Best cameras for kids 2024: the best cameras for children and teens

Best cameras for kids
(Image credit: Future)

The best camera for your kids will be robust, fun to shoot with and easy for small hands to hold. For older children, it will also have features that let them explore their creativity. While young photographers can shoot with one of the best camera phones, from our experience, we think there’s a lot to be said for letting kids use a dedicated camera.

A child’s age makes a huge difference when choosing a camera. That makes it difficult to recommend just one option. If we had to pick, we’d choose the Fujifilm Instax Pal. It’s a dinky digital camera with a characterful design that handles well. Plus you can connect it to an Instax Link printer for instant prints. But that might not be the right choice for your youngster.

The purpose of this guide is give you an overview of the cameras we think work best for children in 2024, based on the experience of our expert reviews team. Each has been tested extensively and you’ll find a summary of our honest feedback below. If you’re shopping for a teenager, we suggest taking a look at our best cheap cameras guide as well.

Top 3 picks

If you don’t have time to read our full list of the best cameras for kids, you can read the round-up below for a shortcut to the top options for your needs and budget. If you find one that takes your fancy, use the links to jump to our full write-up.

Best by use-case

Written by
Tim Coleman
Written by
Timothy Coleman

Tim is TechRadar's Cameras Editor. He has more than 15 years' experience as a photographer and technology journalist. Tim has reviewed hundreds of cameras during his career. As a father of three, he also has a personal insight into what kind of camera will appeal to most kids. Tim notes, "some of the cameras in this list are designed specifically for children. Others are standard cameras that we think work really well for young photographers."

The best cameras for kids in 2024

Why you can trust TechRadar We spend hours testing every product or service we review, so you can be sure you’re buying the best. Find out more about how we test.

Below you'll find full write-ups for each of the best cameras for kids in our list. We've tested each one extensively, so you can be sure that our recommendations can be trusted.

Best for family fun

Best for family fun

Specifications

Recommended ages: 9-18
Camera type: Digital
Film size: 35mm film equivalent
Lens: f2.2
Viewfinder: Multi-use detachable ring
Screen: N/A

Reasons to buy

+
Cute design
+
Handles well
+
Print now or later

Reasons to avoid

-
Needs a separate Link printer
-
Better image quality from phones
-
Costly with printer

Fujifilm Instax Pal sample images

Buy it if:

✅ You want an Instant camera for the whole family: The tiny design is much easier to use for small hands than Instax alternatives with built-in printing.

✅ You want an Instax that you use day to day: The cost of the camera and printer is more than most other analog Instax cameras, but the running cost is much lower.

Don't buy it if:

You want an all-in-one instant camera: If you want to print your Instax Pal shots, you'll need to buy a compatible Instax Link printer.

❌ You want the best image quality: No Instax camera and printer makes technically excellent photos, even if they have the lovely Instax color.

The Instax Pal isn't an instant camera as we know it. The size of a golf ball, it's a digital-only camera that prints via one of Fujifilm's Instax Link printers, either via Bluetooth or through the Instax Pal app. Based on our review, there are several benefits to this approach: it's not weighed down by a built-in printer and you can be selective about what you print, which means you don't waste expensive film. The free app and editor provide plenty of entertainment for kids, too.

Designed for all ages, the Pal lights up and emits a happy jingle when powered on, and a sad sound when inactivity sends it to sleep. This characterful approach gives it a fun feeling. Based on our tests, we think it could be the Instax camera your kid actually uses day to day. It fits neatly in the hand and can still be used even if your film supply runs out, which is something which can switch kids off other instant cameras.

Read our in-depth Fujifilm Instax Pal review

Best for rough and tumble kids

Best for rough and tumble kids

Specifications

Recommended ages: 9-18
Camera type: Digital
Film size: 35mm equivalent
Lens: 25-100mm f/2.0-4.9
Viewfinder: Yes
Screen: 3.0 inch LCD, 1.04m-dot

Reasons to buy

+
Bright f/2 aperture at widest zoom
+
GPS log and field sensors
+
Durable build but pocket-friendly

Reasons to avoid

-
Rear LCD isn't a touchscreen
-
Image quality is underwhelming
-
Not a major upgrade over the TG-6

OM System Tough TG-7 sample images

Buy it if:

✅ You want an indestructible family camera: The TG-7 is a take-anywhere companion that you can drop in puddles and sand, and submerge in water up to 15m.

✅ You're more into photos than video: The TG-7 offers a surprising amount of photography features for its price.

Don't buy it if:

You want the best image quality: There's no escaping the 12MP resolution, and the fact that real-life image quality lags behind that of many modern smartphones.

❌ You want exciting apps alongside connectivity: Using Bluetooth, you can connect the Tough TG-7 to your smartphone with the OI. 

The OM System Tough TG-7 is our top ranking waterproof camera. It can withstand 15m dips underwater, drops from 2.1m and temperatures down to -10°C. Its rugged credentials means kids can take it out shooting without worries of damaging it. It's also small enough to slip into a pocket. In our review, we found that its raised buttons allow for easy control with wet or gloved hands, while the guided interface is great for young learners.. 

There's a built-in zoom, while scene modes get you set to capture adventures regardless of skill level. It's not the best action camera for photo and video quality, even lagging behind older camera phones like the iPhone 12. However, the TG-7 offers a more tactile experience and can shoot in situations that you wouldn't otherwise risk a phone or regular camera, plus it has a wealth of additional accessories like lenses and lights. 

Read our in-depth OM System Tough TG-7 review

Best screen free

Best screen free

Specifications

Recommended ages: 8-16
Camera type: Digital
Film size: 35mm equivalent
Viewfinder: Yes
Screen: N/A

Reasons to buy

+
Cute looks
+
No screen
+
Point-and-shoot simplicity

Reasons to avoid

-
Poor image quality
-
Glare from photo counter
-
Low power LED flash

Camp Snap Camera sample images

Buy it if:

✅ You want time away from a screen: The Camp Snap's selling point is what it lacks. There's no screen, just a great device for taking photos.

✅ You're after a simple and low-cost gift for the kids: Being digital, the running costs are negligible, too, especially compared to film.

Don't buy it if:

You want decent quality pictures: It's simple, the Camp Snap camera is a low-tech product with low-bar image quality.

❌ You want to get creative: As a point-and-shoot with fixed focus and no filters, there's no real scope for getting creative.

The Camp Snap camera is a low-cost, low-tech reimagining of the single-use  camera. It lacks a screen, making it a refreshing antidote to our screen-led culture. The first time you see your photos is when the Camp Snap camera is connected via its USB-C port to upload them to your computer. It can store around 2,000 digital 8MP photos on an included TF memory card. In use, the Camp Snap offers point-and-shoot, all-auto simplicity for all the family. Kids will have no problem operating it, and parents won't be over protective thanks to its rigid plastic shell.

You get a viewfinder, which is pleasant enough though somewhat affected by the red glare of the LED photo counter. There's also a built-in LED flash, which could benefit from being more powerful. A thumb groove on the camera’s rear gives a little hold, plus the USB-C port doubles up to charge the battery. With no power-hungry features, the battery should last several days of moderate use. This was designed for kids going on screen-free camping trips, and I think it appeals to a much wider audience.

Read our in-depth Camp Snap camera review

Best DIY build project

Best cameras for kids

(Image credit: Future)

4. Lomography Konstruktor F

Best DIY build project

Specifications

Recommended ages: 9-18**
Camera Type: Film, build-your-own
Film Size: 35mm
Lens: 50mm f/10
Viewfinder: Twin-lens reflex
Screen: N/A

Reasons to buy

+
Building process is a good challenge
+
Customizable
+
Well priced

Reasons to avoid

-
Plasticky
-
Slightly fiddly construction
Buy it if:

✅ You want something customizable: The fact that this camera can be constructed and customised is one of its biggest selling points.

✅ You want a reasonably priced camera: The plastic construction makes this one of the most affordable cameras out there for children.

Don't buy it if:

You want something really robust: The build of this camera is quite fiddly and won't last long if dropped.

❌ You want great material quality: This camera is distinctly plastic and would score zero on a premium feel scale.

Included in the Konstruktor F kit is everything you need to build a 35mm SLR film camera, complete with customization sticker sets. This updated ‘F’ version is compatible with flash, although this is one of many optional ‘Konstruktor’ series accessories for this reasonably priced kit. Other accessories include a close-up twin lens kit and film pack bundle.

Our nimble seven-year-old assistant was at his limit with this complex kit, which takes in the region of 1-2 hours to make – it's possibly more suited to teenagers, depending on your kids' skills and patience. As you build, you truly get to see the internal mechanics of an SLR camera. We think the Konstruktor F is a fantastic option for those that love to build, see how things work, and enjoy the fruit of their labor with a charming finished product. Alternatives from Lomography include the LomoMod No.1 kit, which is also well worth a look. 

Best versatile video camera

Best versatile video camera

Specifications

Recommended ages: 7-18
Photo resolution: 8.3MP (1:1); 9MP (16:9)
Video resolution: 4K/30p
Photo modes: Photo, HDR Photo, Interval, Starlapse

Reasons to buy

+
Action Pod adds functionality
+
Loads of accessories in the box
+
Convenient magnetic mounting

Reasons to avoid

-
Action Pod misses out on waterproofing
-
Modest battery life
-
Not the best in low lighting

Insta360 Go 3S sample images

Buy it if:

✅ You want a tiny magnetic camera: The Insta360 Go 3 can be mounted on any magnetic surface making it super versatile.

✅ You need stabilized footage: This camera's built-in stabilization will help to smoothy out any shaky footage you take with it.

Don't buy it if:

❌ You want the best image quality: 4K resolution improves the quality of video, but the Go 3S still struggles in low lighting.

❌ You want a fully rugged action camera: The add-on Action Pod still misses out on waterproofing, so you can't take the screen swimming.

We loved the Insta360 Go 3 for its tiny form factor, simple interface and the ability to stick it to any magnetic surface. The Go 3S takes that same recipe and sharpens things up with a 4K resolution, making it an even more appealing choice for young creators who want to capture unique angles with a miniature action camera. In our review, we commented that it’s a camera that holds its value for families, especially because its auto-rotate feature makes it simple to switch between vertical and horizontal recording.

It’s still not a perfect tool: our tests found that other options out-perform it in low lighting, whole battery life isn’t particularly strong – so youngsters will need to get used to timeouts. The Action Pod returns, giving you a flip-up screen for easy framing, but as before, this isn’t waterproof, so you can’t preview shots in water. All the same, if you want a truly pocket-friendly camera that lets your kids shoot first and frame later, the Go 3S is our recommendation.

Read our in-depth Insta360 Go 3S review

Best for young kids

Best cameras for kids

(Image credit: Future)

6. myFirst Camera 3

Best for young kids

Specifications

Recommended ages: 2-5**
Camera type: Digital point-and-shoot
Sensor size: 1/2.3in
Resolution: 16MP
Viewfinder: N/A
Screen: 2-inch
Video: 1080p

Reasons to buy

+
Cute design
+
Good size for little hands

Reasons to avoid

-
Controls might be confusing at first
-
Limited features
-
Not as durable as it appears
Buy it if:

You want photo and video capability: With the option to shoot both 12MP photos and 1080p video, you've got all bases covered.

Your kids love taking selfies: A selfie lens above the screen make it easy to frame and shoot fun selfies.

Don't buy it if:

❌ You have an older child: This camera is firmly targeted towards younger children and would seem too childish for those older than 5 years old.

❌ You want a robust camera: This small point-and-shoot won't survive too many drops despite its 'shockproof pouch'.

Our seven-year-old tester declared this tiny point-and-shoot camera as, "good for three-year-olds" at first sight. Certainly, its tiny form factor (available in blue or pink) and rubberized body encased in a ’shockproof pouch' will bring a smile. However, ideally, you’ll avoid this plastic camera being thrown around too much.

In use, you have a simple fixed lens 16MP rear camera that features a macro mode, though you’ll need to show a young one how it’s done. There’s also a front-facing camera above the 2-inch screen for selfies. Hold down the shutter button and you get 1080p videos. There’s a host of digital templates that can be added to photos that provides much entertainment, though hopefully, your child won’t tire of scrolling through all of those options. This camera is best suited for kids under the age of five.

Best for budding vloggers

Best for budding vloggers

Specifications

Recommended ages: 12-18
Camera type: Gimbal camera
Sensor size: 1-inch CMOS
Photo resolution: 3648 x 2736px
Video resolution: Up to 4K 120fps (16:9)
Stabilization: 3-axis gimbal mechanical
Screen: 2-inch rotatable screen

Reasons to buy

+
1-inch sensor
+
Bigger and better screen
+
Portrait recording option
+
Slow-mo mode now up to 4k at 120fps

Reasons to avoid

-
Usability of touchscreen needs improvement
-
Can get hot when filming
-
No built-in storage

DJI Osmo Pocket 3 sample images

Buy it if:

You shoot a lot of slow-mo: The Pocket 3 delivers 4K footage at 120fps. It's also possible to record 1080p at 240fps, which is a great option to have. 

Your youngster wants to shoot in portrait: The option to record vertical video with a 3K resolution makes the Pocket 3 a versatile content tool.

Don't buy it if:

You shoot a lot of action photos: The resolution of the camera is far from ideal for capturing high-resolution action photos.

❌ You are on a budget: This camera has amazing specs which makes it by far one of the least affordable options for a camera for kids.

A pocket-sized tool for shooting video content, the Osmo Pocket 3 puts a 1-inch sensor on a stabilizing gimbal to capture quality results. We love its carefully crafted design, especially the 2-inch screen that can be rotated to record in vertical or horizontal formats. It's perfect for viewing a live feed of the camera, as well as picking focus points, although it lacks the necessary size to be enjoyable when navigating around settings and menus.

A notable addition to this third model in the Pocket series is the multi-aspect sensor with portrait video recording. It's possible to record directly in this orientation all the way up to 3K, something that will be a dream for budding content creators – your teenager might be a YouTuber just yet. Image quality, especially in low light, is better than most other pocket cameras, not forgetting the class-leading stabilization. All this tech does make the Osmo Pocket 3 pricey. If you're happy with fewer features, the Pocket 2 is a more affordable alternative.

Read our in-depth DJI Osmo Pocket 3 review

Best small instant camera

Best instant camera for small hands

Specifications

Recommended ages: 5+
Camera type: Instant film
Paper size: Polaroid i-Type Go (66.6x53.9mm with a 47x46mm picture size)
Lens: 35mm equivalent
Viewfinder: Optical, fixed

Reasons to buy

+
Point-and-shoot simplicity 
+
Properly dinky dimensions

Reasons to avoid

-
Fixed focus can be tricky
-
Not great in low light

Polaroid Go Generation 2 sample images

Buy it if:

✅ You want a small Polaroid camera: If this is your kid's first instant camera, it's a great starting point in terms of size, simplicity and cost.

✅ You want an easy to use camera: Simple controls with just a smattering of buttons on the retro-inspired shell, plus a digital shot counter.

Don't buy it if:

❌ You want a macro mode: A minimum focus distance of 45cm means the Go 2 isn't great for shooting close-ups.

❌ You want zero ongoing costs: Film refills don't come particularly cheap, so you'll need to factor this into your decision making.

Instant photography is ideal for young learners and no camera captures that point-and-shoot simplicity quite like the Polaroid Go 2. Pretty much the smallest instant camera you can buy, its compact form factor is ideal for small hands to get to grips with. Controls are simple, too: you'll find just a few buttons on the retro shell. In our review, we also praised the viewfinder as surprisingly reliable. Automatic exposure and a fixed-focus lens make things as easy as possible, although youngsters can also experiment with double exposures and self-timer shots as they get more confident.

We did find in our review that images lack a little clarity and color balance, with quality dropping off in low light. We also felt that prints were on the small size, and presented some haziness – and there's no escaping that refill packs cost more than your average pocket-money budget. All the same, the Polaroid Go 2 is an entertaining, easy-to-use way for kids to get in on the instant photography fun.

Read our in-depth Polaroid Go 2 review

The best safe social camera

Best camera for an introduction to social media

Specifications

Recommended ages: 5-12
Camera type: Digital point-and-shoot
Lens: 26.7mm f/2.0
Resolution: 16MP (front), 20MP (rear)
Viewfinder: N/A
Screen: 4-inch touchscreen
Video: 1080/30p

Reasons to buy

+
Easy for kids to use
+
Decent image quality
+
Parental controls

Reasons to avoid

-
Average video quality
-
Slow start-up time
-
Limited color choices

myFirst Camera 50 sample images

Buy it if:

✅ Your kids like to borrow your phone: The myFirst Camera 50 is essentially a simplified camera phone with parental controls and editing features.

✅ You want to teach your kids about social media: The MyCircle app offers a safe space for children to learn about sharing content with friends and family.

Don't buy it if:

❌ You want the best image camera: While image quality is decent of the affordable price tag, results fall quite a way behind modern smartphones.

❌ You have an older child: Although the myFirst Camera 50 is recommended for kids up to 12, children older than 10 will probably want more features.

If your little one likes to borrow your smartphone to take photos, we think the myFirst Camera 50 could be a great substitute. Effectively a 4-inch tablet with a custom Android interface, it’s designed to give kids a simple introduction to editing and sharing photos. In our review, we praised the simplicity of its interface, with three control buttons and an intuitive touchscreen. We also appreciated its rubberized plastic finish, which feels grippy and robust. 

Equipped with a 20MP rear camera and a 16MP front-facing lens with a soft selfie light, image quality doesn’t rival the best camera phones, but it’s decent enough for the price. The operating system gives kids a selection of editing options, including filters and stickers, along with a simply feature that uses AI to generate simple highlight videos. There’s also integration with my First Circle, a messaging service which lets your youngster share content with friends and family. The idea is to help little creators learn to use social media responsibly, in a protected space with parental controls. 

Read our in-depth myFirst Camera 50 review

How to choose the best camera for kids

How to choose the best camera for kids

Age range

Different cameras are better suited to children of different ages. For younger photographers, look at cameras with simple controls, big buttons and a drop-proof build. These will usually have an automatic mode to keep things as easy as possible, although they may feature some photo effects. Older children will usually enjoy more advanced features, such as a zoom lens, video recording and some manual modes for more creativity.

Durability

It’s no secret that children can be rough with their stuff, and cameras are no exception. That’s why several of the options in the list above are rugged, meaning they can safely survive drops, submersion in water and other outdoor activities. Certain cameras also have the option of a protective casing, for added peace of mind.

Dimensions

The best cameras for kids compact enough for small hands to hold comfortably. They should also be lightweight, so that young photographers are able to carry them around wherever they go.

Features

Unlike other cameras, image quality is often a secondary priority when shopping for a kids’ camera. For younger photographers especially, other features will be more important. These could be selfie or macro modes, fun filters, or the ability to print images instantly.

Budget

Cost will always be a key consideration. Many of the cameras in our guide above are affordable choices that won’t break the bank. If your child gets more serious about photography, you might then want to consider a more advanced model with the features for them to grow into.

Meet the team

Our team of reviewers has amassed many years of camera experience, testing all of the latest and greatest cameras in the last 20 years. That expertise extends to the best cameras for kids.

Tim Coleman
Tim Coleman

Tim is TechRadar's Cameras Editor and has been cutting his teeth in the photo and video industry for almost 20 years. He looks after all of TechRadar's cameras content, covering buying guides, features, reviews and news.

Freelancer photographer Lauren Scott holding a Canon camera in the park
Lauren Scott

Lauren Scott is an experienced journalist and freelance photographer based in Bath, UK. She's been in the industry for over ten years; as the former Managing Editor of our sister site Digital Camera World.

Mark Wilson
Mark Wilson

Mark is TechRadar's Senior news editor and has been a technology journalist since 2004. Formerly Trusted Reviews and TechRadar's cameras editor, Mark has tested cameras over many years from all of the leading brands.

James Abbott headshot
James Abbott

James Abbott is a professional photographer and freelance photography journalist. He contributes articles about photography, cameras and drones to a wide range of magazines and websites where he applies a wealth of experience to testing the latest photographic tech.

Paul Hatton headshot
Paul Hatton

Paul is a digital expert. In the 20 years since he graduated with a first-class honours degree in Computer Science, Paul has been actively involved in a variety of different tech and creative industries that make him the go-to guy for reviews, opinion pieces, and featured articles. You'll also find his writing in other places, including Creative Bloq, Digital Camera World, and 3D World Magazine. 

How we test cameras for kids

Fujifilm Instax Pal camera resting on the Instax Square Link printer

(Image credit: Future)
Why you can trust TechRadar

☑️ 100s of cameras reviewed
☑️ 15 years of product testing
☑️ Over 16,000 products reviewed in total
☑️ Nearly 200,000 hours testing tech

We've looked at a number of factors when picking a camera for kids. There’s how it operates, how tough it is (and therefore suitable for the accident prone), how expensive it is, and the type of pictures it’s capable of taking.

Some of the best cameras for kids have been specifically designed with your youngster's users in mind. That means they often feature bright, tactile physical features which allow kids to get hands-on. Models such as the myFirst Camera 3 are ideal for users like this. On the other hand, cameras such as the Olympus TG-6 are both waterproof and tough, making them well-suited for youngsters who want to take a camera with them on all their adventures, and live to tell the tale!

All the cameras that have made it into our list of best cameras for kids have been included because they offer a great experience for younger users. We’ve got a diverse list of options here, including a DIY camera that kids can build themselves to more advanced options for aspiring vloggers and travel photographers. We’ve generally kept away from ‘toy’ cameras which tend to be more of a gimmick than anything else. 

Timothy Coleman
Cameras editor

Tim is the Cameras editor at TechRadar. He has enjoyed more than 15 years in the photo video industry with most of those in the world of tech journalism. During his time as Deputy Technical Editor with Amateur Photographer, as a freelancer and consequently editor at Tech Radar, Tim has developed a deeply technical knowledge and practical experience with cameras, educating others through news, reviews and features. He’s also worked in video production for Studio 44 with clients including Canon, and volunteers his spare time to consult a non-profit, diverse stories team based in Nairobi. Tim is curious, a keen creative, avid footballer and runner, and moderate flat white drinker who has lived in Kenya and believes we have much to enjoy and learn from each other. 

With contributions from