Ted’s Top 5 Best Cameras for Kids
We all love to see our kids develop interests and hobbies as they grow - but we might not feel confident 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, Ted’s Cameras has 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. 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.
1. Panasonic Lumix FT30
The Panasonic Lumix FT30 is a high-performance compact digital camera that also happens to be a great option of your child spends a lot of time by the water. It’s waterproof to 8m, shockproof to 1.5m and freeze and dust-proof to boot. Beginner photographers will love its well-rounded image-making features, which include a 16MP CMOS Sensor, HD video, and a 4x optical zoom lens to frame photos and videos with ease. There’s also a handy torchlight to ensure your child can take confidence-boosting images in murky underwater conditions and at night!


The FT30 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 serious punch. The lens starts at a 25mm wide angle equivalent and it has Mega O.I.S Stabilisation, meaning that your kids can take crystal-clear images with minimal fuss.
2. Fujifilm Instax Mini 11 Instant Camera


Instant photography is always popular at Christmas time. Instant cameras make great gifts and they are perfect for capturing the joy and having fun doing so on Christmas day. The Fuji Instax mini 11 instant camera is one of the most popular and easiest to use, making it a great first instant camera for kids. This camera comes in a range of cool colours to match different personalities, and it features a dedicated selfie mode to help users frame themselves with accuracy - two features that will appeal to the younger generation.
The Fuji Instax mini 11 instant camera comes in a compact frame that smaller kids can comfortably hold. Capturing high-quality pocket-sized instant images, which develop in around 90 seconds, is as simple as looking through the optical viewfinder, pointing and shooting.
3. Ilford Sprite 35 II Film Camera
The Ilford Sprite 35 II film camera is designed to help people rekindle their love of film photography, but if your kid gets one this Christmas, it may just be their first love. Film photography encourages creativity by reintroducing some of the limitations that digital cameras have. Want a black and white image? This needs to be decided before you load the film, which teaches your child to think ahead and make conscious decisions. This model, in fact, comes with a roll of high-quality black and white film as a bonus!


The Ilford Sprite 35 II film camera is compatible with a wide-range of readily available 135 film and it also runs on easy to find AAA batteries. This film camera couldn’t be easier to use - you really just point and shoot; the lens is a fixed 31mm focal length, focus is fixed, and there is a simple flash to help you photograph indoors.
4. Canon Powershot SX620HS


If rugged features aren’t essential, a high-quality digital compact camera such as the Canon Powershot SX620HS is a reliable choice. Despite its pocket-friendly size, this camera features a huge 25x optical zoom lens which is very handy when it comes to travel photography. Other key features include Full HD video and a large and bright LCD screen.
The lens of this accomplished compact camera starts at a wide 25mm equivalent focal length, meaning it is suitable for landscapes, as well as long-rangung subjects like wildlife, while the optical image stabilisation feature means images remain sharp and blur-free throughout the zoom range. If your young one is quite tech savvy, they will no doubt appreciate the file sharing and remote capabilities provided by the built-in WiFi and NFC connectivity.
5. Fujifilm X-T200 Mirrorless Camera
Mirrorless cameras are known for producing the quality and functionality of DSLR cameras but in a more portable package. One camera that embodies this perfectly is the Fujifilm X-T200. If your kid has used a compact camera or smartphone before they will have no trouble getting a handle on the operation of this camera. What it does have that they would not have experienced before however, is the excellent image quality, which comes from the much larger 24.2MP sensor.
The X-T200 is also notably excellent for video purposes with 4K resolution video, a large tilting LCD screen for framing POV shots, and a microphone input for seeking better audio. With the X-T200 your child could take their first step towards YouTube stardom with their very own vlog!
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Spark your kid’s curiosity and 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.
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