5 of the best cameras for kids in 2024: child-friendly options for budding photographers

Durability, ease of use, and safety features all play crucial roles in ensuring the camera is both fun and functional for young users.

We’ve rounded up five of the best cameras for kids, considering everything from budget-friendly options to cameras packed with creative features.

For more kid-friendly tech, check out our guides on the best tablets for kids and the best music players for kids.

Let’s dive in and help you find the ideal camera to inspire your child’s creativity and bring their world into focus.

Best kids cameras at a glance

• Best instant camera for kids: Polaroid Go (Generation 2) Instant Camera, £89.99 at Amazon
• Best camera for younger children: Hoppstar Rookie Digital Camera, £60 £54 at KIDLY
• Best for older children: Insta360 Go 3, £295 at Amazon
• Best overall camera for kids: Andoer Digital Camera, £44.99 £39.99 at Amazon
• Best camera for the whole family: OM System Tough TG-7, £464.49 at Amazon

Best cameras for kids in 2024

1. Polaroid Go (Generation 2) Instant Camera, £89.99

Best instant camera for kids

Ages: 6-12 years | Type: Instant

Pros:

• Compact and lightweight design
• Fun double exposure feature
• Cute, nostalgic aesthetic

Cons:

• Small print size
• Limited battery life
• Film packs can be expensive

The Polaroid Go Gen 2 is a delightfully compact and cute instant camera, perfect for kids who are just beginning to explore photography. Its playful, retro design, combined with a choice of fun colours like blue, red, white, and black, makes it an exciting option for young shutterbugs.

The iconic Polaroid rainbow stripe adds a nostalgic touch that parents might appreciate as much as their children.

This camera is incredibly easy to use, making it ideal for beginners. With its point-and-shoot simplicity, automatic exposure, and fixed-focus lens, kids can start capturing memories straight away.

The double exposure feature adds a creative twist, allowing them to combine two images into one, sparking their imagination and encouraging creative experimentation.

However, while the Polaroid Go Gen 2 offers plenty of fun, it does have a few limitations. The small print size and occasional inconsistency in photo quality may leave some kids and parents wanting more. The flash isn’t always reliable, and the cost of film—around £1.18 per photo—can add up quickly.

Despite the drawbacks, the Go Gen 2 remains a great choice for kids who enjoy the instant gratification of seeing their photos develop before their eyes, even if the results aren't always perfect.

2. Hoppstar Rookie Digital Camera, £60

Best camera for younger children

Ages: 3-7 years | Type: Digital

Pros:

• Easy to use
• Durable design
• Creative features like filters and frames

Cons:

• Basic functions
• Smaller size might be tricky for very young children

The Hoppstar Rookie Digital Camera is an excellent choice for younger children who are just starting to play around with photography. Designed with little hands in mind, this camera features large, easy-to-press buttons and a lightweight build that makes it simple for kids to handle.

Its detachable silicone case provides extra protection against accidental drops and bumps, ensuring that the camera can withstand the rough and tumble of everyday play.

What makes the Hoppstar Rookie truly stand out are its fun and creative features, including photo frames, filters, and face recognition. These elements encourage kids to explore their artistic side and capture their surroundings in imaginative ways.

The camera also boasts automatic settings like autofocus, white balance, and colour correction, which help to produce quality photos without any fuss. With a 16GB SD card included, kids can store up to 1,000 photos, making it perfect for capturing all their adventures.

Ideal for children aged 3 and up, the Hoppstar Rookie is a fantastic tool for nurturing creativity and observational skills from an early age. It’s an excellent gift that combines fun with learning, offering young photographers a safe and enjoyable way to explore the world of photography.

Whether at home or on holiday, this camera is sure to become a favourite companion for capturing memories.

3. Insta360 Go 3, £295

Best camera for older children

Ages: 10-14 years | Type: Digital, video

Pros:

• Ultra-portable design
• Hands-free operation
• Excellent stabilization

Cons:

• Limited to 2.7K video resolution
• Non-expandable storage
• Higher price point

The Insta360 Go 3 is an exciting choice for older kids who are ready to dive into more adventurous photography and video-making. As the world’s smallest action camera, the Go 3 is incredibly portable and versatile, allowing kids to capture their experiences from unique angles and perspectives.

Whether they’re mounting it to a helmet, attaching it to a pet, or simply holding it in hand, the Go 3’s lightweight, magnetic design makes it easy to bring along anywhere. With hands-free operation and voice control, kids can focus on the action without worrying about adjusting settings.

This camera stands out with its impressive stabilisation features, ensuring smooth, shake-free footage even during the most active moments.

The Insta360 Go 3 also comes with an innovative Action Pod, a GoPro-like housing that adds a flip-out touchscreen for framing shots and offers extended battery life. The Action Pod can be used as a remote control, allowing kids to record from a distance and explore even more creative possibilities.

While the Insta360 Go 3 offers a lot of fun and functionality, it does have some limitations. The camera’s video resolution is capped at 2.7K, which might be a step down for those looking for higher-quality footage. Additionally, the storage is non-expandable, so it’s essential to choose the right capacity when purchasing.

Despite those factors, the Go 3 is an excellent choice for older children who want a camera that’s small, versatile, and packed with creative features, making it perfect for capturing all their outdoor adventures and creative projects.

4. Andoer Digital Camera, £39.99

Best overall camera for kids

Ages: 6-12 years | Type: Digital

Pros:

• Affordable
• Versatile features
• Lightweight and portable design

Cons:

• Limited build quality
• Basic image stabilisation

The Andoer Digital Camera is an excellent all-around choice for kids, offering a blend of affordability and features that make it perfect for young photographers. With a 44MP sensor and 1080P video capability, this camera allows children to capture their favourite moments in crisp detail.

The camera’s lightweight design and compact size make it easy for kids to carry around, and the included 32GB memory card ensures they can store plenty of photos and videos without worrying about running out of space.

Designed with user-friendliness in mind, the Andoer Digital Camera features large buttons and an intuitive menu, making it simple for kids to navigate.

It comes equipped with 16X digital zoom, anti-shake technology, and a variety of fun modes like smile capture and face detection, encouraging children to experiment with photography and develop their creative skills. The camera also includes two rechargeable batteries, so kids can keep snapping away without interruption.

While the Andoer Digital Camera may not offer the highest build quality or advanced image stabilisation, it provides an excellent starting point for kids who are eager to explore photography. Its combination of features, ease of use, and budget-friendly price make our pick as the best overall camera for children, whether for holidays, school trips, or everyday adventures.

5. OM System Tough TG-7, £410

Best camera for the whole family

Ages: All ages | Type: Digital

Pros:

• Extremely durable
• Waterproof
• Versatile shooting modes
• 4K video

Cons:

• Expensive

The OM System Tough TG-7 is the ultimate camera for families who love adventure—whether it’s scaling mountains, snorkelling, or just surviving a weekend at the beach with the kids. This rugged camera is built to withstand all the rough and tumble of family life, including any curious pets that might want to take it for a spin!

It’s waterproof up to 15 metres, shockproof up to 2.1 metres, and even crushproof, handling up to 100 kilograms. So, whether it's the toddler's accidental drop or the dog thinking it's a new chew toy, the TG-7 will emerge unscathed.

Featuring a 12MP sensor and 4K video capability, the TG-7 doesn’t just survive tough conditions—it thrives in them. It’s perfect for capturing high-quality images and videos, whether you’re underwater exploring coral reefs or enjoying a snowy winter hike.

The camera also includes specialised modes like Underwater and Macro, making it incredibly versatile. And with features like built-in GPS, Wi-Fi, and Bluetooth, you can easily share your family’s adventures as they happen.

While the TG-7 comes with a higher price tag, its durability and advanced features make it a worthwhile investment for families who want a camera that can keep up with all their escapades. From capturing your child’s first swim to documenting epic family holidays, this camera is ready for it all.

How to choose the best camera for your child

Selecting the right camera for your child depends on a variety of factors, each important in ensuring the camera is both enjoyable and safe to use. Here are some key aspects to consider:

• Durability: Kids can be rough with their belongings, so a camera that can withstand drops, spills, and general wear and tear is essential. Look for models with rugged, shockproof designs and protective cases.
• Ease of Use: For younger children, simplicity is key. Cameras with large buttons, intuitive interfaces, and easy-to-navigate menus will ensure your child can start taking photos without frustration. Older children might appreciate more advanced features, but it’s still important to choose a camera that matches their skill level.
• Educational Value: Some cameras come equipped with educational games, photo challenges, or built-in tutorials that teach kids the basics of photography. These features can add an extra layer of learning and engagement, making the camera not just a toy, but a tool for developing new skills.
• Safety Features: Parental controls are crucial, especially for cameras that have internet connectivity or sharing capabilities. Ensure the camera allows you to limit internet access, disable in-app purchases, and monitor your child’s activity.
• Age Appropriateness: Different cameras are designed with specific age groups in mind. A camera for a toddler will have different features and build quality than one for a pre-teen, so it’s important to choose a model that is suitable for your child’s age and abilities.

By keeping these factors in mind, you can select a camera that not only captures great photos but also supports your child’s growth and creativity in a safe and fun way.

Choosing the right camera for your child is about finding the perfect balance between fun, functionality, and safety. A well-chosen camera can open up a world of creativity, helping your child to see the world through a new lens while also developing valuable skills.

Whether you opt for a rugged model designed for outdoor adventures or a feature-rich camera that encourages learning, there’s a perfect option out there for every young photographer.

Remember, the best camera for your child is one that meets their individual needs and interests. By considering factors like durability, ease of use, and educational value, you’ll be well on your way to selecting a camera that your child will love—and that you’ll feel confident giving.

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