The Best Cameras for Kids and Teens in 2023

The best kids cameras in 2023 will have a few common traits:

1. Easy access to filters.
2. Durability and Waterproof.
3. Adjustable lens.
4. Improved photo quality relative to what’s available today.
5. Fun features

Smartphones have definitely taken over the market of low-end point and shoot cameras as they are more affordable, easy to use, and offer a decent quality photo if you’re looking for something fairly simple.

>> Also, find out which are the best Phones for Kids and recommended apple watch for teens.

But if you want your children to learn photography, or you want to make sure you capture important moments in high quality photos, then your best option is definitely a camera that is specifically made for kids.

For kids ages 3 to 9

For kids ages 3 to 9, look for a digital camera that’s small and lightweight, with good battery life. The best way to keep track of new batteries is to use rechargeable ones, or at least ones that can be recharged using a USB cable.

The product you want to look for is called a “bridge camera.” These are simpler than DSLR cameras (the kind used by professionals), but they’re much more advanced than point-and-shoot cameras. They have interchangeable lenses, so you can add on features and accessories as your child’s skills increase, and they tend to be larger than point-and-shoot cameras, which makes them easier for children to hold comfortably.

You can use these apps for Positive Parenting and help them learn Easy Art Activities.

For 10 to 19 year old teenagers

For 10 to 19 year old teenagers , the key is to give them a camera that’s easy for them to hold and use, has lightweight lenses and/or zooms, and has auto-focus. The simpler, the better. They’ll also want a camera they can operate themselves.

For teens who are just starting out, it may be a good idea to purchase a DSLR (digital single lens reflex) camera with an automatic setting. This will allow your teen to take the best photos and videos with little technical knowledge or manual reading. With this type of camera you can also purchase lenses separately if needed. There are many online tutorials available that will teach your teen how to properly use their camera.

Below are the characteristics you should look for in a camera for your child:

• Durability: you want it to be able to stand up to the wear and tear of being a kid’s toy. Look for a rugged case made from materials like metal or thick plastic.
• Easy to use: Kids are notoriously impatient and clumsy, so the more intuitive an interface is, the better.
• Affordable: Don’t get something that costs more than your allowance!
• Fun features: Kids love to take photos of things they find interesting and fun, so a camera should be able to accommodate this desire without inhibiting the process of taking pictures. If they’re enticed by filters or special effects, that’s cool too!

Key takeaways

At first glance, the selection is overwhelming: all of these different brands and models, each with their own little technical differences. You don’t know where to start! Fortunately, there are a few key factors that make choosing a camera for your kid easier than you might think.

First of all, you want one that’s easy for them to use: no need for a bunch of fancy modes or settings if they simply want to take a picture of their friend doing something cute or something fun they did at school today. And pictures from a digital camera are much more high resolution than those taken with a phone, so they’ll look better on posters and even in printouts if you plan on making some copies.

Look for cameras with a rotating lens—this way, the viewfinder adjusts automatically as you aim at different subjects.

As a parent, if you have a teenager or a child who has been begging you for a camera, here are some things to consider before making a purchase:

• Do they like photography?
• Do they know how to use a camera?
• What kind of camera do they want?

The following are some key takeaways from the article:

1. A camera with a viewfinder allows the photographer to see exactly what they’ll get in the final image.
2. For most kids and teens, an SLR with interchangeable lenses is best.
3. The most important feature for the camera is that it takes good pictures.
4. Memory capacity up to 8GB so they can take as many pictures as they want.
5. A decent zoom for close-up shots.
6. Easy to use touch screen interface (if there is a touch screen).
7. WiFi or Bluetooth capability for uploading photos and videos to social media sites for teens above 16 years old.

As you move toward the higher end point and shoot cameras, you’ll find that some have features like interchangeable lenses and manual controls. This can be a fun feature for adults to have, but most kids won’t find this necessary or interesting. Later on, when your child is more interested in photography and has developed an eye for composition, then they might want more control over what they’re shooting. But this isn’t until they’re 12 years old or older.

How We tested?

As we researched, we talked to experts and parents about what makes a camera for kids and teens. Everyone we spoke to agreed that a camera should be easy to use, durable, and with enough features to keep the photographer challenged. We also learned that durability is of increasing importance as kids grow up: they drop things, they’re rough on their belongings, they’re curious and like to do things their own way.

We also found that there are different types of cameras to suit different kinds of needs: some are better for outdoor activities while others are more conducive to indoor photography. Experts who have worked with kids and teens in photography classes told us that photographers always respond best when they have a camera that’s just right for them—something that inspires them to take pictures and helps them learn how to take better pictures.

After lots of research, we learned about the following criteria on which cameras for kids should be judged: ease of use or learning curve; durability; features; image quality; price; and connectivity options (for uploading images, sharing on social media sites, etc.).

For our first round of testing, we brought in 10 cameras from a range of manufacturers and price points. We put them through a series of real-world tests with 10 friends children from my locality.

We placed each camera through a number of tests to determine how easy it is for kids and teens to use, whether its features will engage them (or bore them), and if it will encourage them to take more pictures. We looked for cameras that had intuitive controls, because you don’t want your kid frustrated when he or she is trying out a new toy.

We wanted cameras that teenagers could handle independently; ones that were durable enough for kids and ones that were easy enough for even younger children to capture their own world.

After we looked at the test results and narrowed down our list of finalists, we went through our own photo albums to see how the cameras would stand up in real life. We also asked friends who have kids to get their feedback on their favorites.

The Canon EOS Rebel T7 was the only model that performed well enough to make it into two out of the three groups. It’s among the most affordable cameras we tested, it delivered images that were remarkably sharp and high in contrast. Although the camera is designed for users over 13, we think its combination of advanced features (such as a built-in flash and video recorder) along with its sleek design will appeal to teens who want something more serious than your typical point-

But narrowing down our top picks in each category—the best beginner camera and the best action camera, for example—was trickier. To do that, we read reviews from our favorite sources and asked the advice of photography experts. Just as with any other products you’ll find on Parental Daily, we ultimately picked the cameras that impressed us with their performance and value.

>> In the interest of helping our readers get great gear at the best prices, we’ve put together this list of some of the best cameras for kids and teens.

1. VTech Kidizoom DUO Camera – For younger Kids

Battery: 4 AA batteries (included) | Weight: 0.85 Pounds | Video:Yes | Waterproof: No | Age recommendation: 3 to 9 years old

The Kidizoom Duo is VTech’s latest offering in its line of fun, durable cameras for kids and teens. It comes with five games pre-loaded on the camera and a removable wrist strap. The camera features a 2. 4″ color LCD screen that allows you to view photos and videos that you snap, plus it can capture up to 90 images and 15 minutes of video at a time.

The Kidizoom Duo has been designed for durability and can withstand drops, tumbles, and being carried around in one’s pocket without getting damaged. In fact, it has been designed to survive more than just the normal wear-and-tear of childhood.

I really like that the lens ring turns freely—this means there’s no chance of the camera lens getting stuck open or shut while it is being used. A quick twist of the ring will either focus the image or move it out of focus, which makes taking photos very easy.

2. Olympus Tough TG-6 – Waterproof camera for Teens

Battery: Built-in lithium battery | Weight: 2.22 ounces | Video: Yes | Waterproof: Yes | Age recommendation: 10 years old and up

The Olympus Tough TG-6 is the perfect camera for middle schoolers, teens headed to college, and freshmen who are hoping to capture the next few years of their lives. It is designed to survive drops from up to seven feet, and can handle being submerged in water at depths of up to fifty feet. This makes it perfect for summer camp, hanging out with friends outside the dorm, or any other semi-outdoor activity that a young user might get into.

A high magnification shooting mode lets users snap close-ups of small subjects. The camera also supports slow motion video, which can be used to capture a water balloon popping, fireworks exploding, or any other activity where slowing down the action could make for a more interesting shot.

The camera also has a built-in gyroscope and accelerometer that help it automatically detect when it’s been dropped and activate its protective systems. It can also detect if it’s falling and will attempt to move its SD card out of harm’s way in order to avoid damaging the card or losing your photos when you drop the camera.

The Olympus Tough TG-6 isn’t cheap―about $400―so it may not be the wisest choice for a kid who doesn’t have proven responsibility yet.

We all know that teenagers—and their parents, for that matter—are often attracted to aesthetics over all else. The Olympus Tough TG-6 is a durable camera that looks like something teen boys and girls would actually be proud to carry around. The durable chassis is the biggest selling point here, but pretty much everything else about the camera—from its macro shooting mode to its support for slow motion video—is well thought out as well.

The TG-6 is, without a doubt, a durable and well-crafted camera that can help any young photographer document their adventures in style. And if you’re looking for something with rugged features that can stand up to rough handling, the TG-6 delivers.

3. Desuccus Kids Camera for Girls Age 3-9 ($25) – The Cheapest option

The Kids camera will be your first choice of toys for girls, ideal beginner toy camera for girls.

It does not need to focus so you don’t have to worry about them focusing on the wrong thing, and it’s also great for taking photos of things that are moving around because of its 4x digital zoom in. It’s really easy to use; just switch the power on and press the big button on the top. 

Made of high quality plastic and featuring a shockproof shell, the Kids Camera from Desuccus is durable enough to survive drops and rough play. There’s a built-in flash for low light shots, several fun effects for creative shots, and most importantly, an easy to use shutter button so little fingers can take pictures without any help from adults.

The red light will flash when it’s ready to take photos, and you can take as many pictures as you want until you switch off the camera. The pictures are captured in 8M resolution and can be viewed right away on the 2.4″ LCD screen. You can even see your photos on a TV or computer with an SD card reader.

You can also put them on a computer by connecting it with a USB cable (included). The batteries last up to 3-4 hours, depending on how much they’re being used, so it’s good for a long day at home or out and about. It comes with a rechargeable 1000mAh lithium battery which is included, so all you have to do is charge it up before using.

4. GoPro Hero 10 – Action Camera for Teens ($399)

Battery: Removable 1720mAh Lithium-Ion | Weight: 11.2 ounces | Video: Yes | Waterproof: Yes | Age recommendation: 8 years old and above

This action camera has a sleek design, with a waterproof casing that can withstand depths of up to 50 meters. The Hero 10 also comes with an LCD touchscreen on the front, which makes it easier to frame your shots, as well as a rear touch screen that lets you control the settings and see what’s happening in real time—you can even use the screen to record video. 

It’s capable of shooting in 5.3K60 ultra HD video and 23MP photos, and has built-in stabilization so your footage is smooth. You can also use it to live stream straight from the camera, or use it as a webcam for Skype.

Not only does it boast impressive features like 1080p live streaming, but it also has an LCD touchscreen on the front and a touch screen on the back so you can get exactly what you want without having to go through several levels of menus. With its rugged design, touchscreen controls and waterproof casing, this camera is perfect for capturing videos and photos.

The GoPro Hero 10 is the perfect gift for teens who want to document their adventures, including all their sports activities. With its rugged design that’s waterproof down to 33 feet, it can stand up to the wear and tear of a high school sports season. It has an ultra-fast processor 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.

Overall, the GoPro Hero 10 – Action Camera for Teens is a great choice for any teen with an urge to go outdoors and experience all that the natural world has to offer. The camera enables teens to capture footage of wildlife, mountain biking, hiking, and other exciting activities at the high-quality resolution they desire.

5. Fujifilm Instax Mini 11 – Best Instant Camera for Kids

Battery: Removable 2AA batteries | Weight: 10.4 Ounces | Video: No | Waterproof: No | Age recommendation: 6 years old and above

The Fujifilm Instax Mini 11 is the best instant camera for kids. The slim body size makes it easy to carry around, and it comes in a variety of colors, so you can pick one that matches your kid’s style.

The Mini 11 has automatic exposure and a built-in macro mode for close-up portraits. It also has a self-timer so you can take photos of yourself or your friends with ease.

It comes with 2 shutter button accessories – a glitter button and a glow button – so you can customize the look of your camera. And there’s no need to use a close-up lens attachment if you want to take selfies because the camera has its own selfie mirror.

The Instax Mini 11 is an amazing instant camera that is great for taking pictures of your kids. It’s a very portable camera that you can take with you anywhere and take pictures wherever you go. With this camera, you don’t need to worry about running out of batteries or charging your camera. It comes with 2 AA batteries so you can use it right out of the box.

The best thing about this instant camera is that it comes with a selfie mirror and a macro mode so you can take pictures of yourself in any situation. You can also customize your camera by choosing between two different shutter button accessories – one that glows in the dark and another one with a jeweled cover on top.

In the end, the Fujifilm Instax Mini Instant Film Camera is great for anyone who wants to start using instant cameras right away. It’s got everything you need to start taking photos instantly, including batteries and film. The only thing it lacks is more exposure options and a means of adding filters to your photos (though there are accessories available to help with that). Still, if you’re looking for something that’s easy and simple to use, but still offers enough options to take some great photos, check out the Mini 11.

6. Canon EOS Rebel T7 DSLR – Best digital camera for Kids and Teens

Battery: 1 lithium-ion battery | Weight: 1.04 pounds | Video: Yes | Waterproof: No | Age recommendation: 12 years old and above

There are plenty of reasons to choose a Canon EOS Rebel T7 DSLR as the first camera for your teens above the age of 12. It offers a nice range of manual controls, and the simple design makes it easy to get started. The 24.1 megapixel sensor captures crisp images and can shoot video in 1080p HD.

The built-in Wi-Fi and NFC connectivity means you can share photos with your friends on social media easily, and you can use your phone as a remote control to capture photos or start and stop video recording. You can also use the EOS Remote app for Apple® or Android™ devices to connect your smartphone or tablet to the camera, which is useful for live view shooting, adjusting settings and reviewing photos.

This camera has a nine-point autofocus system, which provides fast and accurate focusing on subjects. It also has automatic exposure bracketing so you can capture multiple exposures of the same scene without having to manually change camera settings or swap out memory cards in between shots.

If you’re looking for an affordable yet quality digital SLR that’s fun for beginners, this is a great choice.

The Canon EOS Rebel T7i is an affordable yet professional level DSLR with advanced features sure to please hobbyists and budding enthusiasts. This camera is ideal for photography students and serious photographers looking for their first ever DSLR. With a number of different customizable settings, the EOS Rebel T7i gives you maximum control over your photos while still being incredibly easy-to-use. An excellent, durable build quality and infrared remote allow full control over your camera, even when it isn’t in reach.

7. SONY ZV-E10 – Blogging camera for teens ($479)

Weight: 343, Waterproof: Weather-sealed, Video: Up to 4K resolution, Battery Life: Up to 440 shots, Sensor: 24.2MP APS-C sensor, Age recommendation: 13 years old and above

Your teen is going to be starting up their own YouTube channel, and they’ll need the perfect camera for vlogging. The Sony ZV-E10 is the perfect camera for your teen starting out in vlogging. 

First, it features a 24.2-megapixel APS-C type CMOS sensor, so they will be able to get a lot of detail in their videos. Second, it has a 3-Capsule Mic built right into the camera, which means they won’t have to worry about sound quality when they are first starting out. 

Next, this camera has a variety of settings that are designed exclusively for vloggers. These features include a Product Showcase Setting, Bokeh Switch and Still/Movie/S&Q button, so your teen will be able to get the most out of their new hobby. And finally, this camera is flexible and easy to use, which means your teen will really be able to enjoy themselves while recording their first few videos.

What really sets this camera apart from its competitors is its ability to capture the highest-quality video (while also performing lighting-fast), making sure that every moment you want to capture on film will come out looking crisp and clear. Also, the autofocus feature allows for just about anyone to take professional-looking videos without having to worry about whether or not something is in focus. What’s more, it has a built-in microphone that allows for excellent sound quality, so even if you’re shooting in a noisy area or outdoors, the audio will be crisp.

8. Polaroid GO – best polaroid camera for kids

Polaroid cameras have been popular for decades because they’re fun and easy to use, and there’s something magical about having a physical copy of the photos you take. When looking for a camera for your children, it’s important to find one that’s safe, easy to operate, and will encourage them to develop their creativity. 

The Polaroid GO Instant Camera, is a great choice. It’s simple enough that young kids can use it—the shutter button is one big dial at the top, with all other controls clearly labeled. It comes with special “stickers” that can be stuck over the lens to limit the amount of light hitting it—great for sunny days or when you want to take pictures inside at night. 

The best part? It looks like a regular toy camera! Young kids will feel like they’re playing with a real grown-up camera while still being able to do everything they need to take great pictures. The Polaroid GO comes in several colors and is available now on Amazon

What age should my child be before I get them a camera?

When it comes to your child’s first camera, there is no fixed age. If you’re not sure when it’s time for them to have one, there are a number of questions you can ask yourself to help decide when it would be appropriate.

In general, we recommend that your child be at least 6 years old, and in the third grade or older before getting their first camera. They should also be able to read and write well enough to follow directions, and they need to understand that they’ll have a responsibility to use the camera safely and with care—that means taking care not to break it or lose it, and being careful not to let other people use it. 

When deciding on a specific model, do some research on what kinds of features are appropriate for your child’s age. While a professional-level DSLR won’t likely be a good fit for a 6-year-old, many simpler point-and-shoot cameras have auto modes that take care of setting basic exposure parameters like aperture and shutter speed. These cameras also have built-in flash units that make it easier for kids to get bright pictures without needing an external light source.

Which type of camera should I get, an SLR or a point-and-shoot?

There are lots of things you should consider when buying a camera for your kids:

• Which features do they need?
• Which features will they use?
• Which features are best for their age group?
• How much do they know about photography?
• How much money do you want to spend on a gift for them?

There are also some questions you should ask yourself:

• Will the kids have enough space to store the camera and all its accessories?
• Are you planning on taking pictures of them often, or just occasionally?
• Do the kids want to learn more about photography, or are they content with a point-and-shoot camera that has very little manual control options?

How do I protect my child’s privacy if they have a digital camera?

Privacy is a big concern for many parents, and it’s something we all have to think about as our kids get older. Fortunately, there are some things you can do with a digital camera that can help protect your child’s privacy while also ensuring they have plenty of opportunities to learn about the world through photography.

The first thing to consider is what exactly will be included in the digital camera picture files. You’ll probably want to disable face recognition software, which can be a valuable feature but also one that might accidentally tag a picture of a friend or family member as one of your own children. It’s also worth disabling geotagging if you’re sharing your camera with other people—if you don’t want anyone knowing where your kids’ photos were taken, this could be an issue.

You might also want to disable any sort of sharing features that are built into the camera—while they may seem like a convenient way to send pictures directly from the camera to the computer, they could also make it easier for someone else to find them on your hard drive or even remove them without your knowledge. Another option would be saving and deleting all the pictures right off the camera before giving it to your child—this will keep them safer from accidental deletion and keep them from being spread around.

One thing you want to make sure is that the camera is password protected. This is the most basic way of keeping your pictures safe. Most cameras come with this feature enabled by default, but it’s always good to double check.

How do I make sure they’re using it responsibly?

Tips for getting kids involved in photography:

• Show them how to use the camera—even if you don’t expect them to completely understand. Show them what each button does, how the flash works, etc. You may even want to let your kids experiment with different settings (such as shutter speed or white balance) for fun, even if you plan on using those features for specific reasons later on.
• Let them hold the camera and see what pictures they come away with as an end result of their own work. If nothing else, this will help build excitement about taking pictures, which will make getting them interested in photography easier going forward.

Things to know before buying a DSLR for a teenager

If you have a kid or teen who is serious about taking pictures, the time will come where you have to let them have their own camera. The difficult part is selecting the right camera for them. Should they stick with what they are used to, a smartphone? Or should they take the plunge into a digital single-lens reflex (DSLR) camera?

Teenagers and older kids can handle a DSLR, but if it’s their first time using one, there are some things you will want to consider:

1. The controls and features on a DSLR can be pretty complicated at first glance. It’s best to start with something that has more limited capabilities and more automatic settings.
2. Digital photography is fun, but it takes practice to get good at it. Taking photos of family and friends is great for practice, but finding someplace like a museum or stadium for sports (or even just doing some long exposure shots) can really test your budding photographer’s technical skill.
3. A DSLR lets you use different lenses to get different effects and see things from different perspectives. You might want to help your child find the right lens for their new hobby by getting them one or two basic lenses until they show an interest in getting other ones.