There's no denying that children see the world completely differently from how we adults do, so getting them one of the best cameras for kids is a lovely way to really see what your child sees and is more functional than the best children's toy camera. One of the best cameras for kids will allow them to take real, great-quality photos, just like you do, plus many have fun features so your little one can get creative.
Whether they love taking photos of their favourite things or you want to encourage them to capture special moments in their lives, there is a huge array of cameras available to buy that are easy for little ones to use and that can help their development. The best cameras for kids often have a printer function, large screen or even games to keep your little one entertained and engaged.
The best cameras for kids at a glance 2024:
Letting your child use their own camera is great for helping them feel trusted. It can also help develop their creativity and their story-telling skills encouraging imaginative play. They will be able to take photos and show them to you, explaining what they've taken and why.
A camera also makes a wonderful sibling gift, and can really help your older child feel involved with their new baby sibling, capturing all their favourite moments when they arrive home.
Best cameras for kids with built-in games
This VTech KidiZoom Studio camera is great for children. Not only is it an easy-to-use camera for capturing memories, but your child can record videos, create different scenes with the green screen and play games. It even comes with a tripod so they can take their own pictures.
One review said: "Bought for my Grandson's 5th birthday. Excellent camera, appears very easy to use, have not been able to study it as my grandson has been using it continuously!! He's delighted with it, so I am too!!"
Pros
- Can record and take pictures
- Six game modes
- Convertible tripod and handle bar
Cons
- SD card not included
Suitable for: | 5 to 12 years |
Dimensions: | 3.7 x 9.1 x 6.1cm |
LCD screen: | 2.4 inch |
Type: | Digital |
Weight: |
- Studio camera
- HD video recorder
- Convertible mini tripod
- Wrist strap
- Six games to play
- 1 x green screen
Best digital cameras for kids
More suited towards children aged four and up, the Digital Camera for Beginners is a lightweight, easy-to-use camera with simple settings. It has face detection and takes high-quality images that your child will love looking back on. It's perfect for them to use at home or on days out, and will grow with them over the years, as it has some features that older children will love figuring out how to use.
One review said: "I bought this for my nephew. I was pleasantly surprised that it’s simple to use as well and lightweight. It would be definitely recommended as a first camera or if you are travelling and don't want to lug around an expensive heavy camera."
Pros
- Comes with micro SD card
- Built in brightening
- Face detection for easy point and shoot
Cons
- Not water resistant
Suitable for: | 4 to 15 years |
Dimensions: | 11.5 x 9 x 8.2cm |
LCD screen: | N/A |
Type: | Digital |
Weight: | 32kg |
- 2 x rechargeable li-ion battery
- 1 x 32G micro SD card
- 1 x USB cable
- 1 x lanyard
- 1 x camera bag
- Anti-shake
- Face detection
- Self timer
Best cameras for kids with accessories
With 30 frame styles and seven filters to choose from, the YunLone Kids Camera is easy to use and comes with all the accessories your child will need. It comes in a shockproof silicone case too, to withstand being accidentally dropped.
One review said: "This camera is awesome for little fingers, my daughter loves it, it's really easy to use and change from photo to video, and from front camera to selfie camera. There is a large selection of screen images to use within the photos as frames which she loves. It's really good that it comes with the SD card, the memory stick and the neck lanyard, my daughter loves walking around with it around her neck, and there is an easy-to-use clasp to detach the camera when needed."
Pros
- Easy to use
- Comes with a memory card
Cons
- Younger children will need to be supervised with the lanyard
Suitable for: | 3 to 10 years |
Dimensions: | 9.5 x 6 x 4.7cm |
LCD screen: | 2.4 inch |
Type: | Digital |
Weight: | 32g |
- 1x 32 GB Micro SD Card
- 1x card reader
- 1x USB cable
- 1 x lanyard
- 1x cartoon stickers
- 4x zoom
- Timelapse options
Best cameras for kids with display
With accessories to decorate the instant print photos and string and pegs to hang them on display, the HiMont Kids Camera Instant Print comes in three funky designs that children will love. They can play games and have the option of taking digital photos too.
One review said: "This is a great camera for kids! It's easy to use and takes great photos and videos. The instant print feature is a lot of fun, and the kids love being able to see their photos right away. The camera also comes with a lot of accessories, including colour pens and photo clips, which are perfect for decorating their photos. Overall, this is a great gift for kids who love photography."
Pros
- Six built in colour features
- Stickers and pens to decorate instant prints
- Privacy safe with no Wifi/Bluetooth required
Cons
- Prints in black and white
Suitable for: | 3 to 14 years |
Dimensions: | 21.1 x 14.4 x 5.6cm |
LCD screen | 2.4inch |
Type: | Film and digital |
Weight: | 32g |
- 3 x print paper roll
- 1 x 32GB memory card
- 1 x USB charging cable
- 5 x coloured pens
- 3 x cartoon stickers
- 10 x photo clips
- 1 x neck lanyard
Best robust cameras for kids
With a cute shockproof protective silicone case, this Hangrui Kids Camera is perfect for toddlers as it's durable with effective anti-fall protection. It comes with six different photo filter options as well as 28 funny frames.
One review said: "Bought for my 3-year-old to bring on a big family trip to Canada so she can join in when I'm sure we'll be taking lots of pictures. So far so good, she loves it!
It's actually smaller than I thought but that's not bad thing, perfect size for her little hands. It seems really durable, she's already dropped it but the silicone case seems very robust."
Pros
- Built-on shockproof silicone case
- Built in classic children's games
Cons
- Smaller than thought (ideal for young children but not older)
Suitable for: | 3 to 12 years |
Dimensions: | 9 x 5 x 7cm |
LCD screen: | 2inch |
Type: | Digital |
Weight: | 280g |
- 1 x USB charging cable
- 8 x digital zoom
- 3 x puzzle games
- Time lapse options
- Front and rear lense
Best Polaroid cameras for kids
The Polaroid Now Instant Camera is ideal for children because it's an easy point-and-shoot camera that gives instant results. It has built-in autofocus and captures moments as your child see's them.
One review said: "Bought as a present for my granddaughter, she loves it, takes a good photo."
Pros
- Instant print
- Beautiful old style photos
Cons
- Quite bulky
Suitable for: | 5+ years |
Dimensions: | 11.2 x 9.4 x 15cm |
Type: | Film |
Weight: | 500g |
- Built in autofocus
- Instant print
- Double exposure
Best more advanced cameras for kids
This Kids Digital Camera looks just like an adult camera but is super easy to use! It has a rotating lens zoom that's easy to use and comes with built-in autofocus. This mini SLR is also lightweight.
One review said: "Highly recommended. I gave this chunky camera to my 3-year-old grandson for Christmas and he refused to put it down. Happily snapped photos all day long. So pleased that I chose this one rather than a child-friendly (decorated) adult camera!"
Pros
- Lightweight
- Easy to use
- Looks just like a real camera
Cons
- No games on the camera
Suitable for: | 3 to 10 years |
Dimensions: | 10.3 x 9 x 8cm |
LCD screen: | 2.4inch |
Type: | Digital SLR |
Weight: | 145g |
- 1× USB cable
- 1× cartoon sticker
- 1× lanyard
- Lightweight
- Clear night shooting mode
- Countdown shoot
- Rotating zoom function
Best kids camera with built-in printer
A really fun digital camera that includes a built-in thermal printer so your little one can print their photos instantly with no drying time required! There's also a 4GB micro-SD card included for lots of storage to store videos and photos. Plus, you can add filters to photos, or customise them with the included coloured markers and stickers.
Reviewer, Jane, said: "Totally brilliant. Rolls of paper last ages, easy to use, forward and selfie camera lens, loads of frames, can take short videos (although we can't figure out how to play them back). Prints instantly, can reprint the same photos again, plus saves the memory card. Image quality is nothing like you would get on your phone, but is okay for what i was expecting. Has been lovely to take pictures with family members over Christmas and they have all got their own little shots to keep and pop on the fridge. Loved that the memory card was included and camera was charged and ready to go from unboxing."
Pros
- Prints instantly
- Paper rolls last a long time
Cons
- Image quality not brilliant
Suitable for: | 8 years + |
Dimensions: | 24.1 x 6.1 x 20.1 cm |
Battery: | Rechargeable |
- Built in thermal printer
- Includes 4GB micro-SD card
- 20+ filters
- Includes markers and stickers to customise design
- Selfie lens and timer
- Rechargeable
Best cameras for kids with large display
This Kids Rechargeable Camera has a larger display screen so your little one doesn't have to struggle to look at the pictures they've taken. It has a self-timer, four classic filters and 12 cute frames for photos. It runs for up to 4 hours, so you don't have to worry about constantly charging.
One review said: "For my 5-year-old grandson. His "best present ever" he got the hang of it straight away... Unlike nanny!! Very lightweight but tough. Lasted three days before needing a recharge. Excellent product. I wanted a camera that didn't have games on it!!! He loves taking photos and making videos. Highly recommend."
Pros
- Protective shockproof shell
- Large display screen
- Arrives in a giftbox
Cons
- No built-in games
Suitable for: | 3 to 10 years |
Dimensions: | 11.5 x 4.5 x 6.5cm |
LCD screen: | 3.5inch |
Type: | Digital |
Weight: | 110g |
- 1 x 32GB SD card
- 6 x cartoon stickers
- 1 x USB charging cable
- 1 x coloured lanyard
Best kids camera for special effects
A great camera for kids it includes a built-in thermal printer so you can take a photo and print it instantly. It also includes photo effects, stamps and borders, 3 games, panoramic prints and comic strip maker, all of which are great for encouraging imagination and creativity.
Commercial Content Writer for Mother & Baby and mum of two, Laura, says: "My seven-year-old enjoys using this camera, especially as she can print the pictures. She particularly likes the comic strip maker and the line drawing effect. It took a little while for her to grasp the features and learn how to use them, but with a bit of practice it was simple and she can use it herself. It is a fun camera for taking digital photos and printing them."
Pros
- Lots of special effects
- Excellent for taking videos
Cons
- Printed photos not very clear
Suitable for: | 5 - 10 years |
Dimensions: | 4.8 x 13.4 x 9.2 cm |
Battery | Rechargeablel |
- Built-in thermal printer
- Includes photo effects, stamps and borders
- 3 games and comic strip maker
- Panoramic prints
- Rechargeable battery
- Selfie lens for photos and videos
Best first cameras for kids
The VTech KidiZoom Duo Camera is ideal for a first camera for children. It takes high-quality photos and videos, which can even be edited with funny effects or filters. It also has games they can play!
One review said: "This camera is brilliant. Really easy to use for our 3yr old. Battery life is pretty good on it, has loads of different filters on to take cool and wacky photos with. Easily connects to a laptop. Lightweight and has a really cool camera case that you can purchase separately. Clear instructions"
Pros
- Child-friendly design
- Helps enhance creativity
- Video and still photo features
Cons
- You have to frequently replace the batteries
Suitable for: | 3 to 9 years |
Dimensions: | 4 x 11.4 x 8.5cm |
LCD screen | 2.4inch |
Type: | Digital |
Weight: | 200g |
- Great for photos and videos
- Can add funny effects and filters
- Games for children to play
- Good battery life
- Easily connects to laptop
12.
myFirst Camera 3
Best kids camera for close up images
uk.myfirst.tech
This camera might be designed for kids but it works like any standard digital camera. Your little one will be able to produce fantastic quality photos, even close-up images using the macro lens. Your child will have lots of fun with the selfie lens and also preloaded frames. Plus, it is extremely durable and comes with a shockproof pouch made of high-tensile strength polymers which resist drops, knocks, and bumps. It also supports a microSD card up to 32GB so your little one will be able to take lots of photos and videos.
Laura Healy, Commercial Content Writer at Mother & Baby said: "My four year old loves this camera! It is the perfect size for her little hands and it is incredibly lightweight. She loves going out to the garden with it to take pictures of bugs and with this camera, because it is so simple to use but has great picture quality, she actually takes some great photos. I think we have all been snapped since she started using it and she loves that she can turn it on herself and surprise us by taking our picture when we are not expecting it. To add some of the fun effects or frames, or to swap to Macro mode takes a little bit of support, but she is starting to work it out herself and my seven year old worked it out straight away and is able to help her. The battery life is great and although my girls have been very careful with it and not dropped it (yet!) it feels robust and I think it could definitely withstand a few bumps. It is a great camera for little ones, I definitely recommend it."
Pros
- Great for close up photos
- Durable and shockproof
Cons
- Charging a bit slow
Suitable for: | 4 - 13 years |
Dimensions: | 86 x 63 x 55mm |
SD Card: | up to 32GB |
Type: | Digital |
- Durable with shockproof case
- Macro lens for close up shots
- Selfie lens
- Preloaded frames
- Rechargeable
Best value kids camera
www.robertdyas.co.uk
A great camera for kids, it has 28 different photo frames, 11 special special effects and 6 colour filters. It is also USB Rechargeable with a large capacity battery which will allow image or video capture for 2-4 hours. Plus, it includes 5 games to keep your little one entertained and the simple buttons are easily accessible for children to use.
One reviewer commented: "Grandson loved this kids' digital camera. It's packed full of features (frames and filters) which you wouldn't expect from such a small inexpensive device."
Pros
- Great value
- Good size for little hands
Cons
- Not toddler proof
Suitable for: | Not stated |
Dimensions: | 8 x 6 x 5cm |
Type: | Digital |
- USB rechargeable
- Large capacity battery
- 28 different photo frames
- 10 special effects & 6 colour filters
- 5 games
- Simple controls and buttons
What should I look for in a camera for kids?
Age suitability
You want to ensure that the camera you are buying is suitable for your child's age. There's no point buying one with complicated features that your child will struggle with. Cameras make great educational toys, as well as encouraging creativity and imagination, but the benefits could be lost if they are not age-appropriate and cause confusion. Also check that what you are buying isn't a toy camera that older children will get frustrated with too.
Is it functional?
One thing to double-check before buying a camera for your child is that the camera is functional. Some cameras for kids do all the functions of a normal camera but don't actually save the pictures. This might be fine for younger children, but annoying for children who want to see their photos.
What extras are required?
Will you need to buy a memory card? Do you need a protective case to keep it safe from accidental drops? When buying a camera, consider what the camera comes with and what you will need to buy for it.
It's good to check the memory card the camera comes with. If it's a smaller memory, you might want to buy a card with bigger memory for it. Children can get quite snap-happy and might easily fill a small memory card quickly and become fed up if they can't carry on taking photos or videos.
If you are looking to buy a Polaroid camera, think about how much film you will need to buy and check reviews to see how long it could last to ensure you buy enough.
Is my child too young for a camera?
It all comes down to the type of camera you are planning to buy and the age of your child.
If your child is under three years, a camera with features such as games or different shooting modes might be too complicated for them to use. Consider how tech-savvy they are too. If they are a whizz with their kids tablet then they will most likely enjoy a camera and be able to use it.
You can buy a camera toy for children three years or younger to get used to the concept before buying them their own little camera.
Samantha Ball is a Product & Lifestyle Writer for Mother&Baby and freelanced for the website for two years before joining the team full time. She's a mum of two and loves browsing for the best products and cute outfits.