What is a good starter camera for a kid?

All of the cameras on our list are excellent choices for kids starting out at various ages and skill levels. But Phlipot advises that the specs of a given camera are less important than developing and encouraging the hobby. “Photographs are not created by the camera, but by the person behind the camera and how they decide to share what and how they see the world. So don't be turned off if your budget does not allow for the camera with lots of bells and whistles,” she says. “Simpler is better, especially when learning. I believe that a good photographer can create amazing photographs with any camera.”

What age should a child get a camera?

Phlipot says the right time for a child to get a camera is just as soon as they are able to hold one and push the button. “If they have an interest in taking photographs, it's time to get them a camera!” she says. Tseng adds, “Creativity does not have to wait.”

The 12 Best Cameras for Kids of 2023

Once upon a time, cameras were expensive, fragile objects best kept out of the hands of young kids (unless part of well-supervised family 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 explore the world around them creatively and safely, while photography is a great option for teens and tweens looking to pick up a new hobby.

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 to taking underwater snaps, here are the best cameras for kids.

Our Top Picks

Best Overall:

VTech Kidizoom DUO Camera at Amazon

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Best Budget:

Desuccus Kids Camera at Amazon

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Best for Young Kids:

Seckton Kids Selfie Camera at Amazon

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Best Digital Camera:

Olympus Tough TG-6 at Amazon

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Best Action Camera:

GoPro Hero 10 at Amazon

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Best Disposable Camera:

Fujifilm QuickSnap Flash 400 Single-Use Camera at Amazon

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Best Instant Camera:

Fujifilm Instax Mini 11 Instant Camera at Amazon

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Best Video Camera:

VTech KidiZoom Creator Cam at Amazon

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Best Underwater Camera:

Agiogo Digital Action Camera at Amazon

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Best Film Camera:

Kodak Ultra 35mm Camera at Amazon

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In This Article

Our Picks
How We Selected
What to Look For
FAQ
Why Trust Verywell Family

4.2

Amazon

Pros

Front- and rear-facing cameras
Video capabilities
Games and effects

Cons

Not rechargeable

What the Experts Say: “A fun and entertaining device for little kids!”

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

^{Key Specs:
Battery: 4 AA batteries (included) | Weight: 13.6 ounces | Video: Yes | Waterproof: No | Age recommendation: 3 to 9 years old}

Amazon

Pros

Lightweight
Comes in bright colors
Games and features for younger kids

Cons

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 4X 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

^{Key Specs:
Battery: Built-in 1000 mAh lithium battery | Weight: 2.22 ounces | Video: Yes | Waterproof: No | Age recommendation: 3 years old and up}

Courtesy of Amazon

Pros

High resolution
Shoots photos and video
Shockproof shell

Cons

Very small

What the Experts Say: “Good-resolution camera with 8.0 megapixels and HD video.”

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

^{Key Specs:
Battery: 1 lithium-ion battery (included) | Weight: 5.9 ounces | Video: Yes | Waterproof: No | Age recommendation: 3 to 10 years old}

Amazon

Pros

180-degree tilting LCD
Built-in Wi-Fi and GPS
Waterproof up to 15 meters for one hour

Cons

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

^{Key Specs:
Battery: 1 rechargeable lithium-ion battery (included) | Weight: 0.56 pounds | Video: Yes | Waterproof: Yes (up to 15 meters) | Age recommendation: Not listed}

Amazon

Pros

High-resolution and excellent image quality
Wi-Fi connectivity
Small and portable

Cons

Recommended for older kids

What the Experts Say: “Great video resolution and 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.”

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

^{Key Specs:
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}

Amazon

Pros

Comes as a pack of two
Built-in flash
Experiment with real film

Cons

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

^{Key Specs:
Battery: 2 AA batteries (included) | Weight: 3.2 ounces | Video: No | Waterproof: No | Age recommendation: Not listed}

Amazon

Pros

On-the-spot prints
Available in five colors
Fun for parties

Cons

Film can be expensive

What the 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!”

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

^{Key Specs:
Battery: 2 AA batteries (included) | Weight: 10.4 ounces | Video: No | Waterproof: No | Age recommendation: 6 years old and up}

Amazon

Pros

Green screen and tripod both included
Edit videos with on-screen tools

Cons

Short battery life after full charge

What the 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.”

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

^{Key Specs:
Battery: 3.7-volt rechargeable lithium-ion battery (included) | Weight: 14.1 ounces | Video: Yes | Waterproof: No | Age recommendation: 5 to 10 years old}

Amazon

Pros

Comes with a high-capacity memory card
Rechargeable battery

Cons

Camera doesn’t record sound

This HD camera is perfect for swimmers or kiddos 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 shutoff helps preserve battery life. This kit also includes a durable lanyard for safe transport.

Price at time of publication: $44

^{Key Specs:
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}

Amazon

Pros

Wide-angle lens
Built-in flash
Simple and easy to use

Cons

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

^{Key Specs:
Battery: 1 AAA battery (not included) | Weight: 170 grams | Video: No | Waterproof: No | Age recommendation: 7 years old and up}

Amazon

Pros

Built-in Wi-Fi
Full HD video capabilities
Comes with battery, charger, and camera strap

Cons

More complicated to operate

What the 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.”

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

^{Key Specs:
Battery: 1 lithium-ion battery (included) | Weight: 1.04 pounds | Video: Yes | Waterproof: No | Age recommendation: 13 years old and up}

Amazon

Pros

Built-in flash
Available in seven colors
Instant prints

Cons

No video or digital features

This point-and-shoot Polaroid 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

^{Key Specs:
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 photographers Paulette Phlipot and Crystal Tseng for 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

Some cameras can be expensive, 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.”

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a good starter camera for a kid?

All of the cameras on our list are excellent choices for kids starting out at various ages and skill levels. But Phlipot advises that the specs of a given camera are less important than developing and encouraging the hobby. “Photographs are not created by the camera, but by the person behind the camera and how they decide to share what and how they see the world. So don't be turned off if your budget does not allow for the camera with lots of bells and whistles,” she says. “Simpler is better, especially when learning. I believe that a good photographer can create amazing photographs with any camera.”
What age should a child get a camera?

Phlipot says the right time for a child to get a camera is just as soon as they are able to hold one and push the button. “If they have an interest in taking photographs, it's time to get them a camera!” she says.
Tseng adds, “Creativity does not have to wait.”

Why Trust Verywell Family

Alesandra Dubin is 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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