Looking for the best cameras for kids? We’ve tested all of the best choices for the budding photographer in your life.
Searching for the best camera for kids? From simple instant print cameras to rugged action snappers, we’ve tested all of the top options for junior photographers. So whether you’re shopping for a toddler or a teenager, you’ll find top recommendations for all ages in this buying guide. There’s no one-size-fits-all camera for kids. What’s right for one child won’t necessarily suit another. Younger users, for example, will probably benefit from a camera that’s straightforward, robust and easy to handle. On the other hand, for older kids who are starting to experiment with creative photography, you’ll want something with more modes and manual controls. You should also think about the interests of budding photographers. Some of the best cameras for kids have bright, tactile physical features to engage little learners who like to get hands-on with their hobbies, like the myFirst Camera 3. Others – such as the Fujifilm XP140 – are built waterproof and tough to go anywhere and everywhere with adventurous youngsters. Every camera included in the list below has been recommended because it offers a great shooting experience for kids. From DIY cameras that kids can assemble themselves to more advanced digital compact options for would-be vloggers and travel photographers, our buying guide includes cameras for every age group, interest and budget. That said, we’ve steered clear of underwhelming ‘toy’ cameras which could hold back a child’s imagination. Chances are that you won’t want to invest megabucks in a camera for kids. In which case, it’s worth waiting to check out the deals on Amazon Prime Day 2021. We’re expecting a good range of reductions across lots of type of cameras, and it’s often the cheaper, kid-friendly models which hope to lure you in with a chunky rebate. Our top pick for the best children’s camera is currently the Fujifilm Instax Mini 11. It’s accessible, affordable and features an adjustable lens that allows learners to try their hand at macro photography. It’s an ideal entry-point for junior snappers, producing lovely instant prints. Replacement film packs won’t break the bank, either. But different kids might find a better fit with something else from the list below. Each recommendation has been picked to suit a specific interest or age range, to help you find the ideal camera for the kid in question. There’s still nothing quite like instant film for sharing moments and cherishing them for years to come. Seeing the photo appear on paper, keeping it or giving it away – aah, that’s the stuff. If you’re looking for a starting point, there’s no better camera than the Fujfilm Instax Mini 11. Replacing the three-year-old Mini 9, the Mini 11 was launched in 2020. Design improvements include auto exposure with a variable shutter speed, plus a built-in adjustable lens with a close-up setting, which is ideal for selfie shots. In short, there’ll be far fewer wasted prints, which is good news considering those costs can add up. The curvy design of the camera will no doubt appeal to younger photographers. It’s available in five colors and comes with color-matching accessories – a wrist strap and removable shutter buttons. ‘Instax Mini’ paper used by the Mini 11 is legendary and available with numerous different border styles. The paper is readily available and well priced – and if you buy in bulk, it’s even cheaper. That’s good news if your little one gets carried away taking multiple similar shots of their Lego creations. Most importantly, the look and color you get from Fujifilm’s ‘Instax Mini’ paper is simply divine and could inspire a lifetime hobby. Read our in-depth Fujifilm Instax Mini 11 review Lomography is the ruler of ‘alternative cameras’ and one of its best models is a charming build-your-own camera kit called the Konstruktor F. Included in the kit is everything you need to build the 35mm SLR film camera, complete with customization sticker sets. This updated ‘F’ version is compatible with flash, although this is one of many optional ‘Konstruktor’ series accessories for this reasonably priced kit. Other accessories include a close-up twin lens kit and film pack bundle. Our nimble seven-year-old assistant was at his limit with this complex kit, which takes in the region of 1-2 hours to make – it’s possibly more suited to teenagers, depending on your kids’ skills and patience. As you build, you truly get to see the internal mechanics of an SLR camera. We think the Konstucktor F is a fantastic option for those that love to build, see how things work and enjoy the fruit of their labour with a charming finished product. Alternatives from Lomography include the LomoMod No.1 kit, which is also well worth a look. Yes, this is a smartphone rather than a dedicated camera, but the reality today is that the first camera a child uses (or at least the one they’ll end up using the most) is likely to be on a phone. The tech in smartphone cameras is developing at a rate of knots and you can find great cameras in mid-range smartphones, with the new Apple iPhone SE (2020) being a great example. The iPhone SE 2020 is less than half of the price of a flagship phone and, thanks to its smaller size, is a good point-and-shoot possible option for a young one. Camera-wise, what you get is the same single 12MP sensor with f/1.
