We all love to see our kids develop interests and hobbies as they grow - but there’s something that stops us from lending them our beloved DSLR when they express an interest in photography. Maybe because we’ve seen what happens to their Lego and teddy bears. Luckily, at Ted’s, we have a terrific range of beginner - and child-friendly digital, instant and waterproof cameras to choose from instead!
Read on for our pick of the best 5 cameras for kids and young photographers below. Whether you’re after a basic tough camera that can handle a little bit of rough-housing or an entry-level DSLR for a future professional photographer, we’ve got something for everyone.
The Instax Mini 9 is a fun and easy way for kids to develop an interest in photography. This colourful camera’s instant printing functionality means your kids can get their hands on their photographic masterpieces straight away, with no wait time.
Your children will learn how to produce well-exposed images using the easy-to-understand brightness dial, while a selfie mirror allows them to take perfectly-framed portraits - a handy feature that saves them from wasting film.
Instant photo prints are also perfect for arts and crafts activities, from scrapbooking to bedroom decoration - and kids can add even more character and charm to images by purchasing different Instax Film types with different coloured borders. What’s more, the Instax Mini 9’s retro feel may soon have you wishing for your own instant camera to relieve your youth - check out our pick of the top 5 instant film cameras here.
Similar to the Instax Mini 9, the Fuji Instax LiPlay combines modern functionality with classic retro-charm in a compact, kid-friendly size. The LiPlay produces instant prints in as little as 12 seconds, so even the most impatient kids will love it.
Though it’s compatible with Instax Mini Instant Film, this camera isn’t just for instant prints: it also features a Micro SD card to store images digitally, so you can make prints again at a later time. Meanwhile, handy built-in frames and filters mean you don’t need to change films to get a range of interesting and exciting effects.
Ideal for tech-loving young teens, the LiPlay also allows users to record a sound byte and attach it to a printed image via a QR code for a fresh, unique photography experience.
The Fuji XP140 is a high-performance compact digital camera that also happens to be as tough as nails. It’s waterproof to 25m, shockproof to 1.8m and freezeproof to boot. Beginner photographers will love its well-rounded image making features, which include a 16.4MP CMOS Sensor, 4K video, and a 5x optical zoom lens to frame photos and videos with ease. There’s also a handy eye-detection feature that ensures your eyes will be in focus - so you can even get your kids to snap your next profile picture!
The XP140 comes in a pocket-friendly size, making it ideal for carrying around during school excursions and holiday travel. But don’t be fooled by its size: This camera packs a series punch. The lens starts at a 28mm wide angle equivalent, meaning that your kids can take crystal-clear images with minimal fuss.
Perfect for the most adventurous kids, the Coolpix W300 can come along for the ride, surf or ski. Waterproof to 30m, shockproof to 2.4m, and totally freezeproof, this kid-sized camera boasts top-notch rugged features that make it perfect for young photographers of all ages. Whether your child is a water baby or a budding explorer, the Coolpix W300 is sure to become their new favourite adventure buddy.
Most importantly, the W300 is a reliably handy image maker. Its 16MP sensor and versatile 5x optical zoom lens deliver great quality pictures, and a 4K UHD video will capture special family memories in crisp detail. If you’ve got a tech savvy family, you’ll enjoy using the built-in WiFi and Nikon’s own SnapBridge app to quickly and easily share your talented kid’s work with your family and friends online.
Canon’s most beginner-friendly DSLR yet, the EOS 1500D is perfect for kids who have shown a keen interest in photography and are ready for the next step.
Older children will love the useful guide mode, which helps you develop images with a specific style without needing to know all the advanced tricks and terminology right away. The 1500D also offers plenty of room to grow, as it’s compatible with a large range of Canon lenses and accessories - which will come in handy as your child’s specific photographic interests and style start to develop. Goodbye blurry images, hello amazing time-lapse images and next-level selfies!
With a 24.1MP APS-C CMOS Sensor and full HD Video, this camera far exceeds the image quality of smartphones and compact digital cameras, while WiFi connectivity makes it easy to quickly share images online and control the camera remotely.
Give your kid the gift of creativity
Photography is a great way to encourage your child’s curious nature and nurture their creative streak. Giving them a quality beginner camera will help to teach them life-long skills that could spark a fun hobby, or even open up opportunities in the future.
For more advice on the best camera for your child, take them along to your local Ted’s store, or check out our Academy workshops to find a beginner course near you today!