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Once upon a time, cameras were expensive, fragile objects best kept out of the hands of young kids (unless part of well-supervisedfamily time). But now, the market is flooded with affordable, durable cameras for kids of all ages, from preschoolers to teenagers. Age-appropriate cameras are a fun way for little ones to创造性地探索周围的世界and safely, while photography is a great option for teens and tweens looking to pick up a new hobby.
Reviewed & Approved
TheVTech Kidizoom Duo Selfie Camerais a feature-packed pick for kids ages 3 to 9. For teenagers and serious hobbyists, theCanon EOS Rebel t7 DSLRis a worthy investment.
When shopping for cameras for kids, consider ease of use, durability, features, accessories, and, of course, your budget. To select our top picks, we interviewed photography experts around the country and researched the best options for a variety of picture-taking needs.
From exploring traditional film totaking underwater snaps, here are the best cameras for kids of 2022.
Best Overall: VTech Kidizoom DUO Camera
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Amazon
Front- and rear-facing cameras
Video capabilities
Games and effects
Not rechargeable
This excellent digital camera is durable enough to handle kids’ rough-and-tumble treatment. It has a 2.4-inch color LCD screen and can take videos and photos (including selfies with the rear-facing camera). Photo, cartoon, and collage effects add whimsy to the experience. The camera also comes with five games, including three that are motion-controlled. Download photos and videos to a computer using the included micro USB cable.
Price at time of publication: $80
Battery:4 AA batteries (included) |Weight:13.6 ounces |Video:Yes |Waterproof:No |Age recommendation:3 to 9 years old
What Our Experts Say
“A fun and entertaining device for little kids!”—Crystal Tseng, professional photographer
Best Budget: Desuccus Kids Camera
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Amazon
Lightweight
Comes in bright colors
Games and features for younger kids
Small buttons
Lightweight and easy to use, this colorful kids’ camera takes both photos and videos, and it has five built-in games to keep little ones entertained. It offers four-times digital zoom, playback, delayed capture, and burst shooting features for endless creativity. Files can be downloaded to a computer with the help of an adult using the included SD card. A rechargeable lithium battery allows kids to shoot continuously for up to four hours on a charge.
Price at time of publication: $36
Battery:Built-in 1000 mAh lithium battery |Weight:2.22 ounces |Video:Yes |Waterproof:No |Age recommendation:3 years old and up
最适合年轻的孩子们:Seckton Kids Selfie Camera
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Courtesy of Amazon
高分辨率
Shoots photos and video
Shock-proof shell
Very small
This durable kids’ camera offers impressive resolution and an auto-focus feature for clear results. Kids will enjoy selecting fun stickers and frames when taking pictures, and the vibrant camera colors add another level of playfulness. The dual-camera configuration allows for shooting selfies, while the handy lanyard strap helps keep the camera safe and sound. A USB and 32GB micro SD card are included so caregivers can help little ones store or download their photos.
Price at time of publication: $38
Battery:1 lithium-ion battery (included) |Weight:5.9 ounces |Video:Yes |Waterproof:No |Age recommendation:3 to 10 years old
“Good-resolution camera with 8.0 megapixels and HD video.”—Crystal Tseng, professional photographer
Best Digital Camera: OLYMPUS Tough TG-6 Waterproof Camera
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Amazon
180-degree tilting LCD
Built-in Wi-Fi and GPS
Waterproof up to 15 meters for one hour
Recommended for older kids
This powerful waterproof camera can operate at depths up to 15 meters (nearly 50 feet) underwater for up to one hour. It’s also shockproof to 7 feet and freeze-proof to 14 degrees, so it’s built for all kinds of adventures. The camera has four macro shooting modes, five underwater shooting modes, and can take videos up to 20 seconds long, including slow-motion footage. It’s a little more advanced, so we recommend it for older kids or teens.
Price at time of publication: $500
Battery:1 rechargeable lithium-ion battery (included) |Weight:0.56 pounds |Video:Yes |Waterproof:Yes (up to 15 meters) |Age recommendation:Not listed
Best Action Camera: GoPro Hero 10
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Amazon
High-resolution and excellent image quality
Wi-Fi connectivity
Small and portable
Recommended for older kids
GoPro is one of the biggest names in the action camera category for good reason. This model has a powerful chip for ultra-fast processing and captures smooth images of subjects in motion, making it a great companion on an outdoor adventure or a sports field. Capable of taking photos and videos (including slow motion), this camera features a hydrophobic lens cover that repels water for taking clearer images, no matter the setting. Transfer files easily from the cloud-connected GoPro using a USB or by way of wireless upload with the Quik app. There’s also unlimited cloud storage—just plug in the camera on Wi-Fi, and the GoPro does the rest.
Price at time of publication: $450
Battery:1 lithium-ion battery (included) |Weight:1.01 pounds |Video:Yes |Waterproof:Yes (up to 33 feet) |Age recommendation:8 years old and up
What Our Experts Say
“伟大的视频分辨率和the waterproof feature works fantastically. However, I found there was a delay in the recording button, and I missed some great moments of my kids swimming under the water because of the delays.”—Crystal Tseng, professional photographer
Best Disposable Camera: Fujifilm QuickSnap Flash 400 Single-Use Camera With Flash (Pack of 2)
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Amazon
Comes as a pack of two
Built-in flash
Experiment with real film
No real-time display or playback
Kids won’t remember when 35-millimeter film cameras were widely available at every corner store, but you can give them the joy of shooting real pictures on film with this low-stakes disposable camera. It comes in a two-pack with 27 exposures on each for added fun. It has a 10-foot built-in flash and works for shooting both indoors and out. You can process the included film at a local store, so your little one can feel proud holding their own creations in their hands.
Price at time of publication: $45
Battery:2 AA batteries (included) |Weight:3.2 ounces |Video:No |Waterproof:No |Age recommendation:Not listed
Best Instant Camera: Fujifilm Instax Mini 11 Instant Camera
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Amazon
On-the-spot prints
Available in five colors
Fun for parties
Film can be expensive
Shake it like a Polaroid picture! This instant camera from Fujifilm prints on-the-spot photos, making it great for birthday parties or art projects. The slim body comes in five cool colors for stylish shooting, and the camera automatically selects the optimal shutter speed in any environment—even in low light. This camera also features a one-touch selfie mode and macro mode.
Price at time of publication: $77
Battery:2 AA batteries (included) |Weight:10.4 ounces |Video:No |Waterproof:No |Age recommendation:6 years old and up
What Our Experts Say
“Super lightweight. Fun to see the film developed into a photo you really hold in hand. I have one and love it so much!”—Crystal Tseng, professional photographer
Best Video Camera: VTech KidiZoom Creator Cam
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Courtesy of Target
Green screen and tripod both included
Edit videos with on-screen tools
Short battery life after full charge
This feature-packed HD video camera is a great way for kids to create their own content. It comes with a built-in microphone and special effects like time-lapse video. The camera, which comes with a green screen backdrop, swaps in more than 20 animated backgrounds so people on the screen can become invisible or get chased by a dinosaur. It also includes a tabletop tripod, selfie stick, and wrist strap. Upload the video to a computer via the included USB cable.
Price at time of publication: $70
Battery:3.7-volt rechargeable lithium-ion battery (included) |Weight:14.1 ounces |Video:Yes |Waterproof:No |Age recommendation:5 to 10 years old
What Our Experts Say
“Kids get to understand the concept of how a movie is made with the green screen technique without a real background, and that's really cool.”—Crystal Tseng, professional photographer
Best Underwater Camera: Agiogo Digital Action Camera
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Amazon
Comes with a high-capacity memory card
Rechargeable battery
Camera doesn’t record sound
This HD camera is perfect for swimmers orkiddos headed to summer camp. With the waterproof case installed, your kid can dive up to 98 feet underwater with their camera in hand, but it’s also great for capturing the action on the land. (Important tip: Don’t open the waterproof case underwater!) Choose from 28 frames and seven color filters for even more fun effects. The single-lens camera works for up to three hours with a rechargeable lithium battery, and an automatic shut-off helps preserve battery life. This kit also includes a durable lanyard for safe transport.
Price at time of publication: $44
Battery:600 mAh rechargeable lithium battery (included) |Weight:10.4 ounces |Video:Yes |Waterproof:Yes (up to 98 feet) |Age recommendation:3 to 12 years old
Best Film Camera: Kodak Ultra 35mm Camera
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Amazon
Wide-angle lens
Built-in flash
Simple and easy to use
No video capability
Optical viewfinder but no digital display
This film camera comes in two vintage-inspired colors, which is appropriate for the mostly bygone medium. The camera has a built-in flash, a fixed-focus wide-angle lens, and an optical viewfinder, which are helpful tools for budding photographers. Use it with color or black-and-white film, develop the prints at a local shop, and enjoy them as keepsakes for years to come.
Price at time of publication: $60
Battery:1 AAA battery (not included) |Weight:170 grams |Video:No |Waterproof:No |Age recommendation:7 years old and up
Best for Photography Aficionados: Canon EOS Rebel T7 DSLR Camera
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Amazon
Built-in Wi-Fi
Full HD video capabilities
Comes with battery, charger, and camera strap
More complicated to operate
With a battery, charger, and strap, this camera bundle is generously outfitted for beginners’ needs. The T7 has an impressive sensor and a wide ISO range for top image quality, even in low light. It auto-focuses quickly, so you don’t miss a moment, and it takes full HD-quality video in an array of recording sizes and frame rates. Built-in wireless connectivity makes it a fully modern tool for teens who are serious about getting into the hobby.
Price at time of publication: $480
Battery:1 lithium-ion battery (included) |Weight:1.04 pounds |Video:Yes |Waterproof:No |Age recommendation:13 years old and up
What Our Experts Say
“A DSLR camera gives photographers more creative control and lens choices. As far as creating great pictures, a beginner's DSLR is not much different from the most advanced camera. Once you handle a beginner’s camera, you can quickly adapt to a professional camera.”—Crystal Tseng, professional photographer
Best for Teenagers: Polaroid Now I-Type Instant Camera
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Amazon
Built-in flash
Available in seven colors
Instant prints
No video or digital features
这傻瓜宝丽来camera offers novelty and instant gratification for teen photographers. The auto-focus camera shoots in vivid color, and kids have several outlets for creativity, including an option to create double exposures with two images in one and a self-timer feature that lets them jump in the frame. This camera is compatible with both I-Type and 600 film.
Price at time of publication: $120
Battery:1 lithium-ion battery (included) |Weight:1 pound |Video:No |Waterproof:No |Age recommendation:10 years old and up
How We Selected the Best Cameras for Kids
To select the best cameras for kids, we interviewed professional photographersPaulette PhlipotandCrystal Tsengfor their recommendations. We also researched products with popular features, such as instant prints, underwater shooting, selfie or video capabilities, and more.
What to Look for in a Camera for Kids
Ease of Use
A camera will only be a good match for a kid if it’s comfortable, simple, and fun to use. “The best camera is the one in your hand or in your pocket,” says Phlipot, a parent herself. “It's important to consider size, so it's convenient for your child to carry and have available. If they don't want to carry it or don't have it with them, they will not be able to take pictures.”
Ease of use will depend on the child, but “it is important for the camera to be an appropriate size for your kid’s age,” Tseng tells Verywell Family. Consider the weight, too, she says, “lightweight is a good consideration for little kids, though if your kids are a little older, having some weight on the camera actually helps the kids to have better control.”
Type of Camera
Consider what specific features you want in a camera. That includes whether you want to capture digital or film content and whatever additional specialty features are useful for your purposes. Picks on our list include underwater cameras, selfie cameras, video cameras, and more.
Durability
Take into account the rough-and-tumble play of kids (especially younger ones) when selecting a camera. It should be durable enough to go the distance. To that end, Tseng advises looking at “prominent brands, such as Nikon, Canon, and Sony, for durability reasons.”
Accessories
Consider what accessories might be most useful for your kid, from carrying bags to chargers to lenses. Most important, according to Tseng, is that a kids' camera should have a strap. “A professional photographer always carries their camera with a strap, over the neck or the wrist, to protect their gear from falling and breaking as well as preventing any injuries,” she notes.
Budget
有些相机可以是昂贵的, but it’s not necessary to break the bank when selecting one for your kid. “A compact camera will work great for a starter to learn about photography,” Tseng says. “Once they consistently take great pictures and would like to start learning more about different lenses, you may consider a beginner’s DSLR. But before then, a compact camera is a budget-friendly option for your kids to learn about how to use a camera as well as the relationship between shutter speed, aperture, and ISO.”
Why Trust Verywell Family
Alesandra Dubinis a professional product reviewer and content creator in the parenting and lifestyle space. She’s also a mom to 8-year-old twins, with whom she shares her love of photography.
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