Three Best Cameras for Kid Photographers

In a world of smartphones, cameras have increasingly fallen out of favor, especially among younger generations. And that’s a shame. However, it needn’t be the case. That’s because various camera manufacturers continue to produce models that are perfect for aspiring junior photographers. Some are even designed especially for kids, like VTech’s colorful KidiZoom range.

So, what makes cameras good for kid photographers? A few things, in fact. Here are three things you should consider when looking for a good camera for kids.

The best kids’ cameras need to be compact enough to be held by small hands. Although more compact regular models may suffice, anything larger will always be cumbersome. Ideally, the same camera shouldn’t be so small that it’s fiddly to operate either. In addition to size, also be mindful of choosing a camera that’s easy to grip. Look for a camera with the right shape or with provisions to make it easier to hold.

Except for action cameras like GoPro’s Hero 10 Black, most models aren’t designed for rough and tumble. However, the best kids’ cameras are typically designed to be as durable as possible, particularly under otherwise normal use by one or more children. While most won’t survive the very worst that any child could potentially throw at them, some models are far more durable than others, which is important to keep in mind.

While slightly older kids may benefit from a more expensive model, those just getting into the photography hobby don’t need anything too fancy. With that, resist the urge to splash out. Remember, a child may also find that they don’t enjoy taking pictures as much as they thought they might. So, while there will always be the option to upgrade, it doesn’t necessarily make sense to start with something overly costly.

Considering size, durability, price, and more, we’ve whittled down countless options to our favorite three kid-friendly cameras. Priced from just $50, some are designed especially for children or with them firmly in mind. At least one, meanwhile, is an otherwise regular camera that just so happens to work perfectly for even some of the youngest wannabe snappers.

For the very youngest of young photographers, there’s the colorful, rugged, and easy-to-use VTech KidiZoom Duo 5.0. It’s designed especially for kids as young as three years old. And the KidiZoom Duo 5.0 from VTech has a particular trick up its sleeve, too. Dual viewfinders set it apart from regular cameras and make it as intuitive to use as possible. This is true even for those who’ve never even held a camera before.

Built to last, it probably won’t appeal to older kids, but those up to six or seven years old should all see its appeal. With that, it could see a kid right through the first three to five years of their photography journey.

Features include a selfie function, various built-in digital effects, a video mode, and more. Getting to grips with the VTech KidiZoom Duo 5.0 is a breeze, too, for kids and parents alike. Its image quality isn’t the best, but it’s perfectly adequate given the camera’s target audience.

For slightly older kids, there’s an entirely different proposition on offer from Polaroid. The Polaroid Now i-Type is a more modern take on a real blast from the past – the original Polaroid instant cameras that first rose to prominence in the 1960s and 1970s.

Although not strictly a kids’ camera, it meets most of the key demands while also packing in the added benefit of producing instant, physical results. Ultimately, it’s impossible not to be charmed by the Now i-Type from Polaroid. Impressive results, great build quality, and a long-lasting rechargeable battery all serve to deliver what’s a truly fantastic instant camera for people of all ages.

While the required film remains expensive, the Polaroid Now i-Type offers a route into a potential future hobby that may not otherwise appeal to lots of today’s kids. That’s primarily in light of such readily available access to the high-quality cameras on modern smartphones. However, no smartphone can do what the Polaroid Now i-Type instant camera does, and therein lies much of its charm.

And finally, the Canon PowerShot ELPH 180. No, it’s not a kids’ camera, but an excellent choice for aspiring young photographers all the same. For some kids, neither the likes of VTech’s preschool-age KidiZoom Duo 5.0 nor Polaroid’s fun Now i-Type instant camera will cut it.

The reality is that many are likely to want a more grown-up solution. In which case, the Canon PowerShot ELPH 180 is perfect. An entry-level offering from Canon, there’s no doubting the PowerShot ELPH 180’s pedigree. And, at just $160, it offers many of the usual Canon perks and other refinements in a largely affordable package.

Compact enough for small hands, the Canon PowerShot ELPH 180’s controls are mostly straightforward. Meanwhile, the camera’s boxy design should see it stand up well to a degree of rough handling, although not to the extent of the VTech KidiZoom Duo 5.0.

Simple but powerful, the PowerShot ELPH 180 from Canon packs in an 8x optical zoom, a 20-megapixel sensor, and a capable if not particularly cutting-edge image processor. The outcome is vibrant, with the added advantage of also being able to capture video at up to 720p resolution. Best of all, built-in automated smart features from Canon make the PowerShot ELPH 180 easy to get to grips with, even for first-time camera users.

It’s a great choice for both younger and older kids. And it’s also a nice introduction to the rest of the Canon range. With that, there’s scope for them to grow into any one of a huge number of costlier and more feature-packed models from the same brand if their interest in photography develops further.

Whichever camera you choose, be sure to protect your purchase with an extended camera warranty from Upsie.

Upsie’s extended camera warranties protect against manufacturing defects, mechanical faults, and other failures. In addition, they also safeguard against any number of accidental mishaps, including drops, cracks, and liquid spills. Upsie’s warranties are comprehensive, affordable, and easy to understand. Plus, they’re the ideal extended warranty choice for kids’ cameras, including the VTech KidiZoom Duo 5.0, Polaroid Now i-Type, and Canon PowerShot ELPH 180.

Best of all, they are up to 70 percent more affordable than camera warranties sold by manufacturers and retailers. As a result, customers gain the protection that cameras need at prices parents can afford. Find out more at Upsie.com or via the Upsie smartphone app, available to download from Google Play or Apple’s App Store.