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14 Best Cameras for Kids in 2023 (Fun Options for All Ages)

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The best cameras for kids will feed your child’s photography enthusiasm early! Anyone with a camera will tell you about the magic of photography, no matter their age. This article helps you find the best camera for your child this year. No matter their age or skill level, we have a camera for them.

The OurLife Kids Underwater Camera is our favorite camera for kids. The pictures are fantastic for a kid’s camera. You can shoot Full HD videos. And because it’s waterproof, it’s perfect for vacations and days at the beach.

Our Top Pick
OurLife Kids Underwater Camera
OurLife Kids Underwater Camera
Looking for a camera that offers plenty of options for kids? Look no further than this top pick! With FHD video, face detection, and 12 built-in photo effects, it’s perfect for budding photographers of all ages. Plus, it’s waterproof for even more adventure.

[Note: ExpertPhotography is supported by readers. Product links on ExpertPhotography are referral links. If you use one of these and buy something, we make a little bit of money. Need more info? See how it all works here.]

 

The Best Cameras for Kids

Giving a kid their own camera is the best way to encourage them and help build their photography skills. But there are a few things you need to consider before buying a camera.

Their age is an important factor. You might want to buy a quality camera so the child can improve and grow into it. But even many beginner cameras aren’t suitable for younger children. They might be too complicated and heavy for kids below a certain age.

Young children will see a camera as another toy, so they must be easy to use and durable. Thankfully, there’s a selection of cameras designed for even the youngest photographers. They have simple controls and can cope with the rowdy behavior of excited children.

Our Top Choice
OurLife Kids Underwater Camera
OurLife Kids Underwater Camera
OurLife Kids Underwater Camera
  • Impressive 8 MP photos and Full HD videos
  • 8 GB of internal memory
  • Waterproof case allows use down to 100 ft underwater
  • Case also protects against knocks and scrapes
Best for Young Girls
Coolwill Children Camera
Coolwill Children Camera
Coolwill Children Camera
  • 12 MP resolution for fantastic photographs
  • Brilliant Full HD video quality
  • Fun built-in features, including shooting modes and filters
  • 23 GB memory card included
Best Compact Choice
Nikon CoolPix W150
Nikon CoolPix W150
Nikon CoolPix W150
  • Fantastic image quality from the 13 MP sensor
  • Tough against knocks and waterproof
  • Doesn't lose any quality when using the 3x optical zoom
  • Bluetooth connectivity for easy image transfer and sharing
Best for Young Children
MyFirst Camera 3
MyFirst Camera 3
MyFirst Camera 3
  • Impressive photo quality for an Age 3+ camera
  • Built-in macro mode for close-up photography
  • Shockproof pouch and lanyard included
Best for Young Boys
VTech Kidizoom Duo Camera
VTech Kidizoom Duo Camera
VTech Kidizoom Duo Camera
  • 256 MB of internal storage allows for 1000 photos
  • Double handle makes it easy for young children to hold
  • Built-in flash and self timer for self-portraits
  • Camera can be used as an MP3 player
Best Instant Print
Fujifilm Instax Mini 11 (Sky Blue)
Fujifilm Instax Mini 11 (Sky Blue)
Fujifilm Instax Mini 11 (Sky Blue)
  • Instantly prints your photos
  • Automated settings for well-exposed film photos
  • Simple controls make it easy to use
  • Chunky body is easy for youngsters to hold
Best Image Quality
Sevenat Digital Camera for Kids (Purple)
Sevenat Digital Camera for Kids (Purple)
Sevenat Digital Camera for Kids (Purple)
  • Fantastic 36 MP resolution for bright and detailed images
  • 16x digital zoom range for more photography options
  • Smooth and clear Full HD video footage
Best for Extra Features
GooPow Kids Camera (Cat, Purple)
GooPow Kids Camera (Cat, Purple)
GooPow Kids Camera (Cat, Purple)
  • Powerful 20 MP sensor gives you high-quality images
  • Fun frames, filters, and effects built into the camera
  • Padded exterior case looks fun and provides protection
Best for Action
OurLife Kids Action Camera (Pink)
OurLife Kids Action Camera (Pink)
OurLife Kids Action Camera (Pink)
  • Waterproof case allows for underwater photos and videos
  • Built-in microphone for sound recording with videos
  • Comes with mount for bikes and helmets
Best Waterproof Compact
Fujifilm FinePix XP140
Fujifilm FinePix XP140
Fujifilm FinePix XP140
  • Excellent image quality
  • Highly durable camera that's waterproof and shockproof
  • Far-reaching optical and digital zoom
Best Instant Print for Young Kids
MyFirst Camera Insta 2 (Blue)
MyFirst Camera Insta 2 (Blue)
MyFirst Camera Insta 2 (Blue)
  • Prints photos in under 10 seconds
  • Shoots Full HD videos
  • No extra cost buying ink thanks to thermal printing technology
Best Instant Print for Older Kids
Polaroid Go Mini
Polaroid Go Mini
Polaroid Go Mini
  • Prints your photo seconds after taking them
  • Reflective mirror and built-in self timer for selfies
  • Smaller than most Polaroid cameras and a good size for children's hands
Best DSLR
Nikon D3500
Nikon D3500
Nikon D3500
  • Built-in guide modes are ideal for absolute beginners
  • Outstanding image quality
  • Different shooting modes makes it easy to improve photography skills
Best 35mm Film Camera
Ilford Sprite 35-II Reusable Camera
Ilford Sprite 35-II Reusable Camera
Ilford Sprite 35-II Reusable Camera
  • Simple controls so anyone can use it
  • Better for the environment than disposable cameras
  • Automatic focus and exposure settings
 

1. OurLife Kids Underwater Camera

OurLife Kids Underwater Camera
Camera Type Compact
Age 5+
Photo Resolution 8 MP
Video Resolution Full HD (1080p)
Screen 2.4 inches
Zoom Range No zoom

If you can’t keep your little ones out of the water, the OurLife Kids Camera is one of the best cameras for kids. It’s loads of fun with plenty of features to keep the kids entertained.

It’s a great holiday camera for hanging out by the pool or beach. This kid’s camera is fully waterproof, allowing you to snap away as deep as 100 feet below the waves. And the tough waterproof case protects against knocks and scrapes.

The 8 MP sensor has fantastic image quality for a kid’s camera. And while the video quality isn’t the greatest, the kids will have a lot of fun making their own movies. There are 12 photo frame effects and seven video filters for added fun.

The camera comes with an 8 GB memory card. And the battery life is another strong point of this camera. It lasts about 2 hours before you need to charge it again. And you don’t need separate batteries.

 

2. Coolwill Children Camera

Coolwill Children Camera
Camera Type Compact
Age 3+
Photo Resolution 12 MP
Video Resolution Full HD (1080p)
Screen 1.77 inches
Zoom Range 8x

This Coolwill camera is another fun and durable digital camera for kids. It’s for kids at the younger end of the spectrum. It’s easy and safe enough for kids as young as three years old.

The 12 MP sensor gives you excellent image quality. This will feed their enthusiasm for taking pictures. Even adults will be impressed by the results. And you get a 32 GB SD card included with the camera.

The Coolwill camera has fun features. There are three shooting modes, four filters, and 12 frames to play with. There’s also a self-timer and a time-lapse option.

It’s made from eco-friendly and non-toxic plastic. And its shockproof outer case is durable against knocks and drops. It has a built-in battery that you charge with a USB cable. And a full charge gives you three hours of shooting.

 

3. Nikon CoolPix W150

Nikon CoolPix W150
Camera Type Compact
Age 6+
Photo Resolution 13 MP
Video Resolution Full HD (1080p)
Screen 2.7 inches
Zoom Range 3x

The Nikon CoolPix W150 is made for a fun and action-packed life. It produces excellent images and has plenty of features young photographers will love.

If your kid has a sense of adventure, the Nikon CoolPix W150 could be the digital camera for them. It has a durable body that’s shock-tested to survive a drop from five feet. You don’t need to worry about it falling apart on their first photography outing.

Rain and puddles are no problem for this compact camera. In fact, it’s waterproof to a depth of 33 feet. Not only will it survive a dip in the pool, but your kid can also start their career as a sea life photographer.

The 13 MP resolution sensor gives you excellent image quality. And the kids will have a lot of fun with the 3x optical zoom lens. The 5 fps (frames per second) burst mode isn’t the fastest, but it’s a great place to start.

Older kids will enjoy the camera’s Bluetooth capabilities. They can share their photos directly on social media. It’s definitely one of the best cameras for kids over six.

 

4. MyFirst Camera 3

MyFirst Camera 3
Camera Type Compact
Age 3+
Photo Resolution 16 MP
Video Resolution Full HD (1080p)
Screen 2 inches
Zoom Range 3x

The MyFirst Camera 3 might be the best camera for kids if you have young children. With a unique and fun design, young kids will love shooting with this starter camera.

The sensor gives you an image resolution of 16 MP, which is excellent picture quality for a kid’s camera. Both children and adults will be happy with the results. And the new macro mode gets the kids close to their subjects for extra excitement.

It’s small and light enough for the smallest of hands. And the buttons are large and uncomplicated, so it’s easy for any child to use. It’s a point-and-shoot with automated settings, so the kid can happily snap away.

MyFirst Camera 3 doesn’t use replaceable batteries. You charge it using a USB cable. The battery life is fairly good, so the fun will last a while. And you can insert an SD card for extra storage.

 

5. VTech Kidizoom Duo Camera

VTech Kidizoom Duo Camera
Camera Type Compact
Age 3+
Photo Resolution 5 MP
Video Resolution HD (720p)
Screen 2.4 inches
Zoom Range 4x

The VTech Kidizoom Duo Camera is one of the best cameras for young children. It’s durable and easy to use, making it the perfect first camera for young children. Kids as young as three can pick it up and start snapping.

The camera’s ergonomics are designed for young children. It has easy-to-hold handles, perfect for children’s hands. The buttons are large and easy to operate. And it comes with two viewfinders, so kids can aim using both eyes.

The camera has an integrated flash and a self-timer mode. And the rear VGA camera makes it easier to take selfies. The camera software allows you to apply many funny effects and frames to the images.

The Kidizoom Duo has a video mode that shoots at 30 fps. It’s not exactly cinema quality, but it’s more than enough for fun videos. And the camera doubles as an MP3 player, so you can upload songs and listen using headphones.

The camera has 256 MB of internal storage, giving you enough storage for 1000 photos or nine minutes of video. This might seem like a lot, but you might want to insert an SD card because it fills up fast. It can drain the batteries quickly, too, so using rechargeable ones isn’t a bad idea.

 

6. Fujifilm Instax Mini 11

Fujifilm Instax Mini 11 (Sky Blue)
Camera Type Instant Print
Age 6+
Photo Resolution N/A
Video Resolution N/A
Screen N/A
Zoom Range No zoom

Instant photography is lots of fun and a great way to get kids excited about photography. They can see what they’ve created after only a few seconds. And they have something tangible they can show their friends.

The Fujifilm Instax Mini is really easy to use. There are only a few buttons on the body, and there’s no complicated menu. You just point and shoot, which is why kids as young as five can use this camera.

The exposure settings are all automated, and there’s a built-in flash. You don’t need to know about f-stops or shutter speeds to create fabulous photos. It’s a low-input, high-reward kind of camera.

The body is robust, so smaller hands can get a good grip. The optical viewfinder takes some time to get used to if your kid is unfamiliar with digital screens. But it will give them a good lesson in framing.

The camera is good value for money. The main expense is the film, which can add up over time. It’s easy to shoot through a roll in minutes, so moderation is advised.

 

7. Sevenat Camera for Kids

Sevenat Digital Camera for Kids (Purple)
Camera Type Compact
Age 5+
Photo Resolution 36 MP
Video Resolution Full HD (1080p)
Screen 2.4 inches
Zoom Range 16x

This Sevenat compact digital camera has some of the best specs on this list. It has the performance of an adult camera. But it’s one of the best cameras for kids you will find on the market today.

It has a 36 MP sensor that provides fantastic picture quality. The result is a photo great enough for enlarging and printing. And that quality applies to the videos so that you can capture brilliant footage too.

The 16x digital zoom is very impressive. And a 32GB SD card is included, so you don’t have to worry about running out of room. The battery life isn’t great, but it comes with two rechargeable batteries.

It’s not as tough as some other options, as it lacks any serious protection. But if you think they can handle it, this camera is excellent for older children and young teens.

8. GooPow Kids Camera (Cat)

GooPow Kids Camera (Cat, Purple)
Camera Type Compact
Age 3+
Photo Resolution 20 MP
Video Resolution Full HD (1080p)
Screen 1.3 inches
Zoom Range 8x

The GooPow Kids Camera is fantastic fun for creative children. It has a playful design that makes kids want to pick it up and start snapping. It produces excellent photos and videos. And it has extra features that add to your child’s enjoyment.

Even adults will be impressed with the images from the 20 MP sensor. You have stunning detail and color for a kid’s camera. The image quality rivals many higher-priced models and beats most smartphone cameras.

The video is also in Full HD resolution. Your kids will be able to make fun and memorable home movies. And again, the video quality tops most smartphones. The 8x zoom adds creative options when shooting photos and videos.

The extra features bring more fun to the photography party. They include 28 funny frames for photos. You get photo filters and effects you can add to the photos in the camera. There’s a time-lapse photography mode. And there are puzzle games to keep the kids entertained.

 

9. OurLife Kids Action Camera

OurLife Kids Action Camera (Pink)
Camera Type Action Camera
Age 4+
Photo Resolution 5 MP
Video Resolution Full HD (1080p)
Screen 1.77 inches
Zoom Range No zoom

You can think of the OurLife action camera as a GoPro for kids. It’s great for photos and videos and can cope with a child’s rough-and-tumble life.

Inside its durable case, this camera is waterproof down to 108 ft. It’s easy to use and can record HD videos and shoot 5 MP stills. It has a built-in microphone and supports microSD cards up to 32 GB.

The LCD screen is smaller than the OurLife Kids Camera, but it’s enough to review your photos and videos. Seven built-in video effects and six picture frames are also available for added fun.

The gadget comes with a neck strap and mounting kits for bicycles and helmets. It’s a great first action camera for any adventure.

 

10. Fujifilm FinePix XP140

Fujifilm FinePix XP140
Camera Type Compact
Age 8+
Photo Resolution 16.4 MP
Video Resolution 4K
Screen 3 inches
Zoom Range 5x optical, 10x digital

The Fujifilm FinePix XP140 is another family-friendly digital camera. Its tough and durable design makes it a good choice for older kids and young teens. It’s a rugged camera built for an adventurous life.

The image specifications are excellent, with a resolution of 16.4 MP. The video quality is just as good, with 4K recording capabilities. And you can choose between the 5x optical or 10x digital zooms. Both give superb magnification.

The durability is this camera’s main strength. It’s shockproof and can survive drops of nearly six feet. It’s waterproof down to 82 feet and can withstand temperatures as low as 14 F.

Your children may not be Arctic explorers, but they can put a camera through its paces. The Finepix XP140 isn’t for young children. But older kids, teenagers, and adults of all ages can have fun with it.

 

11. MyFirst Camera Insta 2

MyFirst Camera Insta 2 (Blue)
Camera Type Instant Print
Age 4+
Photo Resolution 12 MP
Video Resolution Full HD (1080p)
Screen 2.5 inches
Zoom Range No zoom

The MyFirst Camera Insta 2 is another kid’s camera full of fun features. It captures wonderful still shots and video. And you can print your photos in less than 10 seconds.

If you’re worried about ink costs, there’s no need to worry. The camera uses thermal printing technology that gives you unlimited prints. Although, all printed photos are in black and white.

One of the main concerns is the cost of the photo paper, which isn’t included. But you don’t have to print every photo you take, as the camera has internal storage and an SD card.

 

12. Polaroid Go Mini

Polaroid Go Mini
Camera Type Instant Print
Age 8+
Photo Resolution N/A
Video Resolution N/A
Screen N/A
Zoom Range No zoom

Polaroid is the biggest name in instant print cameras. That’s because they produce the best cameras for instant print photos. Their standard models aren’t for kids, but the new Polaroid Go Mini is very child-friendly.

The process is simple. You look through the optical viewfinder, shoot, and the pictures print in moments. Anyone can get the hang of it. And the smaller camera body makes it easy for children to use.

There’s a reflective mirror for selfies and a self-timer for group photos with friends. And like most Polaroid models, the Go Mini has a built-in flash.

It’s not for young kids, but older children and teenagers will love it. The main problem is the price of the film. The more you snap away, the more film you have to buy.

 

13. Nikon D3500

Nikon D3500
Camera Type DSLR
Age 10+
Photo Resolution 24.4 MP
Video Resolution Full HD (1080p)
Screen 3 inches
Zoom Range N/A (interchangeable lens camera)

Is your young photography enthusiast growing up fast? Perhaps their skills and style have outgrown the cameras for younger kids. If so, the Nikon D3500 is worth looking at. It’s the best DSLR for beginners. And it will allow your kid’s skills to flourish.

The photo quality is far superior to most of the other options on this list. The automatic settings make this camera easy to use. But the manual controls will allow your youngsters to improve their photography skills.

As a DSLR, the controls are more complex than a compact camera. That means it’s not for younger children. But for older kids and teens, the D3500 is a step up from compacts and smartphone cameras.

 

14. Ilford Sprite 35 II Reusable Camera

Ilford Sprite 35-II Reusable Camera
Camera Type Compact 35mm
Age 6+
Photo Resolution N/A
Video Resolution N/A
Screen N/A
Zoom Range No zoom

The Ilford Sprite 35mm camera is a great introduction to film photography. It’s as simple as a disposable camera but without plastic waste. It’s reusable and extremely simple to shoot with. For 35mm photography, it’s one of the best cameras for kids.

It’s the ultimate point-and-shoot film camera. The focus is entirely automatic, and there’s a built-in flash for darker situations.

The main issue is loading the film, which can be fiddly and difficult for younger fingers. But if a parent loads the film, kids as young as five can use the camera. The film is another expense you need to consider.

 

Conclusion

Kids come in different shapes and sizes. And so do cameras for kids, which is why you need to consider what is best for your child. It’s best if you think about their age and skill level. And consider their enthusiasm for photography.

The OurLife Kids Underwater Camera tops our list of the best cameras for kids. Kids can create fantastic photos and videos. And the durable case allows underwater photography at the beach or pool.

Our Top Pick
OurLife Kids Underwater Camera
OurLife Kids Underwater Camera
Looking for a camera that offers plenty of options for kids? Look no further than this top pick! With FHD video, face detection, and 12 built-in photo effects, it’s perfect for budding photographers of all ages. Plus, it’s waterproof for even more adventure.
 
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