From preschoolers who love taking blurry pictures of the family dog to teens experimenting with video edits for TikTok or YouTube, there’s a camera for kids to suit every stage. The trick is finding one that’s fun, durable, and easy to use – without feeling like a toy once they hit those tech-savvy teen years.
Here are some of the best cameras for kids and teens that make capturing memories just as exciting as the adventures themselves.
Best first cameras for toddlers & younger kids
VTech Kidizoom Duo FX
A bright, tough and interactive camera that lets kids take photos, record videos and even play games – all in one fun, easy-to-use device.
- Dual 8MP front and 2MP selfie cameras with digital zoom and built-in flash.
- 80+ fun effects, AR filters, and a Chin Puppet Theatre mode for creative play.
- Includes five games, voice recorder, MP3 player, and parental controls to limit game time.
- Feels like a “real” camera but can handle plenty of drops and giggles.
Mgaolo Kids Camera
A fun and surprisingly high-quality little camera that lets kids take sharp photos, record HD videos, and even film themselves using the clever flip lens.
- Dual cameras with 180° rotating lens for selfies and group shots in 1080P HD
- Packed with creative tools including filters, cartoon frames, burst mode and built-in games
- Shockproof, eco-friendly design with 32GB SD card, tripod, and wrist strap included
- Ideal for kids who want a “grown-up” camera feel – great for both play and first steps into real photography.
AgfaPhoto Realikids 2
A colourful, easy-to-hold digital camera that helps kids learn the basics of real photography while keeping things fun with filters and frames.
- Shoots 12MP photos and 1080P videos with dual CMOS sensors for regular shots and selfies
- Large 3.5″ LCD screen makes framing and reviewing photos simple for young photographers
- Includes burst mode, self-timer, and 16 playful filters and frames to inspire creativity
- Great for younger kids who want a “real camera” feel without the complexity
Best cameras for primary-age kids
VTech Kidizoom HD Action Cam
A tough, waterproof action camera made for kids who love getting outdoors – ready to capture every splash, jump, and bike ride in high definition.
- Records HD 1080p videos and photos with built-in effects and games for extra fun
- Includes a waterproof case, floating mount, and attachments for bikes, scooters and skateboards
- Rechargeable battery and durable design make it ideal for active kids
- A great starter action cam that lets kids film their own adventures – whether it’s in the pool, at the skate park, or on holiday.
Pulse Instant Thermal Print Digital Camera
A fun and feature-packed camera that lets kids snap photos, shoot HD video, and instantly print black-and-white pictures to share with friends.
- Dual high-resolution lenses for sharp images and 1080P video recording
- Instant thermal printing for quick black-and-white photo keepsakes
- Comes with a 2.0” IPS screen, 700mAh battery, 32GB SD card, and two rolls of thermal paper
- No ink needed and plenty of room for experimenting with photos on the go.
VTech Kidizoom Studio
A creative all-in-one video and photo camera that turns kids into instant content creators – complete with green screen fun, special effects and a mini tripod for filming.
- Shoots HD 720p videos and photos with easy in-camera editing tools.
- Includes 20 fun green screen backgrounds, from outer space to TV studios.
- Comes with a convertible tripod/handle, wrist strap and built-in rechargeable battery.
- A brilliant pick for kids who love making videos or pretending to host their own shows – think “kid-friendly vlogger starter kit.”
Best cameras for tweens and teens
Olympus Tough TG-7
A rugged, high-performance compact camera built to handle whatever your family or nature throws at it – including your kids. This camera can handle beach holidays, snow trips and underwater adventures alike.
- 12MP BSI CMOS sensor and bright f/2.0 lens deliver crisp, colourful photos and 4K video, even in low light
- Waterproof, shockproof, crushproof, freezeproof and dustproof – truly ready for any family adventure
- Advanced features include macro “microscope” mode, GPS tracking, and 5-axis image stabilisation
- Ideal if everyone wants a turn behind the lens without worrying about sand, splashes or sudden drops.
Canon EOS R50 Mirrorless Camera (with RF-S 18–45mm Lens)
A lightweight yet powerful mirrorless camera that gives young photographers the creative control and quality of a professional setup – without the bulk or complexity.
- 24.2MP APS-C sensor and DIGIC X processor deliver crisp, vibrant photos and smooth 4K video
- Intelligent autofocus tracks people, pets, birds and even vehicles with impressive accuracy
- Compact and lightweight (just 375g) with a flip-out touchscreen and built-in flash for easy shooting
- Perfect for tweens or teens ready to move beyond point-and-shoot – a real camera that grows with their passion for photography and content creation.
Fujifilm Instax Mini 12 Instant Photo Kit
A fun, stylish instant camera for older kids and teenagers that allows them to capture special moments and print them right away – no waiting, no filters, just real photos to hold.
- Simple point-and-shoot design that produces bright, high-quality instant prints in seconds
- Lightweight and easy to use, making it great for parties, holidays, and creative scrapbooking
- Includes accessories like a photo frame and ornament tag for displaying favourite snaps
- Perfect for crafty tweens who love collecting and decorating with photos – keeps them creative and off their screens for a while.
Best cameras for teens who love video
Sony ZV-E10 II Mirrorless Camera (with 16–50mm Lens)
A next-level camera for teens who are serious about video creation – powerful, portable, and built with vlogging in mind.
- 26MP APS-C sensor and advanced autofocus deliver cinematic 4K video and high-resolution photos
- Flip-out touchscreen, tally light, and directional 3-capsule microphone make self-filming easy
- Includes slow-motion, product showcase, and background defocus modes for creative flexibility
- Ideal for older teens or young creators who want professional-quality video and sound for YouTube, TikTok or school media projects.
GoPro HERO13 Black
A powerhouse action camera that lets teens capture their world in incredible detail – from travel adventures to creative short videos – all with that signature GoPro toughness. This camera’s basic features are easily managed by younger kids as well.
- Shoots ultra-sharp 5.3K60 and 4K120 video with advanced HyperSmooth 6.0 stabilisation for flawless footage
- Waterproof, weather-sealed, and built to handle drops, splashes, and high-energy adventures
- Includes the new Enduro battery for longer recording and compatibility with HB-Series lenses for creative effects
- Ideal for adventurous teens and young creators who want pro-level video without the bulk -equally at home in the surf, on a mountain, or at the skate park.
Canon PowerShot V10
A pocket-sized vlogging camera that makes capturing smooth, professional-looking videos simple – perfect for teens who want to start creating high-quality content on the go.
- 1.0” CMOS sensor and DIGIC X processor deliver crisp 4K video and detailed stills in a tiny package
- Dual built-in microphones record clear, rich audio without extra gear
- Compact and lightweight (211g) with a flip-up screen, livestream capability and image stabilisation
- Ideal for young creators who love vlogging or short-form video – it’s compact enough for travel yet powerful enough for pro-level results.
How to choose the right camera for your child
Consider these features against the age of your child and what you think they’ll need in a camera:
- Durability: Can it handle drops, splashes, or sandy fingers?
- Ease of use: Big buttons and simple menus make it frustration-free.
- Battery life: Rechargeable batteries are a must for travel days.
- Features: Filters, instant prints, and video modes keep things fun.
- Budget: Expect to pay anywhere from under $50 for simple models to $700+ for advanced vlogging cameras.
FAQ: Cameras for kids
For younger children, look for cameras for kids that are simple, sturdy and rechargeable. Models made for ages 3-6 often have big buttons, easy menus and fun filters. For older kids, beginner digital or instant cameras are a great next step.
Yes! Many newer kids’ cameras can record short videos, and some models offer HD video and built-in stabilisation. If your child loves making vlogs or travel clips, look for a compact action camera or small vlogging camera.
Focus on durability, ease of use, and battery life. The best cameras for kids are drop-resistant, rechargeable, and easy for small hands to operate. Features like waterproofing, instant prints or video capability make them even more fun to use.
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