
- 2″ LCD display
Cost: Est. $35
VTech Kidizoom Action Cam, Yellow/Black
This is the action cam you want to get for your late toddler to school-aged child. It’s so similar to your action cam; coming with mounting hardware and accessories, you may find it odd to see the little cartoon game icons on the display screen. But there they are! This cam comes with a waterproof case and lets your child take pictures, videos, stop-motion videos, and time-lapse photos. And to make sure your little guy does’t get bored, there are also games and photo editing built into the camera.
Key Features:
- Rechargeable battery
- MicroSD card required (not included)
- 1.4″ LCD display
Digital Cameras for Small Children
Fisher Price Kid-Tough Digital Camera
The selling point for this camera is right in the name: it’s built kid tough. And there are plenty of other features that will keep your kid entertained for hours. You can download software to the camera, add in special effects, and edit photos to your liking. The kid-friendly controls are easy for your little one to figure out, and the large display screen will let your child get the best photos he can capture.
Key Features:
- 2 color options
- 4 AAA batteries
- 1.44″ display, built-in memory to store over 2,000 photos
Cost: Est. $200
This is perfect for the child who has started showing interest in photography very early. It is kid-strong and can take more than just a few drops. Once you upload your child’s photographs onto your computer via its USB cable, you can see the world through your toddler’s eyes.
Key Features:
- 1.5″ LCD display
- 16 MB of internal memory
- 4 AA batteries (not included)
Cost: Est. $30
LeapFrog Creativity Camera App with Protective Case
We need to start out by saying that this is not a camera on its own. It’s a case you put on your iPhone or iPod Touch that transforms it into a kid-friendly camera, meaning it will protect it a bit better from drops and usual kid roughness, but it is still your phone. But we love that it utilizes technology you already have and turns it into something for your kids. You can download the Creativity App and use your phone for editing photos and games. There are no separate battery charging or electronics to learn, just your phone. As long as you have no concerns letting your child use your phone, and would like to make it easier on them, this is the product for you. Or you could just give your child an old phone connected to only the WiFi and forget about it.
Key Features:
- Photo editing/games app
- Recommended ages 3-6
- Use with your iPhone or iPod Touch
Cost: Est. $20
omzer Kids Camera Gifts for 4-8 Year Old Girls, Shockproof Camera
This camera is a good starter camera for your child ages 4-8 who want to capture their memories. Its protective shockproof shell, makes it durable and safe for children to use and it provides them a comfortable way to take a photo. The rechargeable battery will keep you from having to keep re-buying, and the battery life seems to impress most reviewers.
Key Features:
- 6 color options
- 8 megapixel photos
- 32GB SD Card
Cost: Est. $40
PANNOVO Mini Children Kids Digital Camera
They are not exaggerating when they call this camera mini; it’s only 2.5″ wide, which is wonderful for your kid who needs the smallest possible option. The storage in this camera is a micro SD card and you will need to purchase that separately. This adorable camera is the smallest on our list but it’s probably best suited for your biggest kids. The screen is controlled by buttons and toggles on the side and while it is relatively easy to use, it does require fine motor skills that come with age.
Key Features:
- 2 color choices
- Comes with lanyard, USB cord, and stickers for decorating
- Built-in battery; 3 hours to full charge
Cost: Est. $45
Playskool Showcam 2-in-1 Digital Camera and Projector
This camera is a 2-in-1, both digital camera and projector. So your little guy can take his photos, use the “silly button” to customize them with stamps, sounds, and effects, and flip a lever to project his photo story onto the wall. Use your own USB cord to save, print, and email pictures.
Key Features:
- 4 AA batteries
- “Silly Button” for 50+ added effects
- Stores up to 1,000 photos
Cost: Est. $250
Uncle Milton – National Geographic – Pet’s Eye View Camera
We know what you may be thinking: this is a dog cam. But stick with us a minute, because this could be a really fun little device to put on your newly mobile toddler, too. And better yet, we love the idea of giving it to your young child and telling them it’s a security camera for them to play spy with! (And then making great use of it by checking in on them from time to time and making sure they’re practicing good habits, even when you’re not around.) This may not be the digital camera you have in mind, but it’ll likely provide $12 worth of laughs for you and your kid.
Key Features:
- Clip-on and lightweight
- Take photos at intervals: 1, 5, and 15 minutes
- Connect to your computer and download the pictures via USB
Cost: Est. $10
VTech KidiZoom Smartwatch DX2 Pink
This is the same action cam listed above, but it comes with the VTech Smartwatch which also records video and takes pictures. Your little guy or gal can even add stickers or effects to those photos directly on the watch. Plus, with this set, you can worry a bit less about having to remember the camera wherever she goes – it’s attached right to her wrist. Our favorite part of this is that you can leave the action cam mounted on a bike or helmet, and for everyday photos, use the watch. Owning the watch has several other little perks, not the least of which is teaching your child how to tell time!
Key Features:
- Watch and action cam included
- Transfer photos and video to computer via USB cord
- Mounts and waterproof case included for cam
Cost: Est. $45
This camera will let your little one add in funny effects and cartoons to make the photography process even more appealing to him or her.
Key Features:
- 20.0 megapixel photos 1080HD video
- USB rechargeable battery
- 32GB SD card included
Cost: Est. $35
This hearty camera is perfect for a shutterbug just starting out in the world. It will take the drops and tosses like a champ and still deliver photo effects and creativity apps for your little one to explore. These games and photo collage templates are sure to entertain your little one and keep their creative juices flowing.
Key Features:
- 2.0 megapixel photos, 160×120 resolution video
- 4 AA batteries
- Durable, designed for rough and tumble kids
Digital Cameras for Older Kids
Aberg Best Digital Camera – Digital video camera
This point-and-click camera has just enough features to start teaching your child the ins and outs of a camera without it being overly complicated. This is probably best suited for an early teen or a very responsible 10 year old. It has both a photograph and video mode. You’ll need to purchase a separate SD card, but once you do, it’s a simple set up and your child is on her way!
Key Features:
- 2.7″ display
- 21 megapixels/720p HD resolution
- Rechargeable battery lasts up to 60 minutes recording straight
Cost: Est. $45
Kodak PIXPRO Friendly Zoom Digital Camera
This little digital camera is great for your big kid. Provide your own SD card and point and click. This camera comes with great features for your child to learn some of the finer points of photography, including red-eye removal, auto exposure, and face detection. The AA batteries mean you’ll never have to stop to charge: just pick up some new batteries on the go!
Key Features:
- 3 color options
- 16 megapixel photos 720p HD resolution video
- 2 AA batteries
Cost: Est. $65
Sony W800/S 20.1 MP Digital Camera
This sophisticated camera is one that will grow with your child. Let a responsible child start taking photographs in this camera’s “easy mode” and then as time goes and they become more comfortable, they can branch out and use more of the camera’s features. And this camera certainly has plenty of those features: Panorama mode goes full circle. You can control the flash and take advantage of the SteadyShot Image stabilization, which reduces blur.
Key Features:
- 2 color choices
- 20 megapixel photos/720p HD video
- Rechargeable battery; camera itself simply plugs into power source via USB
Cost: Est. $95
Suntak HD Mini Digital Video Cameras for Kids Teens Beginners
This little camera is wonderful to train your older child how to use more sophisticated cameras. There are filters for your child to experiment with and it comes with software called Pho Tags Express which allows your child to enhance and manage photos on your computer as well. It’s small so kids can take it with them, and if you’re trying to teach your child responsibility, too, this is sophisticated enough for that as well.
Key Features:
- 18 megapixels
- Rechargeable battery
- 2.7″ display
Cost: Est. $100
Vivitar 16MP Camera with 2.4-Inch TFT Panel
This camera is for a kid who wants a “real” camera but isn’t ready for the responsibility of owning an expensive, multi-function camera. The screen flips up to make selfies more easily taken, and while this seems like an accident risk for rougher kids, you can purchase a 3- or 4-year protection plan for around $10.
Key Features:
- 16 megapixel photos, 1280×720 video resolution
- 3 AAA batteries
- 1-year warranty
Cost: Est. $50