Which cameras for kids are best? We review 6 top options

If you’re tired of your children always begging to take photos with your phone or expensive digital camera, it may be time to get them a camera of their own. Our editors researched and reviewed the best cameras for kids that are great for budding photographers.

Our list has everything from instant print so your kiddos can share photos right away to digital camera options for kids. There are also cameras for the risk-takers who need cameras that can go underwater or on their bikes to get those cool action shots.

If you have a future social media star in the family, there are even some options for them.

Read on to shop the best kid cameras on the market and find the one that is perfect for your children.

Read more: Check out the best budget gaming laptops

The best kids cameras, at a glance

Best digital camera for taking videos

VTech KidiZoom Creator Cam

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$47.20 at Walmart

Our favorite instant print camera

Fujifilm INSTAX Mini 7+ Exclusive Blister Bundle with Bonus Pack of Film

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$56.85 at Walmart

Best for selfies

Seckton Upgrade Kids Selfie Camera

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$35.99 at Amazon

Best waterproof model

GKTZ Kids Waterproof Camera

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$29.99 at Amazon

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Best digital camera for taking videos

VTech KidiZoom Creator Cam

You save $22.79 (32.56%)

$47.20$69.99

$47.20 at Walmart

Recommended for ages: 5 to 10 years

Pros & Cons

• High-definition video camera kit

• Comes with tripod/selfie stick

• Easy to use

• Green screen isn’t the best quality

• No micro SD card included

This digital camera for kids is great for the future vlogger or YouTuber in the family.

It comes with everything you need to film and edit videos to share with extended family and friends.

It has a green screen function with over 20 animated backgrounds, plus easy on-screen editing. This kid camera also has a tabletop tripod/selfie stick and easily allows for parental control.

You can upload videos via a USB cable and it has about two hours of continuous use on one charge. There’s also a micro SD slot for more storage, though the card isn’t included.

It’s one of the best cameras for 6-year-olds and up and even comes with three games for downtime between takes.

Our favorite instant print camera

Fujifilm INSTAX Mini 7+ Exclusive Blister Bundle with Bonus Pack of Film

$56.85

$56.85 at Walmart

Recommended for ages: 6+ years

Pros & Cons

• Five exposure levels

• Instant photos

• Five fun colors and cool design

• Some issues with photos being too dark

• No auto-focus

• Can only be used with INSTAX Mini Instant Film

This INSTAX Mini 7 camera is a good beginner camera for any child, though your teen will love it too. You might even steal it for the nostalgia factor.

It comes in five pastel colors plus it’s lightweight, meaning your child can carry it everywhere to capture all those memories. The instant print function lets them share pictures with their friends right away.

It’s an easy point-and-shoot camera with an auto flash all the time and has five simple exposure levels. There’s no auto-focus, but you’ll get high-quality instant photos. This particular model also comes with film to get you started, though you’ll likely want to buy more. 

While it is a great children’s camera, it’s probably better for older children since it’s a bit more complicated than other models on our list. It’s also a bit flimsier if it gets dropped.

Best for selfies

Seckton Upgrade Kids Selfie Camera

You save $6 (14.29%)

$35.99$41.99

$35.99 at Amazon

Recommended for ages: 3 to 10 years

Pros & Cons

• Seven color options

• Comes with 32GB micro SD card

• Shockproof

• A few reviewers say it needs charged often

• Some reported issues with the screen

Your kids can start learning how to get their selfie game down early with this camera from Seckton.

Billed as a selfie camera, it has a dual configuration plus comes with a time-lapse function for timed photos. It’s also a good beginner digital camera with an easy-to-use interface, auto-focus and a video and voice recorder. Your kids can also take advantage of the 28 funny frames and six color filters. 

Fully charged, your kiddos can use it for one to two hours continuously. It’s covered in high-quality non-toxic soft plastic, making it shock-proof for all those accidental drops.

While the recommended age is three to 10 years, it’s one of the best cameras for 5-year-olds. They’ll have an easier time using it and probably get the most fun out of it.

Best waterproof model

GKTZ Kids Waterproof Camera

You save $7.00 (18.92%)

$29.99$36.99

$29.99 at Amazon

Recommended for ages: 4 to 12 years

Pros & Cons

• Comes with mounts

• Can take 20MP and 1080p videos

• Compatible with GoPro kits

• Only three color options, all in shades of pink

• Some reported issues with buttons

If you’re looking for a good starter camera for the adventurer in the family, this digital kids camera from GKTZ is a good option.

It has a waterproof and shockproof case plus underwater and sports modes. You can take photos or videos in up to 100 feet of water.

However, voice recording doesn’t work underwater. It also comes with helmet and bike mounts and is compatible with most GoPro kits. 

The battery is good for two to two and a half hours on one charge and there are 20 photo frames and six filters built into the camera. Get rear and front shots and save them on the 32GB micro SD card. Because it’s smaller, it’s one of the best cameras for 6-year-olds.

Top camera for teens

VAHOIALD Store Digital Camera with Video

$49.99

$49.99 at Amazon

Recommended for ages: 13+ years

Pros & Cons

• Four color options

• Comes with 32GB micro SD card

• 16x zoom-in function

• Photo quality isn’t always the greatest

• Tends to have low battery life

This model from VAHOIALD is a camera teens will love. It looks like a regular digital camera and comes with tons of features.

While this is good for older children, it might not be one of the better digital cameras for kids. It’s a vlogging camera that can also be used as a webcam and has anti-shake, face recognition and smile detection. It also has full HD 1080p video resolution.

It’s small and portable, making it great for catching all those memories at lunch or on trips. There‘s a self-timer and built-in light for taking photos in darker places. Again, while it might not be the best digital camera for kids, it’s a perfect transition camera for tweens and teens.

Top action camera for kids

PROGRACE Kids' Camera Waterproof Camcorder

$36.99

$36.99 at Walmart

Recommended for ages: 4 to 12 years

Pros & Cons

• Waterproof up to 98 feet

• Five color options

• 4x digital zoom in

• Micro SD card not included

• Picture quality isn’t the greatest

This PROGRACE model is the best kids digital camera for children who are constantly on the go.

Attach it to bikes or helmets with the included mounts and see what killer action shots your kids can get. It also has seven color video modes and is IP68 waterproof. You can get HD 1080p/30fps videos and 5MP photos.  If that’s not enough, it has a face recognition feature and mini-games.

It’s a great option if you’re looking for digital cameras that are sturdy and can go wherever your kids go - even if it’s underwater.

The battery is good for 1.5 hours while fully charged, so you can get good use out of it. While the recommended age range is vast, our editors think this model makes great cameras for 8-year-olds and up.

What to consider before buying a kids’ camera 

Buying that first camera for your child can be a big step.

There are factors to take into consideration, such as your child’s age and what they want to use it for. Cameras for 5-year-olds won’t be suitable for a teen and vice versa. That said, here are some things to consider while shopping for the best cameras for kids.

• Case: The younger your child, the more durable you’ll want the camera’s casing to be. They’re more likely to be dropped, so you’ll want a casing with soft, durable silicone or plastic that absorbs shock and is shatter-proof.

• Size: A big clunky camera isn’t great for little hands. Make sure to look for a camera that your child can hold comfortably and is easy for them to handle as they take pictures.

• Functions: The easier to use, the better. Kid’s cameras don’t need to have a ton of settings or features that we’d look for as adults. Go for something that has large buttons and minimal functions. 

Which kid’s cameras get our vote?

There are a ton of kid’s cameras on the market and pretty much any option on our list is a good one. You should choose the best camera that fits your child’s age and what they want to use it for. However, if we had to pick, these would be our top two:

• Fujifilm INSTAX Mini 7: Call it nostalgia, but there’s nothing like a good Polaroid camera. They’re fairly hardy, affordable and allow you to instantly share photos. Plus, they just look so cool.

• PROGRACE Kids' Camera Waterproof Camcorder: Kids are constantly on the move, so this GoPro-like digital camera is great for helping them capture all those action shots. Also, it has fun filters, frames — and it won’t break the bank.

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Prices updated on 05/16/2024. We are not responsible for any changes to the prices mentioned above.