The digital photography revolution changed photography dramatically, in many ways. Photography became a lot more common, accessible and cost effective – if in the past you had to think twice before spending the 36 pictures you had in the film, with digital cameras you can take as many pictures as you wish, as the cost of each and every photo is zero. You can always delete. You always have a second (and third) chance, for free. This is extremely important when considering buying a camera for kids.
Kids digital cameras have the quality and all other advantages of digital cameras. In addition, the recommended cameras below have specific features that make them more attractive for kids - the size, features variety, durability, ease of use, and many more.
For your convenience, we summarized the main aspects in the following table:
Comparison Chart of the Best Kids Digital Cameras 2020
Product | Rating | Price |
|---|---|---|
Polaroid Snap Instant Digital Camera
| ||
Nikon COOLPIX S33 Waterproof Digital Camera
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Canon PowerShot ELPH 170 IS
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Sony W800/S 20 MP
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Olympus TG-4 16 MP Waterproof Digital Camera
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Review of the Best Kids Digital Cameras
Let's take a look at this year's top picks.
The reason I like and recommend this digital camera for kids is because it's instant, a feature which is extremely important if you want to give your kid an immediate feedback on their art. The Polaroid Snap has the quality of a digital camera with the advantage of a Polaroid camera, so you can immediately print the photo (it's a camera and a printer), discuss it with your kid, analyze it and later on stick it on almost any surface (note – photo paper is needed in order to print photos) . In addition, it's small and has a very cool design, so older kids will enjoy it more than younger ones.
My recommendation – buy it if your kid's level of interest in photography is relatively high.
Camera Features
- 10 megapixel camera
- 1.4" LCD color screen (only in the more advanced model
)
- Weight – 13.4 ounces
- Colors – White
, Blue
, Black
, Red
- No zoom
Extra Features
- Zero Ink printer (2*3" prints)
- Various capture modes and photo booth mode
- Selfie self-timer
Accessories
- Essential – Polaroid 2x3-Inch Premium Zink Photo Paper (50 Sheets)
- 32GB Memory Card
- Pouch
- Printer
Note: there is a more advanced model, the Polaroid Z2300
The Nikon COOLPIX S33 is not necessarily a kids digital camera, adults are using and enjoying its qualities as well and many users categorize it as the best "family" camera, but there are 3 main reasons I recommend it for kids: it's very durable – waterproof, shockproof and freeze proof – it has over-sized buttons and easy menus, and it has all the basic features a digital camera needs to have, so your kid will find it relatively easy to use and enjoy.
Click on Nikon COOLPIX S33 Review for a detailed review
My recommendation – if your kid's level of interest in photography is relatively high, and you are interested in buying them their first digital camera, the Nikon COOLPIX S33 is a very good choice.
Camera Features
, 
, 
Extra Features
- Full HD 1080p videos with stereo sound
Accessories
Like the Nikon COOLPIX S33, the Canon PowerShot ELPH 170 is not necessarily a kids digital camera, but it's relatively basic and easy to use, and this is why it is recommended. With this camera your kid will be able to cope with more "advanced" photography challenges. The quality of photos is better than other cameras in this category and as it has a X12 zoom, in addition to an auto setting selection mechanism.
My recommendation – if your kid's level of interest in photography is relatively high, and you are interested in challenging them with more advanced photography tasks, buying them the Canon PowerShot ELPH 170 might be the right thing to do.
Camera Features
- 20 Megapixel sensor combined with the DIGIC 4+ Image Processor
- Zoom – X12
- 2.7" LCD screen
- Weight – 11.2 ounces
- Colors – Blue
, Silver
, Black
Extra Features
- Full HD 720p video camera (with a dedicated movie button)
- Smart AUTO settings selection
Accessories
Personally, I like Sony cameras a lot, so recommending a Sony product for kids seems like a must. The Sony W800/S 20 MP is great for kids who make their first steps in digital photography. In addition to its photos' high quality, which is generated by its 20.1 megapixel sensor, it has an Easy Mode, which simplifies its use by minimizing the layers in the camera's menu, so your kid can better enjoy the qualities of this camera without spending too much time on its operation. One more feature which is very relevant for kids is the camera's SteadyShot image stabilization mode, aimed to reduce blur.
My recommendation – a very good Sony camera for a kid which is interested in photography and is in a beginner level.
Camera Features
- 20.1 Megapixel sensor
- Zoom – X5
- 2.7" LCD screen
- Weight – 4.5 ounces
- Colors – Silver
Extra Features
- Full HD 720p video
- Easy Mode to simplify camera's menu
- SteadyShot image stabilization mode
Accessories
My recommendation – relatively an expensive camera, but very good choice for older kids who are interested in improving their photography skills.
Camera Features
Extra Features
- Full HD 1080p video
- Waterproof (up to 50 feet), freeze proof, shock proof and crush proof
- GPS
- Wi-Fi
Accessories
Cautious Considerations to Keep in Mind
Before providing you the details of each of the digital cameras we recommend for kids, let's remind ourselves what are the main considerations when buying a kid's camera:
Camera's Size
Can your kid hold it safely?
Durability
Will your kid use it without harming it?
Usability
Will your kid find the camera easy to use?
Functionality
Will your kid find all the functions they need in order to enjoy it?
Shape & Color
Will the camera's design make your kid enjoy having it and showing it to their friends?
Image Quality
Will the images be good enough to enjoy, share and encourage your kid to improve their photography skills?
Value for Money
Read more here: Choose the Best Kids Camera [/su_note]