Looking for the best digital camera for kids? There are a few high quality kids digital cameras on the market. Knowing about the benefits of a kids model, the features of two leading brands, and shopping tips, will help you make a decision. This introduction will get you started.

Why a Digital Camera for Kids?

Younger children from toddler age (3) to age 9 or 10 are not ready to handle an adult model. Adult models are fragile and expensive pieces of electronic equipment that can be damaged easily. They are very small and require advanced eye/hand coordination and dexterity. Kids digital cameras are starter models—larger, more durable and much easier to handle. Their operation has been simplified to the basics so that a child can use it without worrying about lighting, focus, zoom options, etc.

Digital cameras for kids offer opportunities for play, learning, and family activities. Play can involve posing and dressing up for funny shots with friends and laughing at the results displayed on the screen. Learning comes with experience handling a camera and feedback gained from taking many shots—so much easier with digital as there is no need to develop and print. Becoming familiar with a camera early in life, gives your child an opportunity to explore a popular hobby, an artistic pursuit and a practical skill for everyday social and business communications.

An Introduction to Two Quality Brands

Kids digital camera reviews give high ratings to two popular brands: the Vtech Kidizoom Digital Camera and the Fisher Price Kid Tough Digital Camera. These brands are praised for their durability and overall suitability for young children’s photography. A brief introduction to the features of each of these brands follows.

The Vtech Kidizoom camera is sold for children ages 3 to 7.  It comes in attractive colors (blue, pink, or orange) and has a durable rubber shell that can withstand drops and tosses.

It has a large LCD viewing screen measuring 1.8 inches and an optional binocular viewfinder.  Operating functions have been kept to a minimum and the controls are large and simple to press.  The flash can operate automatically or manually, if the child wants to control when the flash comes on.

The internal memory holds up to 120 pictures or five minutes of video recording.   Memory can be increased by inserting a memory stick into the SD slot.  Memory sticks offer the convenience of having portability and extra memory room for expeditions.  Picture resolution is excellent at 2.0 mp (megapixels).

A Vtech digital camera can make short videos and comes with built-in games, particularly handy for long car trips.  The Vtech camera package also includes simple photo editing software for computer manipulation of pictures—some children love enhancing pictures with artistic frames or amusing features such as hats or animal ears.  Television connection cables and USB cables are also included.

Batteries (4 AA) are needed, but must be purchased separately.

The Fisher Price camera is designed for children from 3 to 10 years of age.  It comes in pink or blue.  Its rubber outer shell is designed to withstand rough handling and accidental immersion in liquids.

The viewing LCD screen is large and the binocular viewfinder can be looked through with both eyes.  Buttons are also large and uncomplicated.  The flash operates automatically when needed—so a child doesn’t have to remember to turn it on or off.

Pictures can be taken again and again without worrying about running out of memory space--as the 64MB internal memory holds as many as 500 pictures.  A USB cable is included for uploading photos onto a computer.  At 1.3 mp, the picture resolution is good for screen viewing and creating 4”x 6” prints.

Fisher Price cameras require four AAA batteries which are stored securely under a plate that a child cannot remove.

There are a few high quality kids digital cameras on the market. Your final decision should be based on the key features, besides quality, that you are seeking. Deciding factors for many consumers include:

• Whether cost seems to match overall quality and durability,
• Picture resolution—a child’s first pictures are precious memories that won’t be half as interesting if the pictures are fuzzy,
• Your child’s preferences—some children know the brand they want because their friend has one,
• Whether unique options such as video recording, are important,
• Compatibility with your computer’s operating system and USB port (check the technical specs).

After making your decision, remember to consider whether you need any accessories. You will need:

• at least 4 batteries to start, and more may be a good idea for backup,
• a memory card if there is an SD slot,
• 4” X 6” photo paper if your child will be making prints.

A camera bag may not be necessary as these cameras are quite sturdy, but if this type of accessory interests you, check to see if there is a brand bag available at the time of purchase.

Learn more about the exciting possibilities of kids digital cameras.