10 Best Kids’ Cameras Reviewed in 2024

Ease of Use

What better way to introduce your kids to the wonderful world of photography than with one of the most trusted names in the industry? The Instax Mini line of instant cameras, following in the footsteps of the iconic Polaroid system, has been around for many years and have been the go-to for kids to be introduced to instant photography. While its design may give it a toy camera look, the imaging technology that’s built into its colorful body is enough to rival even expensive CyberShots, CoolPixes, and Lumixes. Underneath this oddly shaped body is an image processor that takes superbly vibrant pictures with each shot. Well, at least by children’s standards. The real beauty of the Instax Mini 8 is in its super easy interface.

Durability

The lens focus may be limited at 0.6 meters to infinity but it’s in the presence of several selectable scene modes that make this kiddie point-and-shoot something for kids to be thrilled about. The best part of it is that there’s no second-guessing what exposure setting to dial in because the built-in metering system already does it for your child. Your kid frames his or her shot then complex algorithms in the Instax Mini 8 go to work instantly, giving the correct automatic exposure. Your kid will know if he or she has the correct exposure settings by an orange LED light. The best part of it is that your kid will be able to print his or her shots instantly. Unfortunately, as the photo paper is quite pricey, it would clearly be expensive if your child will be printing every single shot that he or she took. One way to really avoid this and to instill discipline and a critical eye for detail in your child is to teach him or her to frame his or her shots very well before pressing the shutter button. Nevertheless, this is one great camera system for kids.

Design

One of the best on the market for a child’s instant camera, the Fujifilm Instax Mini 9 develop photos instantly and is easy to use. It has a built-in flashing LED light to let you know the lighting is correct, so your child can just focus on the artistic aspect of taking the photos. There are several bright colors to choose from to match anyone’s taste and the size is just perfect for little hands. A great camera for trips, parties, and anywhere you need a camera on the go.

Ease of Use

The camera has two shutter buttons, allowing photographers to comfortably snap pictures in both landscape and portrait modes. The lighten-darken control gives you control over the brightness of your finished print. A close-up lens zooms in for clear pictures up to 35 cm from the subject, and a selfie mirror on the front allows users the perfect framing tool for self-portraits of them and their friends. A built-in exposure sensor means that pictures come out crystal clear, even in dark spaces and with contrasting backgrounds. All photos are ready in 90 seconds or less, so you can snap and print like a pro!

Durability

The Instax Mini 26 Rainbow Kit is the ideal starter set for kids and adults alike interested in Polaroid photography. This bundle package includes the Instax Mini 26, as well as a roll of the film good for 10 Polaroid pictures, all printed on assorted rainbow colored frames.

Design

Polaroid cameras are a fun, nostalgic way to preserve fond memories with the family (or friends) and to allow children to express themselves creatively and explore their personal aesthetic taste. The fact that this is an instant camera means quick learning and hassle-free printing.

Ease of Use

The display screen on the back doubles as a menu, which gives kids the options to record video, play one of the four built-in mini-games, take selfies with the enhanced facial recognition in “selfie mode”, and zoom in and out with the 2.0-megapixel lens. The fun doesn’t stop there, though; once hooked up to the computer via USB, the editing fun starts! Kids have the option to make their own collages using four different templates, animate their photos, or choose from 35 different effects to use. For a kids camera, this Camera Pix is a huge step up from most others

Durability

The Camera Pix by VTech is a step up from the Connect for kids who are a little more inclined to do serious photography. It’s still intended for kids, which makes it completely kid-friendly but with more mature options. It’ll allow kids the creative freedom not only behind the camera but while editing as well and is great for kids who are artistically inclined on the computer. It’ll be perfect to help them brush up on their artistic skills and let them go crazy designing all kinds of collages and animations with pictures of themselves, their friends, and their family.

Design

The strong suit for this camera is definitely the computer-editing capabilities. It’s easy enough to hook the camera up to a computer via USB, and even easier for kids to discover how to edit and alter their own photography.

Ease of Use

If you think your child will love the Spin and Smile because of its spinning lens for those great selfies, wait ‘til you see the Kidizoom Duo Camera, also from VTech. This stylish kiddie cam has the same features as the Spin and Smile. The only difference is that it has two, not one, lens so there’s no need to rotate or spin any component. Your kid simply presses a switch and the whole system activates either the front or rear lens.

Durability

It’s got parental controls so mom and dad can set limits for the amount of time the games can be played or disable them all together so that the Duo is set to serve its primary function. The 2.4-inch TFT screen on its back gives kids an instant playback for what’s already stored in the Duo. It also has the same voice recorder and voice effects found on the Spin and Smile. Again, the real magic occurs with the editing of the images on your computer where your child can readily unleash his or her creative ingenuity.

Design

One great thing about the Duo is that the front-facing lens allows for HD quality pictures and movies at 1600x1200 pixel resolution. The rear-facing lens allows for a respectable VGA quality of 640x480 pixels. This dual lens feature allows for superb selfie shots as well as stunning videos for those documentary style clips where your kid is the star of his or her own show. The Duo also comes with built-in games so your kid can switch to entertainment mode especially if he or she is not yet in the mood for taking pictures or shooting video clips.

Ease of Use

The VTech Kidizoom Connect is just right for little photographers who are just starting out. It features a real 1.3-megapixel camera that has the ability to quadruple the magnification on objects. The 1.8” color screen allows children to see and edit their work.

Durability

The camera comes with an app that provides fun, silly stamps, effects, and editing tools. Additionally, you can make other app purchases to unlock themed effects, stickers, and games. The camera can take still pictures as well as video and comes with five fun voice-changing effects. Parents can turn down the volume under the settings tab if it’s too loud or soft. The camera isn’t a professional quality camera, but it’s a solid choice for young children! With good lighting and a little practice, they can snap some great shots! Just make sure you teach them to hold the camera extra still when they’re taking photos so they don’t wind up with a blurry product.

Design

Photography helps children to practice basic motor skills, hand-eye coordination, patience, and self-expression. Children gain confidence and a sense of independence being able to take and edit their own pictures of mom, dad, family members, pets, friends, and the outside world!

Ease of Use

This camera is a wonderful introductory tool. It’s pretty simple in terms of operating but still produces high-quality images. There are some funny frames to choose from but kids won’t get to do much fancy in-camera design and effects. There are plenty of apps and software to allow that though and photos are easily transferred via the included memory card or USB cord.

Durability

With a silicone shell, this camera can withstand the usual accidents. The silicone itself feels soft and rubbery but provides a stable cushiony layer between the delicate pieces and the hard surfaces with which it might collide. It’s rechargeable as well so you won’t have to worry about replenishing batteries.

Design

The omzer Camera comes in two shades of blue, two shades of pink, red, and camouflage! Most of their designs are brightly colored, making this easy to find amid the clutter that kids often bring with them. The interface is easy to interact with and it’s small enough that kids can hold it without trouble.

Ease of Use

This camera is easy to attach to plenty of fun and adventurous accessories. You can even attach it to helmets! It also includes a wrist strap for easy transport. It’s compact, so kids can just stick it in their pocket when they’re done. Plus the 1.4-inch LCD color screen allows them to playback what they’ve just recorded.

Durability

This little guy is small but mighty! The waterproof case allows it to descend up to 6’ in water. The shell helps to protect it; being that it’s an action camera, some impacts are expected. It charges via the USB cable so no batteries are necessary. Families report that this has withstood some rough play and it even floats so it’s easy to retrieve in the water!

Design

Small and easy to operate, the Kidizoom is an awesome starter camera for kids who love action and adventure. It’s available in purple, yellow/black, and camouflage.

Ease of Use

The Force1 Drone might seem pricey but compared to some other drone cameras out there, this one is relatively priced for such a cool camera. If your kids are really into aerial photography and fascinated by the drone movement that has taken social media and cinematography by storm, then this has to be an option for you. The Force1 Drone comes complete with a camera that fits perfectly at the base of the drone itself. With the remote control, kids will find it easy to guide their camera above and beyond what most people see on a day-to-day basis.

Durability

They’ll be able to capture footage that’s unique and from an angle that you can’t get any other way, which is both fun and exciting. The total airtime for the drone is 15 minutes which is pretty significant and can record video in HD the entire time. To make it a little more kid-friendly, it also features a low-battery alarm that alerts you when it's in need of a charge, altitude-hold, and the ability to land and take off with the press of one key. This drone really couldn’t be more simple to use or fun to play with and is also perfect for school projects or family trips.

Design

Having a drone to take footage with is great and offers full 36-degree aerial views, but it’s worth noting that the camera that comes with this drone offers full HD. With some camera/drone sets, the camera suffers in quality when being compromised for the whole package, but this is one set that provides seamless quality on both ends.

Ease of Use

If your kids are serious about shooting their outdoor adventures and are really into social media or simply just making and editing their own movies, the APEMAN Action Camera is a fantastic deal for the quality that you get. For just under $60, you can get a great camera that’s built specifically for outdoor recording, has built-in anti-shake, wifi, HDMI, and multiple recording and shooting modes that can be tailored to fit your child’s needs.

Durability

This camera is underrated for the picture it offers and with 120 minutes of recording time and 24 different accessories that are all compatible with GoPro mounts, it’s hard to believe the price of this camera is as low as it is. It’s built to last which makes it great for kids and their various adventures, and it’s a fun gift to give them at the beginning of summer so they can use it wherever they go. It’s also a great addition to family trips, especially road trips -- Kids will have blast recording every memory and easily download it to the computer, quickly ready to record their next venture.

Design

Your child will have all the advantages that come with an active camera without the hefty price tag that often comes with it, along with a ton of added features that you don’t normally see on this range of a camera. The photo quality is perfect for shooting footage outside and has a great range.

Ease of Use

It’s slim, sleek, light, and instant. The Fujifilm Instax Mini 8 takes pictures and prints them right on the spot! The camera features an automatic exposure measurement and aperture setting detected via a flashing LED. A high-key mode allows you to manually take brighter pictures with a softer aesthetic.

Durability

The viewfinder has been updated for better visibility as well. A brightness adjustment dial has four settings for various lighting scenarios. The camera comes in fourteen different designs, including a wide range of pretty pastel colors and two character cases: a minion, and Hello Kitty. These pictures print like small polaroids and are great party favors, gifts, and mementos of special occasions.

Design

Polaroids are great as they allow kids to take pictures and review them instantly. This camera is a cute little accessory, especially for kids interested in portraits and selfies. Good pictures are a great way to help kids express themselves, experiment with style, and feel confident!