Cameras can be a great gift for toddlers, children, and teens alike. Whether they're starting out their journey into photography or you need more of a toy for them that can help develop their skills, they are an all-around excellent gift choice, which is why we've rounded up some of the best kids cameras to shop now.
In this day and age where it feels like kids are constantly wanting to record and document everything on their smart tablets and devices, having a compact camera is a great idea for children, especially if they're always using up memory on their camera smartphones or tablets.
If you're worried about a toddler damaging the camera, let us assure you that the cameras best suited for toddlers and young children are usually splash-proof and sturdy. Even if they drop them on the ground, or get them wet, the compact cameras will usually be fine.
When it comes to thinking about which camera is best suited for your kids, there are several factors to consider, including age, features, and video recording quality, to name just a few.
We've included a range of the best kids cameras with several different prices and features, so you won't be stuck for choice.
The best cameras for kids 2022:
We've included a wide range of different kids cameras, with options suitable for toddlers, young children and older kids with a variety of different features to suit each age group.
Best for toddlers
Best camera for toddlers
Description
We've ranked this as the best camera for kids and toddlers, partly due to its colourful nature and the fact that it's made out of rubber which will protect it from any falls. It's also very intuitive and easy to use, due to the large controls and buttons on the camera. It also has four times digital zoom, making it ideal for very young children and toddlers.
Pros
Rubber material prevents damage done if dropped
Cons
Low resolution
Specs
Ages: Three plus
Video Resolution: 320 x 240 pixels
Description
It's in the name - this is an ideal camera for very young children or toddlers – before you know it the'll be pursuing a career in wildlife photography. We love that it comes with an underwater protective case, making it ideal for holidays or a trip to the beach, too! Choose between pink and blue.
Pros
Has an underwater case
Cons
Low video resolution
Specs
Ages: Four to eight years old
Video Resolution: 320x240 pixels
Description
For a brilliant budget camera option, this comes with dual cameras allowing your little one to take selfie photos as well as practising being behind the camera. It also comes with a lot of fun features like funny filters and frames. The charge will last around 2-4 hours of continuous use and has a rechargeable battery. Thanks to the shockproof cover, you won't need to worry about any drops or bumps.
Pros
Large screen
Shockproof cover
High resolution
Cons
Not great in low light
Specs
Ages: From three years
Video Resolution: 1080p/ 720p video and 8MP/ 5MP/ 3MP photos
Best for older kids
Best overall camera for teens and adults
Description
If you have older kids and teenagers, an instant camera may be the right camera for them. It's got some awesome features such as variable shutter speeds and an adjustable lens - making it a great camera for making memories and taking group pictures. You're also spoilt for choice as it comes in five different colours and has a built-in selfie lens.
Pros
Adjustable lens
Cons
Have to buy film packs separately
Specs
Ages: Nine plus
Lens: 60mm
Description
If the child in your life loves an adventure, then this fun action camera might be just what they're looking for. Coming in two different colours, this camera is entirely waterproof up to a depth of 98ft. It has 1.5 hours continuous recording time, 4X digital zoom, burst shooting, time-lapse photo, face recognition, manual brightness adjustment, 3-level volume adjustment and mini game. It also comes with 12 month warranty for your peace of mind.
Pros
Mounts easily
Waterproof
Lightweight
Cons
Small screen
Specs
Ages: From four to ten years
Video Resolution: 2592x1944 (5MP) and record videos at 1080p/30fps
Description
If you're wanting to get them a digital camera but don't want to spend a small fortune on a fancy one, then this budget option is ideal. We love that it comes in a variety of colours to suit all tastes (although we do love it in green) and we think it's ideal if your child thinks of themselves as a little vlogger, as it's also easy to film with. It easily fits in small pockets and a 32GB memory card is included in with the camera.
Pros
Self timer
Anti-shake
Lightweight
Cons
Lower quality compared to other digital cameras
Specs
Ages: From four to 15 years
Resolution: 44MP FHD Digital Camera
Best for teens
Best beginner camera
Description
This Kodak camera is an excellent option for any photography beginners out there. It's pretty straightforward and intuitive to use and has a range of premium features and functions. As it's an updated version of an instant camera, you'll be getting the best of both digital and analogue cameras. The prints that come out have a slight adhesive on the back, making it great for young individuals to swap pictures or decorate their rooms with.
Pros
Selfie timer, great quality pictures
Cons
Small battery life
Specs
Age: 12+
Lens: 32mm
Best value for price
Description
The Canon ELPH 180 is an excellent option all around, featuring a wide range of different functions and a great video resolution. With 8x digital zoom and decent light sensitivity, it's ideal for anyone getting to grips with photography.
Pros
Easy and straightforward to use
Cons
Small LCD screen
Specs
Age: 13 plus
Lens: 28-224mm
Description
The Sony Cybershot DSCW800 is a great camera for both teenagers and young adults alike, with a 20MP sensor and up to 5x digital zoom. It's a solid option for everyday use, as well as capturing landscape and long-distance subjects and group photos. We also love that it comes with Smile Shutter Technology - a feature that automatically takes a picture of a person if they're smiling!
Pros
5x zoom
Cons
Low video resolution
Specs
Age: 14+
Lens: 26-130mm
FAQ's
What is the image resolution?
The image resolution shows how many pixels are on the screen, and thus the quality of the images. The higher the number of pixels, the clearer, sharper and better the images are displayed.
Do all of these cameras need a memory card?
Unless your camera prints instantly like the Instax or Kodak smile then you will need to make sure it has a memory card in before taking pictures. You can buy memory cards from most large supermarkets, in tech shops or online for a reasonable price depending on how large the memory is.
Does my camera need a case?
Unless the camera you buy comes with a durable shockproof covering, we'd highly recommend getting a camera case with your toddlers camera. Especially if you're going for a more delicate digital camera which could break easily as accidents can happen. Usually these cases will come with a secure fastening and a wrist strap or neck band making them ideal for travelling and keeping safe.