Camera for a kid

Kendall_

Senior Member
Wondering if any of you have younger kids that are into photography/camera's. My son is only 4 but I think it may be somthing he'll enjoy a little later on (1-2 years)

Just curious if it would better to get a cheap P&S camera or to get a little more expensive "rugged" camera (shock protection, water proof etc)

He really liked using my D5200 out in the woods yesterday, so that's what gave me the idea.

My dad use to take me out in the forest and to the lakes all the time when I was little and I loved it. Now-a-days you see a bunch of over weight kids sitting inside playing Xbox on a 75* degree day.

So far he likes being outdoors (hiking, camping, etc)

Also loves cars, like ridiculously. Only 4 and he can name over 20 different brands from the emblems only. Anything from Alfa Romero - Ferrari - Mercedes-Benz - Lotus - Rolls Royce.

Hiking.jpg
 

Moab Man

Senior Member
I gave my daughter a camera at age 5. From experience, I would just give your son a simple point and shoot, but I always made my daughter wear the wrist strap and use the case when not on her wrist.

The best part was seeing my daughters pictures was seeing what caught her eye. It was truly rewarding.
 

skene

Senior Member
If you don't want to spend the money on a P&S, consider giving him an old cell phone. He can still learn all of the basics without the post processing.
 
I got to agree with Moab Man about the inexpensive P&S. Kids can change from day to day on what excites them. A simple camera will get better results from a less than experienced photographer. Simple now and update in little steps as they progress/age. That way they always have new toys to play with to keep them excited about their new hobby.

We all like new toys don't we? By the time they graduate high school you can get them that new D4 (Or maybe by then a D8)
 

Phillydog1958

Senior Member
Wondering if any of you have younger kids that are into photography/camera's. My son is only 4 but I think it may be somthing he'll enjoy a little later on (1-2 years)

Just curious if it would better to get a cheap P&S camera or to get a little more expensive "rugged" camera (shock protection, water proof etc)

He really liked using my D5200 out in the woods yesterday, so that's what gave me the idea.

My dad use to take me out in the forest and to the lakes all the time when I was little and I loved it. Now-a-days you see a bunch of over weight kids sitting inside playing Xbox on a 75* degree day.

So far he likes being outdoors (hiking, camping, etc)

Also loves cars, like ridiculously. Only 4 and he can name over 20 different brands from the emblems only. Anything from Alfa Romero - Ferrari - Mercedes-Benz - Lotus - Rolls Royce.

View attachment 146448

Toys R Us sells actual digital cameras for kids. We bought my granddaughter a unit that is made by Fisher Price. It's made of heavy-duty plastic and is kid proof. It has a LCD screen and allows for photos to be downloaded to a computer. I can't find the actual model that we bought for my grand, but here's a similar camera that's for girls. You just have to look around. Try Amazon, also. I recall them having a few:
Hello Kitty 2.1MP Digital Camera - Sakar International - Toys "R" Us
 

weebee

Senior Member
I would recommend a Fuji XP camera. I've had one for about 5 years. These cameras are dust, shock, freeze, and water proof to 10 meters. They take very good pictures as well. You should be able to score one on e-bay or amazon used at a decent price.

DSCN1144.jpg
 

Alan

Senior Member
My Grandson has grown up around us always having cameras and taking pictures. My daughter is a pro and sometimes allows him to help out when she does shoots. Last year we gave him Playskool camera that retails for about $50 (got ours at Target). It not only shoots but can be used as a projector for the pictures he takes. He loves it because it looks like ours. And it holds up to drops. but he has a strap on it so that is a rare occurrence. Also because of the size it is easy for little hands to use.

The first two shots below he took with it. The third is of course him taking photos at the aquarium a couple of weeks ago.

If I had it to do over again I would get him the same one. He has used our P&S but has trouble with the little buttons.

BTW he is 4 1/2.

10710841_876471539060580_6139690285008063248_n.jpg
11008802_10152600325396010_8689288541919695953_n.jpg
DSCN9052.jpg
 
Last edited:

Moab Man

Senior Member
I personally hate those playskool and such cameras. To me they are throw away that the kid will quickly outgrow. Then you're making that purchase twice.
 
Last edited:

Phillydog1958

Senior Member
Here is the camera that we purchased for my grand at age 3. She loved it because it has bright colors and captures her attention. Some manufacturers even tie in various popular characters that kids are familiar with and love. The purpose and design of such toy cameras is to keep the child intrigued. If I'd bought her an adult point and shoot, I feel that she would've become bored and stopped using it. My granddaughter has been using this camera for over a year and a half. I've seen her enjoying it. We don't have to coerce her into using it. The chances are high that most of our children won't continue to be photographers just because we are. The kiddie cams encourage longterm use because they're designed by professionals who know how to capture kids.

Fisher Price Kid Tough Digital Camera Pink | eBay
 
Last edited:

Englischdude

Senior Member
Hi there,

i also went throught this towards the end of last year. I wanted something for my 6 year old daughter, however I wanted a camera that I also could fall back on if I needed something a little more sophisticated than a point and shoot, but did not want to lug the dslr around. Found an Olympus C-5060 for 40 euro in top condition, which also shoots RAW. Here a pic of Antonia with her Xmas present from Santa....

toni_cam.jpg
 
Last edited:
Top